Having a business name that sparks recognition and conveys your brand’s tone, mission, and values is essential for success. But when you find out that the perfect name for your business has already been taken, it can be disheartening. Fear not; there are still plenty of options available to you!
In this article, we’ll explore what to do when the business name you want is already taken so that you can come up with creative alternatives and ensure your company stands out from the crowd.
Table of Contents
1. Rebrand An Existing Name
If the exact name you wanted is taken, consider rebranding an existing name instead. This way, you can keep the same spirit behind your original idea while still creating something entirely new.
For example, if you wanted the name “The Online Shoppe” but it’s taken, try rebranding it to something like “ShopOnline24/7” or “E-shop Emporium.” It gives customers a clear idea of what type of business you run while ensuring that your company stands out from the crowd.
However, if you’re struggling with a rebrand and need a few ideas, you can learn more on Name Fatso.
2. Brainstorm Alternatives
If rebranding isn’t an option, then it might be time to brainstorm some alternatives. Start by taking out a piece of paper and writing down any words or phrases that come to mind relating to your business.
Then look for ways to combine these words into unique names. For example, if you wanted to open a cafe specializing in bean-to-cup coffee, consider words like “bean”, “brew”, “cup” and even “coffee.” Then you could start combining these words together until something creative and unique comes up.
3. Incorporate Your Location Or Culture
One of the best ways to ensure that your business name stands out from the crowd is by incorporating elements from your location or culture into it. This could be anything from local landmarks, street names, historical figures or even traditional sayings.
For instance, if you were based in Scotland then perhaps consider naming your business after famous Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Alternatively, you could come up with something witty like “Edinburgh’s Finest Brew” or “Brewed in the Highlands.”
4. Look At Other Companies’ Names
If brainstorming isn’t working, then maybe it’s time to start looking at other companies’ names for inspiration. Take a look at what types of words and phrases they are using in their business names and see if any of them resonate with you.
If nothing else, this can help to jump-start your creative thought process and get the ideas flowing again.
5. Get Creative With Your Spelling
Sometimes all that stands between you and the perfect business name is one letter! If you’re having a hard time finding an original name, try getting creative with your spelling.
For instance, if the name “The Coffee House” is taken then you could take a different approach and opt for something like “Koffee Haus.” This subtle twist can make all the difference and ensure that your business stands out from the competition.
6. Check Domain Availability
Once you have come up with some potential names, it’s important to check domain availability to see if they are still available in case you do decide to go ahead with them.
It also pays to think about how your chosen name would look as a URL so that customers don’t get confused or struggle to remember it when looking for your website.
In Conclusion
Finding the perfect name for your business can be a challenge, especially when you find out that it’s already taken. But with a bit of creativity and forward thinking, you can still come up with alternatives that will ensure your company stands out from the crowd. Utilize these tips to help you brainstorm potential names and get on track towards creating a successful brand!