Tips for selecting a name for your startup

Tip 1 - Focus on how the name sounds

Whenever you are picking a name make sure it sounds good. People will be talking about you and you want your name to be catchy and memorable. Word of mouth also spreads faster when a name rhymes or is easy to pronounce. Some other useful tips can be found here:

Tip 2 - Your name should explain exactly what your Business does Or 100% the opposite

Your name should explain exactly what your business does Or the name should have nothing to do with what the business is all about.  I have seen way too many people pick a name, which explains partially what the business is about. Exact name allows you to build on people easily understanding it but if the name means nothing, it will be easier for you to build a brand. Names that don't explain your business are also good if you ever need to change focus. Since it means nothing, you can still use the same domain name and carry on.

Tip 3 - Graham Lawlor: Easy-to-guess spelling.

Graham Lawlor advises that the name you select for your startup should have easy-to-guess spelling, because a lot of people will be hearing the name but not reading it. You want those people to land on your page by searching with the correct spelling.

Tip 4 - Use online resources to search for different words and ideas

Once you have a name in mind, use the services listed on the post i am linking you to. These services will let you find words similar to each other or rhyming words etc that can give you more ideas.

Tip 5 - Your name should hint at or define your startup

You should not pick a completely abstract name. Go with something that can be related back to your startup or gives people a hint of what your business is about. This makes the name more memorable and people think of your business when they hear or read it.

Tip 6 - Consider whether the name you choose can be made into a logo or not

The name you choose will also need to be made into a logo so it is important to consider its design for your branding material. Some names might appear good to you but can't be made into appropriate logos, so go with something that is simple and can relate to your startup. Other useful tips can be read in the post linked below.

Tip 7 - Giles Thomas: Consider foreign words with similar meaning.

According to Giles Thomas, once you have decided on a name you can also look up foreign words with the same meaning and pick something that sounds good. This is a good way to make your name standout and appear unique.

Tip 8 - Never pick a name unless .com of that name is available

Never pick a name unless .com of that name is available. I know there are other domain extensions but .com is still the big daddy of them all. 

Whatever business name you select, make sure you have the .com domain name for it.

Tip 9 - Make sure the name you pick does not violate any existing trademarks

When you think of a name just search for it on google to see whether there are any other businesses listed with the same name. If you go ahead anyway you can get sued for trademark violation so be careful.

Tip 10 - Don't pick a long name - the shorter the sweeter

Short names are easy to read and remember. Longer names complicate things and are generally not recommended. If you try to think about it most of the names you will be able to recall will be small, easy to pronounce ones.