The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research for Choosing a Catchy & SEO-Friendly Brand Name

You’ve got the idea, the passion, maybe even the prototype. But when it’s time to pick a brand name, suddenly everything grinds to a halt. It’s not just about what sounds cool. Your brand name is the first impression, your digital fingerprint, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make for long-term growth. In today’s world, a strong brand name needs to be both memorable and SEO-friendly.

The good news? You don’t have to be an SEO expert to get this right. A little strategic thinking (and the right tools—like Grab Your Dot) can make all the difference. Here’s how to find a name that stands out and gets you found online.

Why Your Brand Name Needs to Be SEO-Friendly (It’s More Than Just Keywords)

Let’s get this out of the way: shoving keywords into your name is rarely the answer. Still, understanding SEO gives your brand a real advantage.

• Memorability: The easier your name is to remember, the more direct searches and shares you’ll get.

• Shareability: Simple, catchy names get talked about and linked to (a huge SEO win).

• Pronounceable & Spellable: If people can’t say or spell it, they won’t Google it—or recommend it.

• Unique: You want to own the search results for your name. Too generic, and you’re invisible.

Sometimes, a relevant keyword in your brand name can help—especially in certain niches. But for most brands, subtlety wins.

Your Step-by-Step Keyword Research Process for Brand Naming

This isn’t about forcing keywords. It’s about using research to inform your creativity and make sure your name gives you a fighting chance online.

1. Define Your Brand & Audience

Start with the basics:

• What problem do you solve?

• What products or services do you offer?

• What makes you different?

• Who’s your target customer, and how do they talk about what they need?

Getting clear here will help you brainstorm names that actually fit your brand.

2. Brainstorm Seed Keywords & Core Concepts

Now, list out the keywords and phrases that relate to your industry, your vibe, and your benefits. No filter at this stage—get everything down.

Example: For a sustainable cleaning company, you might write down “eco cleaning,” “green home,” “plant-based cleaner,” etc.

3. Use Free Keyword Tools to Expand Your Ideas

• Google Keyword Planner: Enter your ideas and see what real people are searching for. Even if you’re not running ads, this shows you which words have volume.

• AnswerThePublic: Type in your core concept and get a goldmine of questions and phrases real people are searching.

• Google Autocomplete & “People Also Ask”: Start typing in your idea—let Google finish your thought. The suggestions are what people type every day.

Pro Tip: Use these same keywords in Grab Your Dot’s name generator to get ideas you probably wouldn’t think up on your own.

4. Balance Search Volume, Relevance & Brandability

Don’t just chase high-volume keywords. You want something:

• Relevant: It makes sense for your business.

• With Some Search Volume: Even low-volume, specific keywords (“long-tail”) can be valuable.

• Brandable: Unique, catchy, and easy to say.

• Available: Both as a .com and a trademark.

A name like “The Solutions Company” is generic and forgettable. Something unique—even if inspired by a keyword—will get you further.

5. Check Domain and Trademark Availability

Don’t skip this. The perfect name isn’t so perfect if the .com is taken or someone else owns the trademark.

• Domain: Always check Grab Your Dot first to instantly see if your dream name is available.

• Trademark: Search the USPTO (or your country’s office) to avoid legal headaches later.

6. Use Grab Your Dot to Find and Validate Ideas

At this point, it’s time to get creative. Grab Your Dot’s AI business name generator can:

• Spark Ideas: Drop in your keywords. You’ll get brandable options that actually make sense.

• Refine & Filter: Sort by industry or style to get names that fit your vision.

• Validate: See what’s available as a domain in real time, saving you tons of frustration.

Take your favorite suggestions and run them back through your keyword tools, or use them as inspiration for further brainstorming.

Common Brand Naming Mistakes to Avoid

• Keyword Stuffing: Names like “BestCheapShoeStore” sound spammy and don’t stick.

• Ignoring Domain/Trademark: Don’t get attached to a name until you know you can actually use it.

• Being Too Generic: You’ll never stand out.

• Making it Hard to Spell or Say: If people can’t repeat it, they can’t search for it.

• Boxing Yourself In: Don’t choose a name that’s too specific if you plan to expand.

Ready to Find the Perfect, SEO-Friendly Brand Name?

Naming doesn’t have to be painful or guesswork. Start with solid research, add a dash of creativity, and let Grab Your Dot do the heavy lifting. With the right process (and the right tool), you’ll land a name that’s catchy, unique, and ready to conquer both Google and your market.