Select an App Name

Most likely you have already selected the name for your future app. But if you’re still wondering how to name an app, here you can find some best practices and useful tips.

• Reflect your app’s core features Highlight what is great about your app, what is its main purpose, how does it help users?

• Choose a name that is searchable A large portion of downloads are the result of a simple search. The best way to get organic traffic is then to try and come up with short phrases that people are likely to use when searching for the service you are providing. Then choose a name that aligns with those keywords.

• Check the availability of the name. Make sure that your app name or even part of the name isn’t already used. This applies not only to the Stores but also to domain names and social media.

• Align it with a domain Most likely, you will want to have a landing page that corresponds with your mobile app. Try to choose a name that is available, but that also has the same name available as a web domain.

• Play on words Sometimes, a play on words can provide you with the perfect app name. Maybe you can’t get the exact word that describes your app, but differentiating slightly can give you a catchy twist and open you up to more options. But don’t go too far. Your users still need to be able to find your app.

• Create meaning A name carries meanings. If you can’t find one word to clearly reflect your app, try to compound words (noun+noun, noun+adjective, etc) to create a more comprehensive name. Another good tip is to use capitalization or lower-case lettering and keep it simple so that you’re not overwhelming your users.

• Two-part head A good technique is to choose an app name using a two-part head, which would describe both the purpose of your application and its’ functionality, such as Evernote for example.

• Keep it short and memorable Ideally, you want a short name that is unique and memorable. Many successful apps have managed to find a good one-word name, helping users easily remember them: YouTube, Netflix, etc.

• Specific case: creating an app for a brand name

  Of course, the scenario is a bit different if you are creating an app for an existing brand or business. In this case, naming your app is the easiest scenario: simply stick to your brand name and add the key feature of your app. Just remember that the name can be truncated. Users will only see the first ten characters or so of your app name when browsing the stores. Also, think of how the name will appear on the screen of the phone. Bear in mind that the title of your app will appear on the home screen of your users' device where it needs to look nice too.