According to a study, around 24% of the working population worldwide have a side hustle alongside their main job. Whether it’s an online store, consulting service, or creative project, the possibilities are endless. However, with this potential also come challenges, such as marketing it correctly. A name that is memorable and stands out from the competition is the first step to long-term success. This article shows you how to give your side hustle the perfect name and what all needs to be considered in the process.
The name: Your ticket to success
A good name is like a pink heart engagement ring – it sparkles, is memorable and tells a story. For side hustlers, a name is crucial to stand out from the competition. An original and concise name generates interest and ensures recognition. For example, an online store for sustainable products with a name like “Leaf & Loom” stands out more than generic names like “Eco Shop”.
A good example is “Leaf & Loom”, which immediately evokes an association with nature and handicrafts. But it’s not just the sound that’s important. The name should be easy to pronounce and spell so that potential customers can find it easily. Creativity also means keeping an eye on trends without blindly going with the crowd. A well-thought-out name is the cornerstone for appealing to customers on an emotional level.
Fonts create brand recognition
A good name should not only sound good, but also work well in everyday life – similar to 4×6 labels in shipping. These labels have a smooth surface and clear edges so that they can be easily recognized and quickly processed in sorting machines. It is precisely this efficiency that your company’s name should also reflect. A clear and legible font ensures that the name is easy to grasp, whether on your website, packaging or social media.
The choice of font depends heavily on your target audience. If you run a tech startup, a modern sans serif font like Helvetica or Roboto, which conveys progress and clarity, is a good choice. For a café with vintage charm, a nostalgic font like Baskerville or Georgia might be more suitable, as it radiates warmth and authenticity. An online shop for children’s products? Here, it can be a little more playful, like Comic New or Lobster, to convey cheerfulness and lightness.
The right color choice: psychology and sales figures
Colors have an immense effect on the perception of a name. According to a study by the University of Loyola, the right color combination increases brand recognition by up to 80%. Blue conveys trust and security, which is why it is often used by financial service providers. Red, on the other hand, stands for energy and passion, making it ideal for brands that want to attract attention. Green is associated with nature and sustainability, making it perfect for organic or eco-friendly products.
A real-world example is Coca-Cola. The red color evokes emotions and draws attention, while the font makes the name memorable. Similarly, a side hustle can benefit from matching colors.
This is how the target group is subconsciously addressed in terms of color
The choice of colors should always be aligned with the target group and industry, as each industry has its own expectations and requirements for color design. In the tech industry, blue is particularly dominant because it conveys trust, reliability, and professionalism. Companies like IBM, known as “Big Blue,” or Dell deliberately use this color. For a tech startup, a combination of blue and white would be ideal to radiate modernity and clarity.
In the health and wellness sector, on the other hand, green and white are the dominant colors. They symbolize freshness, calm and purity. Brands like Whole Foods Market use this color palette to communicate sustainability and health. A side hustle in fitness coaching could embody freshness and motivation by combining bold green and soft pastels.
Black and gold are the preferred colors in the luxury and fashion world. Black stands for elegance and exclusivity, while gold is associated with prestige and success. An online store for tailor-made suits could use this color combination to convey an upscale impression, similar to how brands like Gucci or Chanel successfully do it.
For children’s products and toys, bright colors such as yellow, red, and blue are crucial because they radiate happiness and energy. Brands like LEGO deliberately use bright colors to attract attention and spark enthusiasm. A side hustle for handmade children’s items could create trust and joy through cheerful and bright color combinations.
International importance: avoiding stumbling blocks
A common mistake in naming is ignoring cultural and linguistic differences. A name that works in one language can be misleading or even negative in another. Well-known examples show how critical this aspect is. The US automotive giant Chevrolet brought its “Nova” model to Latin America, where “No va” translates as “doesn’t work”. Another example is the British grocery giant Puffin, whose name is more reminiscent of “fart” in German.
Even smaller side-hustles should ensure that your name is internationally acceptable. With a global focus, the risk of scaring off potential customers is minimized. Research and feedback from native speakers help to avoid cultural faux pas.
Nike is the founder and editor at nameshype.com. He is graduated in English language and love to write and share information online.
Therefore he has created this unique community to give millions of people all over the world with unique, funny, cute and creative name ideas.