How to find the perfect name for your online store in 2023

They say a name isn't everything, but when it comes to your online store, choosing the right name can mean the difference between meteoric success and digital oblivion.

Seriously, who would want to buy products from a store whose name evokes the sadness of a gray, rainy Monday morning?

Come on, let's help you choose a name that shines brighter than the summer sun.

1. Think about your brand

Before you embark on the quest for the perfect name for your online store, take a moment to think about your brand as a whole. This involves clearly defining what you sell, who you sell it to, and how you want to be perceived by your customers. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What products or services do you sell? You need to understand what you're offering your customers. You may sell physical products, services, digital products and so on. This may help you determine the types of names that would be appropriate for your store.
  For example, if you sell handmade furniture, a name that evokes craftsmanship might be appropriate. If you use our print on demand service exclusively, keep in mind the different products we offer.
• Who is your target audience? Knowing your target audience is crucial when it comes to choosing a name for your online store. For example, if you're targeting young adults with a passion for technology, you might want a modern, geeky name.
  On the other hand, if your target audience is older and appreciates luxury, an elegant, sophisticated name might be more appropriate.
• What are your corporate values? Your corporate values are an essential part of your brand. For example, if eco-responsibility is a key value for your company (we hope), you might consider a name that evokes nature or sustainability.
• What image do you want to convey? Think about how you want people to perceive your online store. Do you want to be perceived as serious and professional, creative or innovative, or perhaps a combination of these? Your store name should help convey this image.

Take the time to write down your answers to these questions and think about what they mean for your brand. This will help you identify the types of names that would be appropriate for your online store, and provide you with a clear direction when you begin the brainstorming process.

Remember, choosing a name for your online store is a long-term investment. It must not only attract the attention of your potential customers, but also remain relevant and meaningful as your business grows and evolves.

As a reminder, a great article is available here: Choosing the right brand name.

2. Be original, but clear

Once you have a clear idea of what your brand stands for, it's time to start thinking about names. And here, the challenge is to find the right balance between originality and clarity. Here's why both are important:

Originality: The world of e-commerce is vast and competitive. It's essential that your online store stands out from the crowd. That's why originality is so important. A unique name can attract attention, arouse curiosity and help your store stand out from the competition. Don't hesitate to play with words, invent new terms or use unexpected associations.
On the other hand, avoid super-complicated names or those based on wordplay, as you risk losing part of your audience over time.

Clarity: However, it's essential that your name clearly communicates what your online store sells. If potential customers can't guess what kind of products or services you offer, they may miss out.
Don't forget that your name is often the first thing a customer sees of your store. It should give an idea of what they can expect from you.

So how do you strike the right balance between originality and clarity?

Here are a few tips:

Brainstorm: Take a sheet of paper and write down all the ideas that come to mind. Don't limit yourself, the aim is to have a maxmium of ideas from which you can then choose.

Manipulate words: Use synonyms, foreign words, metaphors, rhymes, alliterations...
Anything to make your name more interesting and memorable.

Test your ideas: Talk to your friends, family and colleagues. Ask them what they think of your name, what it evokes in them, whether they find it easy to pronounce and remember.

Keep it simple: A name that's too complicated or difficult to pronounce is likely to put off customers. Even if you want to be original, it's important to keep your name accessible.

Ultimately, the ideal name for your online store is one that reflects your brand, appeals to your target audience and stands out from the competition, while remaining clear and easy to understand.

It's not an easy task, but with a little creativity and thought, you can find the perfect name for your store.

3. Think SEO

In 2023, online visibility is more crucial than ever, and that's where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in. A good online store name isn't just attractive and relevant, it also needs to be optimized for SEO. Here's how you can integrate SEO thinking into your naming process:

Use relevant keywords: If possible, try to incorporate relevant keywords into your online store name.
For example, if you sell handmade clothing, using the word "handmade", "artisanal" or "clothing" in your store name can help improve your ranking in search results. However, be careful not to cram in too many keywords to the detriment of the clarity or originality of your name.

Be specific: A specific name can help you target customers who are looking for precisely what you offer. For example, if you sell vintage wedding dresses, a name like "Vintage Bride" could help you attract customers who are specifically looking for this type of product.

