How to Name a Product: 3 Proven Strategies for Long-Lasting Brand Recognition
When people think of a brand, the very first thing that comes to mind is its product name. A powerful product name can define the perception of your brand and make a lasting impression. Interestingly, many of today’s top companies started with completely different names:
- Google was originally called Backrub
- Nike began as Blue Ribbon Sports
- Pepsi was known as Brad’s Drink
The turning point for these brands came when they rebranded with names that resonated with their vision and audience. If you’re planning to name your product, here are three key strategies to ensure it stands out.
- Keep It Simple and Unique
- Choose a name that aligns with your brand values and ideas.
- Make sure it stands out without confusing your audience.
- Ensure it is easy to spell and recall, so it sticks in the minds of customers.
- Research and Be Descriptive
- Understand your target audience and what resonates with them.
- Analyze your competitors to avoid similar names.
- Focus on what your product actually does and reflect that in the name.
- Invent new words or twist existing ones.
- Blend words to create catchy and memorable names.
- Make It Stylish and Memorable
- Prefixes and suffixes (e.g., iPhone, Polaroid)
- Creative spellings that are catchy but readable (e.g., Spotify, Snapchat)
A simple, easy-to-pronounce, and unique name leaves a lasting impact. Think of brands like Zoho—short, memorable, and distinctive.
When naming your product:
Effective product naming requires deep research:
Creative approaches often work best:
Products that stand out—like Pinterest or Dropbox—often owe their success to creative, descriptive naming.
A product name should feel stylish, natural, and easy to remember. You can experiment with:
Remember: your product name should sound good to all audiences while staying short, clear, and memorable.
Bonus Tip: Name Your Product with Purpose
A name crafted with creativity and strategy is memorable, but a purpose-driven name builds trust. It goes beyond just a label—it communicates your brand’s vision, mission, and values.
@SNC’s Digital Strategy Team, we help brands choose the perfect product name by applying proven branding principles. Connect with us to craft a name that stands in your customers’ minds for the long term.