When starting a business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right name and creating a brand identity that represents your business. It often feels like a difficult decision with countless possibilities, so if you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the key steps to help you confidently pick the perfect brand name. Our goal is to provide you with clear direction and ease the decision-making process.
If you were to book a brand identity consultation session with us at Clarylife Global, here are the six steps we would guide you through. Let’s dive in!
1. Understand What a Brand Name Is
Creating a brand name goes beyond simply identifying your business. It’s your brand’s first impression and sets the tone for your entire business. A perfect brand name communicates the essence of your company, its values, personality, and promise to customers. For example, Nike means victory and speed, perfectly aligning with its brand identity of performance and athleticism.
Similarly, in Nigeria, Glo is short, and simple, and reflects its goal to make communication services “glow” across the country. Before brainstorming names, reflect on what you want your business to stand for.
2. Identify Your Audience
Understanding who your audience is will greatly impact the kind of name you choose. For example, a name that works for a fintech company like Kuda Bank may not suit a fashion brand like Zara. Your name needs to resonate with your target customers and reflect their aspirations, lifestyle, and needs.
If your target market is tech-savvy millennials, your brand name might need to be more edgy and innovative, like Apple or Tesla. If your audience is corporate or conservative, names like Deloitte or Clarylife Global might serve as more relevant examples.
Ask yourself:
- What emotions should my brand name evoke?
- How will my audience feel when they hear or see it?
3. Keep It Simple and Memorable
The best brand names are easy to pronounce, spell, and remember. A complex or confusing name can be difficult for customers to recall or communicate, which might mean losing out on potential business. Global giants like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Apple all chose simple yet powerful names.
In Nigeria, brands like Jumia and Glo have short, memorable names that are easy for people to say and remember, no matter their linguistic background. A perfect brand name should have that same broad appeal.
Remember, simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity. Think about the power of a name like Uber, it’s simple but it conveys superiority and efficiency.
4. Check for Availability and Uniqueness
This step is crucial. Imagine coming up with the perfect name, only to find out it’s already taken by another business, or the domain name isn’t available. A unique brand name ensures that you stand out in a crowded market and that customers can find you online without confusion.
For instance, before registering a brand name ensure to check its availability across platforms, ensure the trademark isn’t already registered, secure a matching domain, and claim relevant social media handles.
Tools like Namecheck.com or Godaddy can help you see if your desired domain name and social handles are available. Or if you’re in Nigeria, you can check the availability of your brand name by visiting the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Once you’ve checked, be sure to register your trademark to protect your brand legally to avoid any potential conflicts or confusion with existing businesses.
5. Ensure the Name Is Timeless
Your brand name should have lasting power. It’s tempting to go with trendy names, but trends fade, and you don’t want your business name to feel outdated in a few years. Think about brands like Nike or Coca-Cola. These names have endured through decades, while still feeling fresh.
In contrast, some businesses fail because they tie their names to a specific trend. For instance, a brand name tied to a current cultural event might not make sense five or ten years from now. Brands like MTN have managed to grow because their names can scale with time and changing trends.
So when picking your name, think long-term. Will this name still feel relevant and fresh in 10 or 20 years?
6. Finalize and Make It Official
Now that you’ve come up with a name, it’s time to make it official. Register your business name with relevant authorities, purchase the domain, and secure all the necessary social media handles. This will ensure that no one else can use the name you’ve worked hard to create.
For example, When Clary Life Global decided on a brand name, we quickly registered our business, secured the domain name (clarylifeglobal.com), and began building a consistent online identity. The earlier you do this, the better so competitors can’t take your spot.
After making it official, start incorporating your new name into your logo design, business cards, website, and other brand assets.
Conclusion:
Choosing a brand name might seem overwhelming initially, but following these steps will give you the clarity and direction you need to pick a name that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand’s vision. Whether you’re inspired by global brands like Amazon or homegrown successes like Interswitch, your brand name has the power to define your business.
At Clarylife Global, we guide businesses through branding, ensuring your identity is aligned with your long-term goals. Ready to create a lasting brand? Let’s get started!