We can’t help but wonder how some businesses found it easy choosing their business names. For us, there were lots of creative processes and brainstorming that went into it. Sometime ago, we had a session with some design businesses that use our products. During the session, we inquired how they coined their business names, and we got answers.

For designers who are trying to kickstart their design company and want to lay a solid foundation, we have written this article on how you can name your design company business based on the answers we got from established design companies and our experiences when we were trying to name ours.

What Branding Means for a Design Company

As a designer, we do not need to remind you that a business name is part of its branding. As the design is an integral part of a company’s branding, it is essential that a design company’s name must be its first branding output.

Imagine helping another company with its branding process while yours is subpar. It is enough to make a client doubt your competence. Not to worry, that is completely avoidable as long as you adhere to the practical suggestions we’re offering.

Brainstorm

Yes, your first action should be brainstorming. It will help if you put considerable thought into coining different names for your prospective business. You can brainstorm individually or as a group.

The first thing you need to think of is the word appropriate for your type of design. Due to the different types of design (product, branding, website, publishing, animation, print, etc.), you cannot afford to use generic words.

Next, ask yourself what you want clients to think of when they see your name. Is it fidelity? Quality? Speed? Beauty? Whatever it is, your design company business name needs to reflect it.

Shortlist Great but Easy Names

Of course, shortlist. You cannot afford to pick one name and close shop after, especially when you have not confirmed its availability and uniqueness. Therefore, it is best if you come up with a shortlist (up to five) of possible names for your company profile design.

However, the shortlist must contain catchy names that will also be easy to remember. It is very important for clients to remember your design company’s business name as it will spark a connection that way. 

If you are not satisfied with your shortlist, remove the ones you think are subpar and go back to the drawing board. Rinse and repeat until you are satisfied.

Check Their Availability

 When you are satisfied with your shortlist, it is time to check if the names are available or taken. Depending on your location, there are government agencies that register business names. These agencies have websites where you can check for the availability of the design company business names you shortlisted.

Asides the website, you can check social media for the availability too because not all businesses are registered legally. While at it, you can check for the availability of your preferred domain name. the URL can be another deciding factor for making your final choice.

Use this Checklist

It’s fine if you’re still struggling to make a final decision. You can use the checklist below to make a more informed decision.

• People’s perception of the name. You can ask your friends or loved ones what they think about the names you shortlisted. Their responses can help you make the right choice.
• What emotion does the name suggest?
• Does it represent your business values?
• How easy is the name to pronounce?
• How easy is it to spell the name?
• Is the name available or registered?
• Is the desired URL available?
• Is it easy to remember?
• What do you think of the name?

Once you answer these questions, it becomes easier to make your choice.

Decide

After everything has been said and done, it is time for you to make your decision. At this point, we are sure that some or most of names of the shortlist have been ruled out. If you have just one name left, perfect!

If you don’t, you still have to choose. If the remaining names on the shortlist fit every criterion, you can ask other people for help with deciding. Not to worry, you have done the hard part. Whatever choice you make is great.