Learn the strategies to name your online store and to kickstart your branding. 

Know how to choose the perfect name for your online store or website. A strong name can set the tone for success and leave a lasting impression.
STARTING A BUSINESS

How to name your online store? (Kickstart your branding)

5 min. read
25th March, 2024
Choosing a name for your online store or website is crucial. Your business name is not just a brand; it’s the identity of your small-scale business and the first impression you make on customers. For any small business, branding is important. A good name always helps in the process of brand-building. This is what makes you unique, and also how your online identity takes shape. About 46% of consumers say that they are willing to pay more for a brand name they trust, so clearly resonating with potential customers can bring in huge benefits.

But how does one go about selecting a brand name? Here, we take you step-by-step through the process, providing advice and pointers to ensure that your online store or website has a great name.
Why is Your Business Name So Important?
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A name is more than just a tag for a small business brand. This is the very foundation of your identity as a brand, and the start of your branding journey. The small business' name can make or break the success of an online store and often determines how customers view your company.

Another major advantage of a good small business name, therefore, is the ease with which it can be remembered. A good and distinctive name can readily lodge in the mind of those who might become your customers, giving them an easy target to remember upon recollection. This can help to build name recognition and word-of-mouth marketing, two of the most important factors in small business marketing.

A recent study showed that 77% of consumers decide whether or not to buy a product based on its brand name and only worry about the product name afterwards.

In addition, your small business brand can provide valuable information relating to the nature of your products or services. You can immediately give customers an idea of the kind of products you sell by selecting a name that describes what you do. This is useful to grab the attention of your future audience and distinguish yourself from your competitors.
Small business branding is also a place to lay down your roots, providing you with the basis for an integrated brand identity on multiple channels. It's a way to get customers to trust and identify with your brand name.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Name
While selecting a name for your store, you should pay attention to the following points.
Clarity:
Do your small business name and products match? The branding of your store has to immediately tell people what you do. The name must fit in with your small business brand image while letting people know the products or services you offer. Help customers remember who you are so that they can go back at a later time.
Memorability:
Is it an easily pronounced, memorable name? The name of a store must be easy to recall so that people will naturally recommend it. Don't select small business brand names that are overly complicated or that people will have trouble remembering or pronouncing.
Uniqueness:
Is the name different from those of your rivals and easy to distinguish? You must pick a name that differentiates your store from others in the market. Do your homework before choosing product branding or product marketing to make sure there is no other company in your field using the same name.
Availability:
Everyone searches online before they actually buy a product or service. Search for domain name and trademark availability. After choosing a small business name for your store, ensure that you purchase the corresponding domain. Also, you want to make sure the trademark is not being used already.
Emotional connection:
Does it sound good and have a happy association with your target audience? The name of your small business brand must evoke an emotional response in the target group. It must generate goodwill and resonate with your customers' expectations and desires. These two indications show that customers with high emotional attachment to brands are considered 52% more valuable than those merely satisfied.
How to Connect Your Domain Name and Your Brand
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One essential concept when setting up an online store is to identify a domain name that coordinates with your identity. The domain name not only serves as the address of your website but is also a representation of your branding identity. It is essential for visitors to identify your website quickly, earning trust, and even improving your online visibility. If you're wondering how to connect your website to your domain, check out our guide here.

Here are some small business tips to consider in this regard.
  • Keep it short and relevant: In reality, a simple and explicitly brand-related domain name is much more likely to be remembered well by your audience. Don't use overly complex domain names that might confuse or turn off possible visitors.
  • Use keywords strategically: Another suggestion is to include the most important keywords in your domain name and thus help with search engine optimization. It essentially means that when consumers search for products or services associated with your brand, it will more likely come up in their searches. That means more visibility and natural traffic to your site.
  • Avoid hyphens and numbers: Hyphens and numbers also make your domain name more complicated to remember and type. The domain name should be easy to pronounce and simple, without any numbers or special characters. This kind of simplicity will allow people to discover your website more easily.
  • Consider extensions: The domain name extension (e.g., .com or co.) also helps if it works with your brand. A popular extension such as (dot com) can lend the website some semblance of credibility and professionalism. Of course, depending on your business and what you aim to attract, other extensions are also possible.
By matching your domain name to your brand, you give yourself a unified identity online that strengthens product branding and marketing.
Some Interesting Examples
When it comes to selecting a domain name for your online store, numerous notable examples align with the aforementioned points. Let's examine Amazon.com and see what strengths it demonstrates.

This is a good example of an effective domain name. Not only does this directly reflect the brand, but it is also easy to remember. But the word “Amazon” itself is vast, fitting with its broad selection of products. The point behind the name Amazon is the brands commitment to selling products from A to Z.

The name is both descriptive and creative. It conveys a feeling of individuality and quality, which certainly fits in with the site's emphasis on handmade and retro. It sounds attractive and is simple to pronounce, which helps customers remember it.

We can see how the above points for naming online stores are applied successfully. It's short, informative, easy to remember, and simple to pronounce. Further, it has a popular dot com extension to give the impression of increased credibility and professionalism.
Summary
Your online store or website name is an important part of your product marketing and product branding strategy, and choosing the correct one is key to success. This influences how customers view your small business brand, and it provides a unified brand identity. Remember that your domain name is bound up with your brand image, so keep it as short and relevant as possible for the greatest chance of success.

Adding keywords is another way to get better SEO results. Search for inspiration in everyday events and express everything you say in easy-to-understand, simple words. Think about the kind of impression you want to create and how others will react to the name. A powerful small business name gets you the right feelings and connects with your market.

This can certainly leave a powerful impression and makes success the order of things. Now, get to work and start brainstorming! Pick a name that reflects your small business brand and products, differentiates itself from other companies, yet is appealing to your customers.
Begin with a good name, and you're halfway there.
FAQs
How long should the name be?
When choosing a business name, it's important to consider its length. A good rule of thumb is to keep it short and memorable. Aim for a name that is between 2 and 4 syllables, as this makes it easier for customers to remember and search for online.
What if my ideal name is already taken?
When choosing a business name, it's common to find that your ideal name is already taken. Don't worry! Get creative and think of variations or synonyms. Keep it simple, easy to remember, and aligned with your brand. Remember, there's always a way to kickstart your branding!
How do I make my branding name catchy?
Consider using puns, alliteration, or unique combinations of words. Make sure it aligns with your brand identity and is easy to remember. Test it with friends and family to ensure it resonates with your target audience.
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