Have you come up with the perfect idea for a business? No idea is complete without an epic business name! It's ok if you're feeling a little lost with coming up with a name, but it is important to choose a name that accurately reflects your brand, product or service. Business Kitz has put together this handy guide to help you find the perfect name for your business.

Where do I start?

A brainstorming session is the perfect first step. Put all of your other tasks to the side and sit down with a pen, paper and clear mind. Below are some prompts to get you thinking. Don't be too hard on yourself, just write down whatever comes to mind and then we can select our favourite words and phrases after. Most importantly, be creative!

Ask yourself:

• What are some key words that might encapsulate your brand?
• What does my brand offer people?
• What values do you associate with your brand?
• What is your brand's point of difference?
• What is the best quality or value of your brand?

When choosing a name - don't be afraid to stand out! Your name should be memorable. It should serve as a reminder to your consumers and workers as to why you do what you do.

Customers will easily forget a brand name if it is not distinct. A catchy name is all about standing out from the crowd.

What are some good tips to remember while brainstorming?

If you are struggling during the brainstorming process, it can be helpful to look for inspiration. However, be careful to not copy anyone else's brand name - you want to be distinct and unique, remember!

When looking for inspiration, try these ideas:

• Try to find words related to your brand or product (online reviews, other business names, own brainstorming, synonyms) 
• Read books or articles: reading may help you identify words that resonate with you, even if they aren't immediately relevant to your business
• Make it enjoyable by using wordplay to come up with a creative and funny name.

How do I know if the name I've chosen is right?

Once you've decided on a distinctive name, do some research to ensure that the name you want is available on social media for your website URL and SEO. You will see here the importance of being creative - you would hate to have the same name as another business as this could be confusing for your customers and cause a gamete of copyright issues.

If there is another business with your name or a similar one, do not give up! Keep trying, you still have options. Back to the drawing board you go!

Is simple best?

Don't over complicate it. Remember, you want people to be able to remember your name! Aim for approachable and memorable. Having a friendly name will help people to remember your brand. Choosing a name that makes it easy for people to locate you will put you ahead of the game.  It's crucial to select a name that's simple to say, spell, and search. If you choose a difficult name, customers may struggle to find you online! If users can't find you, they'll go somewhere else...

Will it work?

It's important to make sure your name feels right for your brand. Ask people that are both familiar and unfamiliar with your brand if the name makes sense and feels like a right fit. Test your name with friends and family! Also, we recommend that you try creating a logo to accompany the name to see if the name works visually.

What are the key elements of a good name?

We've noticed that the top business names share some key characteristics. Most of them evoke emotions, and they feature highly visual terms. Another frequent feature is how it sounds; the best business names have a rhythm or sense of flow when said aloud.

Finally, a good name speaks to the audience and resonates with its market, as well as one that is memorable for customers and competitors.

When should I trademark my name?

Once you have decided on a name, apply for a trademark as soon as possible. The Australian Government IP portal outlines a number of ways that you can apply for a trademark. Trademarks protect a company’s personalised brand. A trademark can cover anything that ‘signs’ your distinct brands, such as your brand name, font, shape, colour, scent, packaging or sounds. 

Legal advice

If you are still unsure to register a trademark or you have found yourself in a trademark dispute, our sister company Legal Kitz can assist you in navigating your options. Our Legal Kitz business specialists can provide you with advice that is tailored to your situation. You can book a free 30-minute consultation with our experienced and highly qualified team via our website now.