Naming your business is no easy task. You want something that captures the heart of what you do, feels authentic, and stands out in a crowded marketplace. At Earthstrong Digital, the process of finding our name was both personal and intentional, and in this post, we’ll walk you through our journey. Along the way, we’ll also share brainstorming tips that can help you craft the perfect name for your own venture.
Start with a List of Words You Love
The first thing we did was create lists of words we simply liked—words that felt good to say, carried personal meaning, or embodied the essence of what we wanted our business to represent. We weren’t worried about niching down too early. In fact, because we have experience across many industries, we wanted something broad, memorable, and flexible.
Brainstorming Tip #1: Word Association
Grab a pen and paper (or open a note-taking app) and start with one word you like. Then write down all the words that come to mind when you think of that word. Keep going until you have a long list. This free association exercise often uncovers surprising ideas.
Brainstorming Tip #2: Mash-Ups and Alliteration
Sometimes the best names come from combining two unrelated words or creating playful alliterations. A blend like Earthstrong has a certain rhythm and flow, making it easy to remember and enjoyable to say.
Brand Names that use Alliteration:
- Coca-Cola – Memorable and catchy, this name flows off the tongue, emphasizing the bubbly, fun nature of the brand.
- Dunkin’ Donuts – The repetition makes it fun to say, while emphasizing their focus on donuts and coffee.
- PayPal – The two words signal an easy and friendly payment process, reinforcing convenience through alliteration.
- Best Buy – This name immediately suggests good deals with the double “B” sound, making it highly memorable.
Brand Names that Use Playful Word Mashups:
- Pinterest (Pin + Interest) – Combines the concepts of pinning and personal interests into one fun, engaging term.
- Netflix (Net + Flicks) – A playful mix that hints at internet movies and entertainment.
- Groupon (Group + Coupon) – Cleverly communicates group discounts in one easy-to-remember word.
These examples can inspire entrepreneurs to think outside the box when coming up with a name, focusing on playfulness, memorability, and creativity while keeping their brand’s essence in mind.
Doing the Homework: Keyword Research & Domain Availability
After brainstorming, we conducted keyword research to ensure that the name we were leaning toward wasn’t already in use—or worse, tied to another business offering similar services. We didn’t want to compete for the same search engine keywords with another company, especially in the digital marketing space.
Tip for Entrepreneurs: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to check the popularity of keywords related to your business. Also, search for available domains to make sure your name is unique and easy to find online.
A Name with Personal Meaning
The name Earthstrong has deep roots in my personal journey. I spent two years living in Jamaica as a missionary, traveling the country and immersing myself in the local culture. In Jamaican Rastafarian tradition, “earthstrong” refers to someone’s birthday—a celebration of life and connection to the global community.
On your birthday, Jamaicans wish you a “Blessed Earthstrong!” as they playfully toss a bag of flour at you. But there’s more to the word than just festivity. As Dan Ketchum explains in this article, the term embodies a philosophy:
“While the word ‘birthday’ is literal, referring to the day of your birth, ‘earthstrong’ alludes to the concept of cultivating a stronger connection with the earth each passing year, where ‘earth’ means the international community.”
We felt a deep resonance with the idea of becoming stronger and more connected as a business and as a team with each passing year. The name Earthstrong represents not only our own growth, but also the growth we aim to foster for our clients and their businesses.
Build Something to Grow Into
With our name in place, we needed a tagline that aligned with our philosophy. That’s how we came up with:
“Build something to grow into.”
At Earthstrong Digital, we believe in strategic yet organic growth. Just like we grow as individuals, businesses should grow in stages—developing their digital assets thoughtfully over time, making smart investments, and staying aligned with their values and vision. Our goal is to help businesses become more resilient, sustainable, and impactful with every year they operate.
Brainstorming Tip #3: Tap into Personal Stories
When brainstorming your business name, don’t overlook your personal journey. Think about experiences, words, or traditions that have shaped who you are. These elements can inspire a name that not only stands out but also feels authentic to you and your brand.
What’s in a Name? Everything
Your business name is often the first impression customers get. It’s not just a label—it’s a reflection of your mission, values, and aspirations. Taking the time to brainstorm, research, and find a name that resonates will pay off in the long run.
Ready to Build Your Brand?
Whether you’re just starting or rebranding your business, we’d love to help you build a name—and a digital presence—you can grow into. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey with web design, SEO, and branding services.
