Hi Andrew,

Thanks so much for this lovely website and opportunity for us to get your professional advice.

Just like many other of your readers, I’m relatively new to online business and at the moment only going through initial phase of creating a name for my new business. And this is where I need your helpful advice…

It’s really, really difficult to come up with a good name as most good names are not available with .com domains. Do you have any tips on how to “switch” our minds to brainstorming mode to come up with really good, unique names?

I know this is rather creative than technical work but maybe there’s something you do when looking for new ideas.

Thanks so Much!
Katherine, UK

Dear Katherine,

Thanks for your question.

I totally agree – coming up with a name for your newly created product or company can be a very tricky job! Well, I’m sort of good with this stuff as I’m a very creative person but for many people this can turn into a long term nightmare! So here are my 3 Top Tips on how to come up with spectacular brand names:

1. Think again whatever you need that .com domain. Yes, it’s good to have one BUT if you only plan to do business in UK/Europe, you won’t even use it! Just check if there’s no competitor working under .com domain and if not, don’t take it as a big problem. (most .com domains are bought by domain companies/agents/brokers and there’s actually no real business under them)

2. Live your Niche! To come up with a really good name, you need to be 100% INTO your business! Read niche related magazines, watch TV channels, participate in forums etc. etc. etc. The more time you spend in that environment, the more likely you’ll come up with a good brand name! Same forums – take notes of common expressions/terms/words people use – maybe you can find your brand name there?

3. Keep it Short & Simple! Nothing is longer than a too long domain name, agree? You know, the ones that are hard to read just because they’re so freaking long? Don’t do it! Keep it 2-3 words max! The shorter, the better. In niche markets, usually a 2 word phrases works best. Also, don’t use “and”, “or”, “if” etc. words as well as numbers – combinations like these are very hard to remember.

Good Luck Katherine!

Thanks,
Andrew

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