Can My App Be a Different Name to My Business?
Introduction
One thing we sometimes get asked at Glance, is whether your app name and business name have to match, or whether they can be different. As a business owner, you know that names carry weight; they're not just words; they embody your brand's identity, personality, and promise to your customers. However, when it comes to naming an app, things can get a bit more nuanced.
"Is it confusing to have a different name for my app?" you might wonder. Or perhaps, "Will a unique app name help me stand out better?" These are valid questions, and you're not alone in asking them. At Glance, we've seen firsthand the impact of both approaches and have helped numerous businesses navigate through these murky waters.
So, what will you walk away with by the end of this guide? Well, you'll gain insights into:
- The significance of brand identity and how it applies to both your business and your app
- Legal considerations to keep you out of hot water
- Marketing strategies that can make your app's name sparkle
- How to balance customer trust with creativity
- SEO tips to make your app easily discoverable
- Ways to future-proof your app’s name
Ready to dive into the world of app naming? Let's get started!
The Face of Your Business vs. Your App
Understanding who will use your app is the bedr
When you think of your business, a lot of elements come together. This is the way people recognise and remember you, it’s your logo, your colours, your tone of voice, and even the way you make your customers feel. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? But that's because it matters!
Now, when it comes to your app, it’s a bit like having a child. It will carry some of your traits, but it will also have its own personality. Your app might need a name that stands out, is easy to remember, and appeals to its specific users. This can sometimes be different from your business name. And that’s perfectly okay!
Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business.Steve Forbes
Imagine if Twitter had called their app "The Blue Bird Social Network." Sure, it describes the business, but is it as catchy as "Twitter"? Not quite. Sometimes, a different name can make all the difference. But, how do you know if this is right for you? That’s where understanding your brand identity plays a crucial role.
So, while your business name tells the broader story, your app’s name might need to capture the essence of just an aspect of it. After all, your app has a unique job – to be downloaded and used, possibly every day. It's got to be memorable but also reflective of the experience you want to offer to your users.
Think of your brand identity as the umbrella that covers all aspects of your business, including your app. You've got to ensure there's some familiarity to keep existing customers feeling cosy, while also throwing in a sprinkle of novelty to attract new users.
ock of your app's success. But let’s face it, identifying your target audience isn't just a step in the process—it's an adventure (minus the treasure map and pirates)! It's about getting into the minds of your potential users and figuring out what they really want. This involves looking at various aspects such as demographics, behaviours, interests, and even pain points. Let's break it down, shall we?
Demographics: These are the basic stats like age, gender, location, and occupation. Are you targeting teenagers who can't live without their phones or busy professionals who need quick solutions? Knowing this helps in tailoring your app features and marketing strategies.
Behaviours: How does your audience behave online? Are they scrolling through social media at 3 AM or do they prefer informative blog posts over funny cat videos? Understanding online behaviour can inform you about the best channels and times to market your app.
Interests and Hobbies: Similar to behaviours but slightly more specific. Do they love fitness, fashion, or perhaps farming? Knowing what they are passionate about helps in creating an app that resonates with them.
Pain Points: What problems are they facing that your app could solve? People download apps because they want an easier way to do something. Whether it’s saving time, managing tasks, or simply having fun, identify their needs and centre your app around satisfying them.
Once you assemble this information, you'll have a clearer picture of who your audience is. They're not just faceless users; they become real people with specific wants and needs. And guess what? Your app is the hero they've been waiting for!
Remember, the goal is to create an app people want to use, and knowing your audience inside and out is how you make that happen. So go ahead, do your homework, and get ready to meet your soon-to-be fans!
Why You Might Want a Different Name for Your App
Sometimes your business name and the app name need to part ways, and that's perfectly okay. Imagine this—you run a cosy bakery called "Grandma's Pies," but your app name, "PiePal," focuses on the social experience of pie lovers connecting over their favourite treats. See the difference? Your app gets to shine in its own right, while still being connected to the parent brand.
One of the main reasons for choosing a different name for your app is specific functionality. If your app offers a unique service or function that extends beyond the core business, having a tailored name can instantly communicate its purpose. For example, if you've got a fitness studio named "FitNest" and you develop an app just for tracking workouts, a name like "TrackFit" would make it clear what the app is all about, straight away.
Naming your app differently can also help with market expansion. Let's say your business started locally but your app has the potential to go global. A more universal or neutral name can help attract a broader audience. For instance, a local DIY store called "Bob's Builders" could name their new instructional app "BuildIt," making it accessible and enticing to a worldwide audience.
Another compelling reason is search optimisation. Different names for your business and app can help diversify search engine optimisation (SEO) efforts. When people search for "Grandma's Pies," they'll land on your main business, but searching for "PiePal" will steer them straight to your app. This way, you're capturing more search traffic and making it easier for potential users to find exactly what they need.
Deciding on a different name for your app offers flexibility and creativity, but it can also feel a bit daunting. Trust us—getting it right can provide clarity and foster customer trust in ways that directly naming the app after your business might not achieve.
