Hi HN folks,<p>we're in the process of finalizing an idea for a bootstrapped startup. Today, finding a nice name came up. As we're headed for a pretty crowded niche, we're looking for something with strong branding potential. While brainstorming, "lol" has come up.<p>Our name would consist of what we do, prefixed with "lol". So, if we were to do an email service, our name would be "lolmails". In our particular case and context, it would be an awesome fit and definitely help attracting early adopters.<p>We're sympathetic to the name, but a little bit afraid that we could frighten more "ordinary" customers who might have bad associations.<p>What do you think?
NO.<p>My concern is that instead of coming up with a better name, you're here asking if "lol____" is acceptable, which says something about your ability to come up with good branding ideas.<p>For me, this would immediately fall under the category of "if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't do it" ... unless of course you have a really good reason, but then you wouldn't be asking.<p>So without more information on what exactly the proposed name is, and what amazing product your startup is promising, I'm going to straight up say no.
In an interview some years ago, director John Hughes (and I wish I could find a citation) commented that the (made-up) slang he incorporated into his dialog was expressly invented to keep the movies fresh (longer); that (real) slang tended to quickly become stale.
I can't really see you getting a lot of useful advice unless you're able to give details of the product and market. Any branding decisions are going to be completely dependent on those factors.
Well there's Lolapps (<a href="http://www.lolapps.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.lolapps.com/</a>), they have closed about $ 4 million investment if I recall correctly.<p>But they don't use that name to market their products, instead they create social games and market each product seperately I think.
I highly recommend reading this free report (123-page PDF) from Igor International (naming and branding agency):<p><a href="http://www.igorinternational.com/process/igor-naming-guide.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.igorinternational.com/process/igor-naming-guide.p...</a>
If it's a b2c product (lolchat, lolcards), then yeah you can get away from it. But if it's a b2b product then probably not -- unless it is a ridiculously innovative lolcode application server.
Cisco is currently using something like "redefining LOL" in their ads -- they definitely target B2B, so if it's not too edgy for Cisco, then I can't see it alienating "ordinary" customers. In fact, it's evidence that it's not edgy enough to attract early adopters.
People may or may not respond to your favorite name choice. For this reason, Tim Ferris tested 15 different book titles with Google Adwords when determining the title for 4 hour Workweek. Why not test 5 - 10 names with simple Google Adwords and Facebook ad campaigns to see which name(s) resonates the most?<p>You could use metrics such as: # clicks, click through rate, and # of email sign ups to help determine the winner. Make sure your landing page(s) are very, very well written and beautifully designed in order to encourage sign ups.
Why not?<p>Startups are cool.<p>I believe to build a startup need a special kind of attitude. This could be reflected on the team activities, way of work, office feel and look and of course... the name.<p>My opinion. Go for it. If that's your favorite option, go for it.. all the way.<p>My best hopes from South America ;)
It depends whether this fits your target consumers. Basically, decide whether this fits your branding. Is your startup's product intended to appeal to young or whimsical consumers? Are you portraying a refreshing, lighthearted attitude? Is it related to humor in some way?