How to select a crowdfunding project name

How to Select a Crowdfunding Project Name
Posted on May 23, 2014 by Michael Ibberson Updated May 23, 2014
Obscurity – it can work both for and against your project. Not in market approach or concept, but rather in title. Sometimes the unknown attracts by pulling at our curiosities, while at other times it simply pushes us away. When we think of crowdfunding project names, we tend to assume self-evident titles perform best, yet so many projects choose unclear names for the sake of branding or marketing. This divide does not distinguish right from wrong; it simply illustrates different naming models. Let’s take a closer look at these approaches for those struggling to find impactful titles.

Crowdfunding Project Name

The Models

Product-Oriented Names: Product names do not necessarily make sense. In fact, some of the most successful brands invent their own words. For crowdfunding, however, this method is risky. One way around this problem is to combine word associations (i.e. Face + Book). Choosing words that evoke an emotional response prompt people to cogitate your project’s meaning. That said, careful not to limit your project’s future by fusing very specific words together.

Purpose-Based Names: Names that describe the project’s purpose require no further explanation. For this reason, they are easily referenced, but not always memorable. Such crowdfunding project names complement a bigger scheme. In other words, a single product in a line or one of a startup’s various offerings.

Creator-Centred Names: Sometimes, inventors simply title their creations after themselves. In academia, this happens all the time with theories. Unlike product-oriented names, doing so eliminates any possible associations – not to mention, a last name tricky to pronounce can literally halt a project’s “word of mouth.” Same goes for spelling.

Other Considerations

Choosing a crowdfunding project name can be fun – and frustrating. Originality stumps a lot of creators, so many end up turning to pop culture references. Refrain from doing this. Come up with something short and simple; something that will catch on. Run the name through Google to view the term’s competition and check if the domain name (.com) is available for your website or landing page. If taken, perhaps come up with another name. Do not alternate the spelling; this tends to backfire on projects.

Remember that you can also make use of tag lines, indicated by either a colon or dash, to add specificity to your crowdfunding project name. This may help if you feel your name’s too vague or meaningless. Should you feel this way, however, maybe explore one of the other naming models.