There are a few things that you need to do before you choose your startup name. Thinking about a name for your startup? Don’t have time right now? I have good news, you’re not alone!
It’s no longer news that the Middle East is becoming a popular investment location for regional and worldwide investors. Based on Wamda, investment growth has continued in the Middle East and North Africa region, with 44 startups raising more than $175 million in April, up from $5 million in March 2021.
To start a business globally, you need to find the right name because it will significantly impact your startup’s success. A wrong business name can do worse than failing to connect with customers; it can also result in business and legal hurdles. A clear, mighty name can benefit your marketing and branding efforts.
These are the seven things to do before choosing a winning business name for your startup:
1. Keep the name simple.
I am very sure you don’t want your potential customers to get confused about how to find your startup or business online. You want to avoid continually correcting the misspelt version of your brand name. Then it would be best if you considered keeping it simple so that even a layperson could relate.
2. Make the name catchy.
I know you don’t want a boring name for your business, but you also don’t want to choose something that is not unique.” You want your employees or partners to be able to say where they work without thinking twice. You want your name to resound with your target audience.
Also Read: Middle East’s Top Renewable Energy Startups
3. Don’t pick a name that will limit your startup growth.
You don’t want to pick a name that will limit your startup’s growth in the future because choosing too narrow of a word may cause you problems down the road. What if Jeff Bezos had picked the name “Online Book Store” instead of “Amazon.” So avoid phrases like “Beautiful Dresses of UAE” or “Store of Qatar”. You don’t want to limit your business to a particular product or city because expansion may be needed.
4. Do a proper internet search.
Once you have decided on a name, you must do a web search to see if another brand has not used it. You will find that someone else is already using that business name more likely to be the case. If that happens, you should give it a pause. Then consider another startup name.
5. Get the best domain name.
Your domain name must be unique, reflecting your brand name. Avoid using numbers or dashes, funny spellings or misspelling of words that can endanger your website and affect your brand. Research has shown that customers easily associate a ‘.com’ name with a more established business.
6. Your name should convey meaning.
Ideally, your startup or business name conveys something meaningful and positive related to what you do. Ask yourself if people can get what your business is about instantly. Examples of clear and straightforward domain names include Cannon.com, fling.com, allen.ai, and market.io.
7. Conduct trademark search and register with the business authority.
You need to conduct a trademark search to get an idea of whether you can get a trademark or service mark for the startup brand name. Also, check out the requirements for legally registering your startup or business within your region.
Conclusion
Once you follow the steps to find the right name, your startup is ready to fly into the business world to make a significant impact that will keep you in the spotlight for the next 5 to 10 years.