Consider the competition: Doing a little research on your competitors can give you an idea of the keywords they use in their names, and help you determine which keywords might be effective for your own store. However, avoid copying your competitors' names directly. The aim is to get ideas and see what works in your sector, not to plagiarize.

Test your name: Once you've chosen a name, test it by doing a few searches on Google or another search engine. See what kind of results come up when you search for your store name. This can give you an idea of how your store might rank in the search results.

By keeping these SEO considerations in mind, you can choose a name that will not only help you attract customers, but also improve your online visibility. That said, SEO isn't the only consideration when choosing a name. Don't forget that your store name should also be memorable, meaningful and reflect the essence of your brand.

4. Check name availability

It's crucial to check the availability of your chosen name before committing to it. Here are three essential steps to follow:

• Check domain name availability: A domain name is the URL that customers will use to access your online store. Ideally, your domain name should be identical or very similar to your store name to avoid confusion. There are many domain name search tools available online that can help you check the availability of your desired domain name.
• Check availability on social networks: Even if you don't intend to launch a social media campaign right away, it's a good idea to check the availability of your store name on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) and Pinterest. This way, you can ensure that you'll be able to use the same (or a very similar) name across all your platforms for optimal brand consistency.
• Check trademarks: This is an essential step to avoid legal problems in the future. You can perform a trademark search in the database of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) in France, for example. If the name you have chosen is already a registered trademark in your sector, it would be preferable to choose another name.

Checking availability may seem like a tedious process, but it's essential to avoid future problems. It's better to find out now that your name is unavailable or protected by trademark rights, rather than face legal problems or customer confusion later.

So, once you've chosen a name that matches your brand, is clear and original, and is optimized for SEO, make sure you spend some time checking its availability. This is the last crucial step in defining the perfect name for your online store.

5. Ask around for advice

After reviewing the previous steps, you probably have one or two ideas for names for your online store. Before making a final choice, however, it's beneficial to get some feedback. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

• Target your audience: Ask a representative sample of your target audience what they think of the name you're considering. After all, they're the ones who will interact most with your brand. You can conduct a survey, organize a focus group or simply ask a few people who fit your target audience. Ask questions about what the name evokes for them, whether they find it appealing, and whether they think it's a good fit for your product or service.
• Consult the experts: If you know experts in marketing, branding or e-commerce, their point of view can be invaluable. They could offer you a different perspective, or shed light on aspects you may not have considered.
• Don't forget the people around you: your colleagues, friends and family can also offer a valuable perspective. As people involved in your business, they have a good understanding of your brand and can give constructive feedback.
• Be open to criticism: When asking for feedback, be prepared for criticism. Not all feedback will be positive, and that's a good thing. Constructive feedback can help you refine your name or identify potential problems you might not have anticipated.

Keep in mind that, while feedback is valuable, the final decision is yours. It's your brand, and you should be happy and confident with the name you choose.

To sum up

Choosing the ideal name for your online store is a crucial decision that deserves serious and thorough consideration. The name you select goes far beyond a simple label; it is the representation of your brand in the minds of consumers and the first point of contact for your potential customers. It has the power to evoke an image, create an emotional Login and set expectations.

From understanding your brand to analyzing the preferences of your target audience, from balancing originality and clarity to integrating SEO thinking, every step of the process is important. You need to consider both the commercial and creative aspects of your business, ensuring that your name is unique but also easily identifiable in an ever-changing digital world.

And even once you've found that seemingly perfect name, the work isn't over. You need to check its availability on various platforms, whether in terms of domain names, social networks or trademarks. This is a necessary step to avoid legal problems in the future, and to ensure that your brand is consistent across all platforms.

Finally, seeking feedback can be a valuable step in avoiding unexpected pitfalls. Feedback from your target audience, your team and industry experts can provide vital information and help you fine-tune your name before its official launch.

In short, the name of your online store is the essence of your brand identity. It requires careful thought and attention. But with these steps and tips in mind, you're well equipped to create a name that will not only be attractive and memorable to your target audience, but will also carry the potential of your business and grow with it over the long term.

So take the time, enjoy the creative process and watch your brand come to life.