Legal Considerations
Choosing a name for your app that's different from your business name is a creative decision, but it's essential to ensure you're not stepping on any legal toes. Before you start daydreaming about witty and exciting app names, take a minute to consider the rules of the game.
First off, you'll want to make sure that the name you fancy isn't already trademarked. This little step can save you a lot of headaches (and legal fees) down the road. Websites like the UK Intellectual Property Office offer tools to search for existing trademarks, and it's worth doing a thorough check. After all, the last thing you need is a letter from a lawyer because your app name is already taken!
Another important consideration is domain availability. Owning the exact-match .com or .co.uk domain is more than just a nice-to-have; it adds a layer of professionalism and credibility. Plus, it's much easier for your customers to find you online. Check domain availability on sites like GoDaddy or Namecheap before settling on your app name.
One more thing—avoid giving mixed messages. If your business prides itself on a professional image, then a silly or overly casual app name could be jarring. Consistency is key in building trust with your customers, so make sure your app name aligns with your brand values and core principles.
By playing by the rules, you'll protect your brand and pave the way for a smoother ride as you launch and grow your app. Now that you understand the legal landscape, you can confidently brainstorm a name that not only stands out but also stands firm in the marketplace.
Catchy Names and User Appeal
Choosing a catchy name for your app can work wonders for user appeal. Think of some of the most popular apps out there—TikTok, Spotify, Uber. They’ve become household names, partly because they sound good and are easy to remember. The easier it is for users to recall and pronounce your app’s name, the more likely they are to talk about it, recommend it, and search for it. After all, a name that rolls off the tongue elegantly is like giving your app a head start in the race for attention.
But how do you find that golden name? One fun trick is to play around with words. Combine different terms related to your business, invent new words, or use acronyms. Make sure it’s something that resonates with your audience. For instance, if your app is all about fitness, a lively and energetic name like “FitBuzz” or “FitSync” could grab attention. Remember, it’s all about sparking that initial interest and standing out from the crowd.
- Descriptive names can be hard to register as trademarks because they often use common keywords.
- Unique and original names increase your chances of securing a trademark.
- Consider how your app name will translate into a logo, slogan, and tagline for consistent branding.
- Created or invented names are the easiest to trademark and offer strong protection.
- Domain names should ideally match your brand name for consistency but, if taken, consider adding common business words or using different domain extensions.
Another thing to keep in mind is the wordplay. A little bit of humour or a clever twist can add character to your app. Everyone loves a name with a hidden pun or a double meaning—it makes the app feel more human and relatable. A quirky name might also signal that your app doesn’t take itself too seriously, which can be endearing to users.
While it's tempting to go wild with creativity, don’t forget the basics. Ensure your app name isn’t complicating things. It should be straightforward to spell and type, as no one enjoys the hassle of hunting down the right app due to a typo. This factor also plays into search engine optimisation (SEO). The more user-friendly and clear your app name is, the better it will perform in searches.
At Glance, we’ve seen first-hand how a well-chosen app name can dramatically impact user acquisition and retention. So, while you let your creative juices flow, keep these practical tips in mind. Your ideal app name is out there, waiting to charm its way into your users' hearts.
Future-Proofing Your App Name
Future-proofing your app name is not just about coming up with something snappy today; it's about ensuring longevity and relevance tomorrow. This requires a careful balance between innovation and foresight, so your app doesn't end up feeling outdated down the line.
To start, think about how your app name fits into the bigger picture of your brand's identity. Can the name easily evolve with your business? Does it have the potential to expand to new markets or services you might roll out later? A flexible name can save you headaches and rebranding costs.
Another aspect to consider is the digital real estate attached to your app’s name—specifically, the domain name. Ideally, your domain should match your app name to ensure brand consistency and make it easier for users to find you. Owning the .com version of your domain is especially important, as it is generally viewed as more credible and professional. If the exact match domain isn’t available, consider alternatives like adding common business words or looking into different extensions.
Brand is just a perception, and perception will match reality over time.Elon Musk
Also, think about trademarking. The more unique and original your name is, the better your chances of securing a trademark and protecting your brand from potential copycats. A name that is sound today but prone to genericism tomorrow can cause legal troubles down the road.
Last but not least, stay clear of overly trendy names. While it may seem like a good idea to ride the wave of current trends, these often have a short shelf life. Instead, aim for a name that reflects the core values and mission of your business, something that can stand the test of time.
Future-proofing is all about envisioning where your business and technology will be in the next five to ten years and making sure your app name can grow with you. It's a step towards building a brand that's not only current but enduring.
Conclusion
So, can your app have a different name to your business? Absolutely, it can! The key is to ensure that both names serve their respective purposes without causing confusion for your users or detracting from your brand identity. It’s about striking that perfect balance—making your app name catchy and appealing while still reflecting the essence of your business.
Think of it like naming a child. You'll want it to be unique, memorable, and embody something larger about who they might grow up to be. It's a big decision, but an exciting one too.
At the end of the day, the decision should be guided by thoughtful consideration of legal aspects, brand consistency, and future growth. We’re always here to help guide you through these decisions, ensuring that your app name complements your business and resonates with your audience. Have fun with it, and if you need any help, you know where to find us!
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