App name is one of the most important ASO factors. There is no doubt about that.
The app title has a strong impact on app ranking. Also, this is one of the first visible elements on the store listing. Therefore, it influences click-through-rate and conversion rate.
Before we go on how to name an app, have in mind the following character limits. While Google Play permits to include up to 50 characters, Apple gives you the space for only 30 characters. So, use this wisely.
Here are top 3 tips to create app name that rocks!
Brainstorm app name ideas
The first thing that you have to decide when it comes to app name is are you going to use your brand name in the title. You don’t have to have a brand name, but keywords are must have. Still, the best practice is to have both, a brand name and keywords together. The best format for app title is brand name + keywords, separated by a colon or dash.
The brand name of your app will follow your app forever, and hopefully if your app becomes popular, potential new users will hear the name before they ever use your app. Also, the old users can easily find your app and reinstall it again.
So, brainstorm some app name ideas, if you don’t already have a brand name for your app. Try to keep it as short as possible, up to 10 characters. It should be easy to remember and pronounce. Don’t complicate it too much. If it doesn’t sound good when you say it out loud, then it probably isn’t the best choice. All catchy app names are short and memorable.
You can also try to use an app name generator, it may help. Most of them are free to use. Name suggestions that you get are not that great, but can be a good start for brainstorming. Twist and turn it. With play on words you can come up with some catchy app name ideas.
Tip-top combination is the one that reflects your app’s purpose. The best app names are related keywords at the same time. Messenger is an app for messages and nobody needs to tell you that, right? But that is not always possible to achieve when you’re trying to create app name.
Anyway, don’t stress yourself too much on how to name an app brand, because it will come to you. When you come up with it, it will be obvious.
Add keywords that make the difference
So, keywords come after a brand name. Not any keywords, they have to be closely related to your app features. And, of course, they should have high search volume and low competition.
An app title without good keywords using only a brand name is a waste of space. Even if your brand is already popular. Without relevant keywords, your app simply can not be found. Besides, there are always people who see your app and your brand for the first time. You want them to instantly know what your app is about.
Moreover, keywords need to be relevant to your app because users will be disappointed if your app is not what it claims it is.
Well, how to name an app is important, but even more important is that your app is good. To make a successful app, make sure that it is good at what it does and that it brings value to users.
Additionally, app localization could help your app to go global. When localizing an app title, it’s important to emphasize that your brand name stays the same for all languages. It’s keywords that need to be translated or adjusted.
Don’t be a copycat and avoid some words
There’s a whole list of forbidden words that can trigger a red light for Google Play and App Store. By using them in the app name or app description, you can have serious consequences. Most of the time this happens unintentionally. But, intentionally or not, this is a big no-no. Because your app and even your developer account can be banned.
First of all, do not include other brand names in your app name.
Maybe this sounds obvious to you. But actually, this is one of the common ASO black hat mistakes that app publishers make.
Yeah, sometimes you don’t even know that something is branded. It’s not limited to brands that have published apps. This rule also includes brands that don’t yet have a presence on app stores. Furthermore, some app publishers intentionally use the intellectual property rights of others. They probably mislead users because they think that popular brand name or celebrity name will bring them installs.
Second of all, avoid using words that are restricted.
For example, the latest mistake which many app publishers made is using any ‘coronavirus’ related keywords. If you try to search Google Play Store for these keywords, you’ll notice that there are no related apps found. That is because at the moment all apps related to this topic are forbidden on Play Store.
Also, avoid using any rude and sex-related words, like ‘bitch’ or ‘porn’. The list goes on and on, including keywords related to drug dealing, racism, violence… But there are words that you would not expect to raise a flag, such as ‘spy’ or ‘downloader’.
However, app stores don’t really care if you know the rules. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, you may have heard that. You need to do good research before you decide to put something in your app title and/or description.
Even better solution would be to contact our ASO experts to do the job for you.
Summary
Your no 1 priority is to make a good app. When it comes to how to name an app, it can be harder than it sounds. Besides having a limited small number of characters, you have to deal with many rules on app stores and make a cool name for your app.
However, try to come up with a catchy app name that is short and easy to remember. Use the space to add some keywords next to your brand. These keywords have to be relevant for your app.
Don’t be a copycat. Make sure that some other app doesn’t already have the same name. Lastly, don’t use any keywords that are restricted or may be suspicious. It’s not worth the risk of suspension.
There you have it, top 3 tips for naming your app.
Read more about ASO, app business and other related topics on our ASO blog.
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