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“First impressions last” is a saying that can be applied to anything from first dates and pilot episodes to job interviews. For businesses, first impressions are especially crucial because a single moment can determine whether or not a customer decides to give their time and attention to a brand.
According to consumer statistics, over 70% of user experiences start online, and online is one of the best ways to put your brand on the radar.
Are you a business owner? Here’s why your business name matters more than you’d expect.
The Psychology of Names
An individual can form an impression based on a number of initial factors, such as appearance or demeanor. An impression can also be formed just by reading or hearing a brand name.
However, studies on first impressions have shown that most people find it difficult to change their opinion even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
This is because names can carry personal, cultural, and even historical references. A name, in essence, is associated with identity – in your case, your brand’s identity.
The name “SnapChat” is short and catchy, utilizing the word “Snap” to imply quick, instant sharing of photos and videos. The use of “Chat” suggests communication and social interaction, appealing to the desire for fast and engaging connections among users. This is a unique integration of a business that considers the psychology of its customers. SnapChat is the most classic example of a psychological name.
Defining Customer Experience
So, what is considered a ‘great’ customer experience? In our article on tackling good customer service, we note that it is not just about answering queries or resolving complaints but instead creating a memorable experience for those that interact with your brand.
Most of today’s top businesses have a customer-centric approach. This good experience is likely to directly impact satisfaction, loyalty, reputation, and your business’s overall success. Moreover, it can establish a sustainable and healthy customer lifecycle for your brand.
The Link Between Business Name and Customer Experience
In the context of business names, the memorable experience begins with their first interaction with your name. What do customers think of when they hear your name?
Tech giant Amazon, for instance, started out as an extensive online bookstore. The word Amazon is associated with the vast South American river, which evokes a sense of vastness and completeness.
Emotions play a critical role in consumer decision-making. As a brand, it’s best to use your name as a tool to guide their impressions and help them understand the story you want to tell.
Coming up With a Business Name
When you brainstorm with your team, make sure to jot down all the ideas that surface and keep the process free-flowing. You’ll never know what unique business names you can come up with if you put your heads together.
If you’re working on it solo, then a business name generator might help you get the creative juices going. Using tools like a business name generator will also help you determine the availability of the business name you want, and get other name suggestions from your entry.
Tips for Naming Your Business
It’s easy to get overwhelmed during the process of naming a business. After all, your brand name can even dictate the marketing strategies to be used in the future.
For instance, products and campaigns are likely to include a variation of your brand name, or at least a reference to it. McDonald’s is notorious for this kind of branding tactic. It’s best to keep your name short and sweet. That way, it’ll be versatile enough to play with in the future and simple enough for your consumer base to establish memory recall.
Final Word
Businesses have come a long way in the era of online reputation management, complex company functions, and highly personalized client handling.
Of course, there is still much to learn, especially when it comes to finding the right balance between online and in-person customer experiences.
Lastly, we recommend doing extensive research. If you utilize your knowledge of your target market, your brand’s goals, and your passion for business, then you can definitely come up with a name that suits your purpose well.
