E-Commerce 101: How to Choose a Catchy Name for My Online Store

Since Covid-19 started, many people are now working from home and are opting to create an online shop. While this might be the first step, creating a name for your e-commerce business might look like a simple task, but it can be tricky.

Sure, an impressive business name cannot make your business succeed if you have a product full of flaws. But it has an impact on how customers perceive your brand.

And when people think highly and positively of your brand, it will be easier for you to encourage engagement and drive sales.

So before you start your e-commerce website, here are x ideas of how you can create a catchy name for your business:

Make it Obvious

One way you can create a name for your business is to use the obvious one.

Think of The Body Shop, for example. It is a company that sells cosmetics, skincare products, and perfume. These are things you use for your body; hence, the name.

The caveat with this tactic, though, your competitors may have already taken your preferred business name.

Use Your Name

Another common tactic you can use is to name your business after you. Much like what Walter Elias Disney did with his The Walt Disney Company.

This naming tactic ensures that your business name is unique. It also reflects how your venture started. Plus, it gives your business a face, which can come in handy for PR purposes.

The problem with using your name, though, is that not everyone knows you. Moreover, this can cause issues in ownership changes in case you plan to sell your business in the future.

Go Trendy

In case you have not noticed, startups tend to use the trendy name.

Think of Instagram, Kickstagram, Tumblr, Flickr, and more. This is one way to showcase when a business is abreast of the latest trends, especially in technology.

But there are two things you need to consider when going this route:

Subjectivity: Trends can be subjective. What you think is trendy for you may not be with your customers.

Volatility: Trends are volatile in nature. What trendy today may be a thing of the past tomorrow.

And when it comes to choosing a catchy name for your online store, you would want something that would last.

Use Acronyms or Abbreviations

If you or your business’s name is long, sometimes the way to go is to use an acronym or abbreviate it.

Just look at AT&T, for example. It stands for American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Nonetheless, AT&T is easier to remember.

But here’s the thing: Mnemonic may be quick to write, but not everything is efficient to pronounce.

For example, “www” has nine syllables while the “worldwide web” only has three.

Compound It

Aside from being a social platform, what is the common thing you see on Facebook and Pinterest?

When you take a look at these business names, you will notice that it is a combination of words:

• Facebook = Face + Book
• Pinterest = Pin + Interest

Compounding words can give you a laundry list of possible e-commerce business names. This is also why doing this tactic is popular among startups.

Plus, they can be descriptive or provide a context at the very least. Just be ready to get overwhelmed when you come up with many possible names for your online store.

Add Affixes

If you want the fastest way to think of a catchy business name, consider adding a prefix or suffix. That’s because they are simple and easy to use.

Think Spotify and Shopify. They are some of the most recognizable and successful brands that use the -ify suffix.

But if you are doing this tactic, keep in mind that the market may be saturated with many businesses that end in -ify, -ster, -ly, and more.

Pick Something Unrelated

When all else fails, pick something unrelated. But not just any irrelevant word. Pick something that a lot of people know about, and then tie it with your brand.

A great example would be Amazon. We all know that there is the Amazon rainforest. But there is also the Amazon online marketplace.

The only drawback, you might find it challenging to find a .com domain for something familiar like “Rainforest.”

What Makes a Catchy E-commerce Business Name?

The name of your online store will be one of your most significant investments. Hence, you need to get it right.

But what makes an excellent and catchy business name, anyway?

Original. Copying other business’ name is cheap, and it can cost you money over lawsuits.

Focused. It is great to have aspirations, but customers would want a business that specializes in something.

Scalable. While it would be ideal to narrow down your business’s focus, consider a name that can grow with your venture.

Simple. Your business’s name should reflect your personality, but not to the point that your customers may find it cumbersome to pronounce or spell.

Available. Of course, you should ensure that your preferred business name is available. Otherwise, you will need to pick another viable domain name for your e-commerce business.

An excellent business name can do more than convey what your business is all about. Hence, with the help of the tips listed above, we hope you can find a catchy and fitting name for your e-commerce business.