What’s In A Brand Name? Should You Focus on SEO or A Unique Name?
In the digital age, a brand name is more than just a label – it’s a pivotal element that can define your business identity and influence your audience’s perception. At Kodo Design, we understand that choosing a brand name is a crucial step for any entrepreneur or business owner. But the pressing question remains: should you prioritise SEO or opt for a unique name that stands out?
The SEO Advantage
Incorporating SEO strategies into your brand name can significantly enhance your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines. Using keywords that are relevant to your industry or services can drive organic traffic to your site. For instance, if you’re running a furniture business, including terms like “furniture” or “home design” in your brand name can immediately communicate your niche to potential customers.
Moreover, a name that is optimised for search engines can improve your click-through rates (CTR) as users are more likely to click on a result that clearly aligns with their search intent. In a competitive market, this could give you a significant edge. But does this mean a boring or generic sounding name for your business?
The Unique Name Approach
On the flip side, choosing a unique name can create a strong brand identity that distinguishes your business from competitors. A distinctive name can evoke curiosity and make your brand memorable. Uniqueness can also foster brand loyalty as customers tend to engage with brands that have a strong personality and narrative instead of a generic or bland sounding brand.
Well-known examples include Apple and Google. These names do not inherently describe the products or services offered, yet they have become synonymous with innovation and technology due to strong branding efforts. They’re also one-word names, allowing for people to more easily remember their name. IKEA is another great example of this approach, a unique one-word name that yet again doesn’t directly describe their products or business. Rather, it’s a nod to the founder’s name and origin location (Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd). Our own name, Kodo, doesn’t describe the graphic design and website design services we offer either.
However, the challenge with a unique name is ensuring it resonates with your target audience while still being searchable. It requires a strategic balance – your name should be intriguing yet intuitive enough for potential clients to find you online without too much effort.
Balancing SEO and Creativity
The ideal approach is to balance SEO with creativity. Start by brainstorming names that reflect your brand’s values and mission. Then, conduct keyword research to identify terms that can seamlessly fit into your brand name without compromising its uniqueness. Your business name isn’t the be-all end-all for SEO. Your website offers a host of opportunities to work with SEO to drive leads and conversions without having an SEO focused brand name at the start. For example, using H tags and copywriting effectively, using alt wording on imagery and using a blog to drive traffic. All of these paired with a strong brand identity can create a unique brand fit for business success.
Additionally, consider the long-term implications. A name that is too focused on current SEO trends might become obsolete as search behaviours change. Therefore, aim for a name that offers longevity and adaptability.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you lean towards SEO or a unique name, the key is ensuring your brand name aligns with your business goals and audience expectations. At Kodo Design, we believe that a well-chosen name can set the foundation for a successful brand, nurturing growth and establishing a lasting presence in the market.
Remember, your brand name is often the first impression customers have of your business. Make it count by blending strategic SEO with the power of a unique narrative.
Struggling to find a name for your business? Take a look at our brand identity services where we can help you discover a unique brand namer for your business and get your idea off the ground with a striking brand identity.
Kodo Design 