Whether you want to believe it or not, your mobile app name is everything. It’s the first thing users see before downloading, and it’s one of the most pivotal marketing decisions you will ever make for your app. A great, catchy name can change the way a user sees your product, and a bad name can do just the same. Have you heard of Stefani Germanotta? Didn’t think so. But I’m sure you’ve heard of Lady Gaga. If you had to choose which name screamed originality and rebellion, I’m sure you’d pick the latter – which is why Stefani goes by Gaga now.
Today we are providing you with some tips on how to choose a mobile app name. You want to ensure it’s a name that your users will trust, a name that will resonate with your audience, and a name that will age gracefully.
Pronounceability
Don’t choose a name that people are going to have trouble pronouncing – it’s as simple as that. Creating your own word is always a great way to stay original, but leaving your users questioning how to pronounce it is never a spot you want to be in.
Avoid clichés
A lot of mobile app owners want to create names that have some relevance to what their mobile app is doing, but this is a dying trend. Avoid cliché action words or verbs to describe what your app does like, ‘clickeat’ or ‘fun-on-the-go’. For example, Uber is distinctive and unique but doesn’t necessarily describe a driving service. There is a reason they didn’t choose ‘tap-and-drive’ or ‘click-to-ride’, because it sounds dated and will hinder the share-ability of your brand. Uber is a name you’ll remember and has even managed to morph itself into a commonly used verb, just like Google did.
Do your homework
Speaking of which, Google is your best friend when it comes to choosing an app name, and a simple search in the app store simple doesn’t cut it these days. While there may not be an app out there with the same name, there are millions of successful social media accounts that you also need to consider. For example, if your app name is the same as a popular blog or Youtuber, you might have a law suit on your hands.
Time is of the essence
Lastly, if you are in the beginning stages of building your mobile app, then you may want to hold off on choosing a name. If a name is chosen but is not yet marketed to the public, then it is fair game for the rest of the internet. When the app is ready, choose a name and then make it stick. Also, if you are going to choose a name early in the game, always do internet and app check-ins to ensure it hasn’t been used. As unique as your name may be, many app makers have fallen victim to a stolen name and you can’t claim property if it only ever existed in your head.
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