How to Name Your Startup

Every startup wants a name that pops, one that people will remember and associate with something significant.

Most times, however, they have to settle for less. Not all business names suit a startup but that’s not enough to deter proprietors from using them.

A startup name should be selected with the intention to grow and expand. To do just that, proprietors need to bear these 3 things in mind:

1. Single-word. Pinterest, is not a name you’ll find anytime soon in a dictionary but that doesn’t mean people cannot identify with the word. It is just that easy to spread like wild-fire and become international.
2. An elevated profile. Your startup might not take off right after launching, but it’s good to position your business for great things. If you want your startup to become the next big thing, choose a startup name that sounds like one.
3. Brevity. A startup name should not be an avenue for you to display your linguistic prowess. Keep things short and spicy. Short names are memorable and easy to say.

If you suck at creating startup names that are single-words, high profile, and short that can change. With the right guidance, you’ll be a startup name spinner in no time.

Get the Ball Rolling

The aim is to start putting your thoughts down. Do not leave this process to memory. Get a notepad and start brainstorming.

Creating the right startup name is similar to writing. It does take several processes to get things to where you want them. Here’s your brainstorming process:

• Define what your startup is. What idea do you have for a startup? For example: Restaurant.
• Define your services or the mission of your startup. This stage of the naming process should clearly outline your business services and objectives. Ask yourself, “What service/product will this startup offer? What will this business do?” For example: Will you be creating strict vegan food? Will you be doing delivery?
• Define the qualities of the services or products you offer. Highlight attributes of your products that people will find interesting. For example: Your vegan prepared food could be labelled as fresh because you’ll be offering fruits and vegetables to your audience.
• When people see your startup name, what emotion does it invoke? Do you want your audience to think about something funny or something that brings them happiness? For example: Food prepared in your vegan recipe will be bring a happy feeling. They’ll also feel healthy knowing they’ll be eating from a strict plant-based diet.

Now that you have an overview of the type of startup you have in mind, it’s time to get down to actually getting your startup name together.

1.Explore Ideas

The aim of exploring is to discover what’s already out there and try to formulate something of your own. You can get ideas from your dictionary or thesaurus, Google, movies and series, and idioms.

If you’re launching a startup that will be making sandwiches, try to explore synonyms that can be used as an alternative for sandwiches.

2.Start Blending Words

The aim is to put words together in an effort to create something else. Facebook and Pinterest are examples to follow. FaceBook is appropriate because it’s analogous to a journal where people share their ‘faces’.

Pinterest is also a combination of words. ‘Pin’ is fitting because the platform allows you to ‘pin’ or save interesting articles, recipes, videos etc.

3.Modify the Words to Your Liking

It’s easier to modify an existing word and make it your own rather than creating a new one. Depending on the nature of your startup, you can locate words that describe it and then make modifications.  For example: Director could be Directo and Activate could become Activa

Your aim is to play around with words that already exist to create something from them.

After you’ve chosen a name depending on the methods mentioned in the foregoing, you’re now ready to put everything together. Do a thorough check of your chosen name to ensure it’s not already the trademark of someone else.