We live in the age of entrepreneurship. Everyone wants to own a business, either full-time or as a side hustle. Some people take home tuition in their free time; others prefer a full-fledged business with employees and GST numbers. Some prefer traditional business styles, while others go for unique business ideas that will sweep the world off their feet.

But there are so many unusual business ideas around us, from flying cars to automatic dog-feeding machines. But among so many, only a few catch our attention.

Standing out in the business world is crucial for recognition, advancement, and making a positive impact. It helps differentiate your product or service, attract customers, and build trust. The best way to stand out apart from having a unique product is to have a creative business name.

Why do you need a creative name for your business?

1. It is the first impression that you give to your customers, along with the logo and the product design.

2. It reflects your business and the values you want to send across to your customers.

3. The business name might not necessarily have a direct correlation with the product. Think about it: when I say you think of something related to an apple, what’s the first thing you think of? Newton? Snow white? Or an Apple device? People who have had apples not just as a fruit but also as a device would think of both!

4. However, Apple has nothing to do with fruits, Domino’s has nothing to do with those wooden tiles, Samsung has “over the horizon” but still nothing to do with stars, and similarly, Amazon does nothing with the forest.

5. These names are kept simple and relevant to our everyday lives, so that when we use these terms generally, we subconsciously relate them to these brands.

Case Study: Amazon

In such a crowded market, when everyone was searching for unique names for business, Jeff Bezos was also following the same suit. Not only were online businesses new to the market, but familiarizing customers with the brand, just with the name, was a tough task. 

“The story behind the name ‘Amazon’ is an interesting one that reflects the vision and ambition of the company’s founder, Jeff Bezos. In 1994, Bezos was working on Wall Street but decided to quit his job and start an online bookstore. He knew he wanted a name that would be memorable, unique, and reflective of the vast selection of books he planned to offer.”

–        Mohammed, S. (2024, November 28). Amazon: A Case Study in Effective Brand Naming Strategies. Medium.

There are several reasons why Bezos chose ‘Amazon’ as the brand name that can help you strategize your brand name too:

1. Amazon signifies the vast and powerful river.

2. It will always be at the top alphabetically.

3. Unlike ‘Julia’s Flowers’ or ‘Mish’s Cupcakes,’ the name is not tied to any one product.

4. The name is short and simple, easy to pronounce regardless of your native language, and excites adventures and thrill, both positive emotions.

The conclusion to this case is that the business bloomed successfully, crossed international borders, and reached everyone everywhere.

The case was only an example of how much the brand name impacts the brand and its image. It might not be the only determinant of success, but it does play a huge part in the brand’s perception. It should resonate with your unique small business ideas and the story you are trying to tell.

Having a strong brand name is like having a strong handshake with the investor you are trying to impress.

Let’s summarize why you need a strong business name for your brand:

1. You only have a few seconds to capture a customer’s interest in this. A distinctive, imaginative name instantly causes someone to pause, look, and consider.

2. People are more likely to discuss the name if it is simple to remember. In this situation, creativity trumps genericity.

3. Before they even see your product, it leads them into your world.

4. Emotions influence purchase decisions. It gives what might otherwise seem like just another business a human touch.

5. Creative names all inherently support strong branding, visual identity, and story-driven marketing.

Follow these tips and let your brand shine!