10 Tips and Tricks on How to Brainstorm Business Names

Coming up with a great business name is essential to any new venture. It’s the first thing people will see. And it needs to be catchy, memorable, and representative of what your company does.

If you’re having trouble brainstorming creative business names, don’t worry. We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you get started. So read on and get brainstorming.

1. Brainstorm with a group

When it comes to brainstorming a business name idea, it’s always best to work in a group. With the help of others, you can generate a larger pool of ideas to choose from.

Start this naming process by asking each person to come up with a few ideas on their own. Then share them with the group.

Once all the ideas are collected, narrow down the list by looking for common themes and patterns.

After you’ve whittled the list down to a handful of strong contenders, test them out with customers to see which ones resonate the most.

With a little bit of effort, you’re sure to come up with a business name that’s both memorable and reflective of your brand.

2. Visit online business name generators for inspiration

One way to brainstorm a possible company name for your business is to use an online business name generator.

These sites offer a range of options, based on the type of business you are starting and the keywords you enter.

Here are my favorite ones:

• Business Name Generator: Use keywords to find business names. Even check for name availability
• NameLix: Filter results and save your favorite names for future use
• Shopify Business Name Generator: The advantage of using Shopify’s brand name generator is that if you like the name, you can easily convert it to your Shopify store domain.

These are a few of the many online tools available. If you ever feel stuck, visit these websites and you’re bound to get your creative juices flowing.

3. Use a word association exercise

One way to come up with ideas is to do a word association exercise. First, write down a list of words related to your business. Then, brainstorm around those words, thinking of other words or phrases that are like them.

For example, if you are starting a business as a bakery, your list might include words like “flour,” “sugar,” and “oven.” From there, you might come up with names like “The Sugar Shack” or “Rising Flour Bakery.”

With this exercise, you can develop a list of creative and relevant names for your business.

4. Use a mind mapping exercise

Mind mapping is a great way to come up with business names. Visually see the connections between words and ideas, and generate new ideas and thoughts.

To create a mind map, start by writing down the main topic or business name in the center of a piece of paper.

Then, draw lines out from the center, and write down as many words and ideas on the lines. Continue to add lines and words until you have a fully developed mind map.

Once you have your mind map, take a look at it and see if any of the words or phrases could be a business name.

5. Consult a thesaurus

To create memorable, meaningful, and reflective names, consult a thesaurus. This can trigger ideas by giving you a list of a few words related to your business concept.

For example, if you are starting a new line of eco-friendly cleaning products, you might look up similar words like “green,” “clean,” and “nature.” This can give you a list of words like “fresh,” “pure,” and “sustainable” to help get your creative juices flowing.

So next time you’re stuck for a business name, reach for the thesaurus and let it inspire you.

6. Experiment with a mood board

Experimenting with a mood board is a great way to brainstorm business names. A mood board is a visual representation of the feeling or atmosphere you want your business to evoke.

To create a mood board, start by gathering images, colors, and textures that you feel represent your business concept. Once you have compiled a collection of visual elements, arrange them on a board in a way that feels pleasing to you.

As you arrange the elements on the board, pay attention to any words or phrases that come to mind. These could be potential business names. If you get stuck, try looking at the mood board from a different perspective or asking a friend for input.

With a little creativity, you’ll be sure to come up with a name that represents your business.

7. Narrow down your list

Keep a list of potential names and revisit it over time. The right name may come to you when you least expect it. Sometimes it is good to leave it rest for a while and come back to your list.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s important to consider how the name will be received by customers.

• Does it convey the right message?
• Is it easy to pronounce and remember?
• Does it fit with your brand identity?

These are all important factors to consider before making your final choice.

8. Check availability and trademarks

Make sure your chosen name is available as a domain and that it isn’t already trademarked. Fortunately, there are a few tools that can help with this process.

GoDaddy is a popular choice for checking domain availability.

If you’re operating in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., you can also do a trademark search to see if your chosen name is already in use.

For U.S businesses the first step is to file a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The application must include a detailed description of the mark, as well as evidence that the applicant is using the mark in commerce.

After filing, the application gets reviewed by an examiner. They will determine whether it meets the requirements for registration. If the application is approved, the next step is to publish the mark in the Official Gazette.

After publication, any other businesses that might want to use a similar mark have 30 days to file an objection. If there are no objections, the mark will be registered and the business will have exclusive rights to use it.

9. Pick a name and run with It!

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of business name ideas, pick a name and run with it!

The best names are ones that are short and sweet, and memorable.

Avoid names that are too clever or difficult to spell. This will only make it harder for people to find your business when they’re searching online.

The most important thing is to choose a name that you’re happy with and that reflects the personality of your business. And remember, there is no perfect business name so don’t hold yourself to impossible standards. It’ll make it more difficult to find company names.

With a great name in hand, you’re well on your way to building a successful brand.

10. Bonus tip: What makes a good business name?

So what exactly makes an original business name? There are a few key elements to it. For a good business name:

Make your business name future proof

One way to do this is to choose a name that is not specific to any one location or demographic. That way, if you expand into new markets or your target audience changes, your name will still be relevant.

Another tip is to avoid trends. It’s tempting to choose a name that is currently popular, but this can become dated and make your business seem out of touch. Opting for a timeless name will help you to avoid this problem.

Think about your target market

Your business name should reflect the products or services you offer. It should appeal to your target market.

For example, if you are starting a child-friendly bakery, you might want to use a playful name that will appeal to families with young children.

But, if you are targeting a more sophisticated clientele. Then choose a name that conveys sophistication and refinement.

The goal is to choose a name that will help you to stand out from the competition and attract customers.

Have it evoke a feeling

A great business name should evoke a feeling in the customer. It should be something that they can remember, and it should be something that is positive.

If you want your business to be seen as friendly and approachable, choose a name that sounds warm and inviting.

If you are aiming for a more luxurious or high-end feel, then a name with an air of sophistication could be a better fit.

Make the name memorable and easy to pronounce

A good business name should be memorable and easy to pronounce. To this end:

1. Keep the name simple: A complex name can be difficult for customers to remember and pronounce.

2. Make it unique: A unique name will help your business stand out from the competition. Avoid using common terms or names that are similar to other businesses in your industry.

3. Use keyword research: Use keyword research to find out what terms customers are searching for when they are looking for businesses like yours. Choose a name that includes these keywords to help customers find your business more easily online.

How to brainstorm a business name?

Planning your business starts with a good name. And coming up with a name for your business can be one of the most challenging and fun parts of the process.

With the few tips on offer in this article, you’ll find it easy to get started with names that reflect your unique brand and personality. And once you have a name, make sure to check it’s available, then get it trademarked. Good luck!