What is Product Naming? Product naming is the process of.. naming a product, deciding for a definite term. Pretty neat definition huh. But let’s go a bit details about this.

As of Wikipedia:

Product naming is considered a critical part of the branding process, which includes all of the marketing activities that affect the brand image, such as positioning and the design of logo, packaging and the product itself. Product naming involves the application of creative and linguistic strategy and results in a brand name that becomes a product’s shorthand.

The process involved in product naming can take months or years to complete. Some key steps include specifying the objectives of the branding, developing the product name itself, evaluating names through target market testing and focus groups, choosing a final product name, and finally identifying it as a trademark it for protection.

My own tips for Product Naming? Simple.

1. Make sure the names are not hard to pronouce. Two food items were created, Magnalroxate and Hnegripitrom. Ouch, they are almost impossible to pronounce. Another thing is  an amusement park ride called the “Vaiveahtoishi”. You should consider this so much.

2. The less complicated the names are, the easier to remember. Who would choose an K800VT phone against an iPhone?

3. Make it suggestive. I’d choose naming a cleaning bar “Mr. Clean” over “Great Power”.

4. And finally, follow the rule of description. Descriptive names ascribe to the product the characteristic, a good feature, it’s ingredients, appearance or even it’s geographic location. Good examples are Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Florida Orange Juice.

That’s my 4 quick tips for product naming. Enjoy!