How To Name Your Dropshipping Store

Introduction.

Choosing a name for your dropshipping store might sound like a small step, but it’s actually a huge deal.

Your store’s name is often the first thing potential customers will notice, so it sets the tone and expectation for what you’re offering.

A good name can be memorable, easy to spell, and meaningful—it helps customers remember you, and it sets you apart in a crowded online market.

Getting the name right can affect your entire brand identity and how people perceive you. It can make your store look professional or amateur, trendy or outdated, niche-specific or too broad.

Think of some popular brands you know—most of them have names that give you a hint of what they’re about or have something catchy you can’t forget. That’s what you want for your dropshipping store too.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of brainstorming, choosing, and finalizing a name for your dropshipping store.

I’ll cover things like why your store name is important, what to consider when picking it, and a few common mistakes to avoid.

I’ll even include some FAQs at the end to answer questions you might have as you go through this process.

So, let’s dive in and find the perfect name for your dropshipping store!

Why Your Store Name Matters in Dropshipping

Your dropshipping store’s name is more than just a label; it’s a key part of your brand identity. Here’s why it matters:

1. First Impressions Count: When people see your store name, they make snap judgments about what kind of business you run. A strong, professional name suggests that you’re serious and trustworthy, while a random or confusing name can make people think twice about shopping with you.
2. Brand Recognition: If you want customers to remember you, a good name helps. Think of brands like Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy. These names stick in people’s minds because they’re easy to remember and align well with what they sell.
3. SEO and Online Visibility: Your store’s name can impact your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) if you include relevant keywords. If you’re selling pet supplies, a name like “Furry Essentials” might rank better on search engines than a totally unrelated name.
4. Domain Availability: A catchy name is great, but it’s not very helpful if you can’t secure a matching website domain. Most of your customers will find you online, so it’s important to choose a name that has a domain available.

How Do I Name My Dropshipping Store?

1. Know Your Niche

The best store names give customers an idea of what you sell. Are you focused on beauty products, fitness gear, or tech gadgets?

Knowing your niche helps you brainstorm names that align with your product offerings. For example, if you sell eco-friendly home goods, a name like “GreenLiving Market” could instantly signal your focus.

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Here’s where creativity comes into play. Start by listing words related to your products, niche, or values.

Don’t hold back; jot down anything that comes to mind. For instance, if you’re selling fitness gear, words like “fit,” “active,” “pulse,” “strength,” or “gear” could help inspire a name. Combining words or using clever wordplay can make your name stand out.

You could also use online tools like Shopify’s Business Name Generator, NameMesh, or Oberlo’s free name generator to get a few ideas. Even if you don’t find your final name here, these tools are great for sparking inspiration.

3. Check for Domain Availability

Once you’ve shortlisted a few names, check if the corresponding domain name is available. It’s ideal to secure a .com domain since it’s the most widely recognized.

Websites like Namecheap or GoDaddy let you search for available domains. If your exact name isn’t available, consider slight variations or adding “shop” or “store” at the end.

4. Keep It Simple and Memorable

Complicated names are harder for customers to remember. Aim for something short, simple, and easy to spell.

Avoid unusual spellings or excessive numbers and punctuation marks, as they can make it harder for people to find you online.

5. Test It Out

Before you commit, try saying your potential names out loud. You could also run them by friends or family members to get feedback.

Ask questions like, “Does this sound like a real business?” or “What kind of products would you expect to see in a store with this name?”

You can also check for any unintended meanings in other languages or regions if you’re planning to sell internationally.

6. Make Sure It’s Unique

You don’t want your store name to be too similar to existing businesses, as this could cause confusion and even legal issues.

Search your potential names on Google and social media to make sure they aren’t already heavily associated with another brand.

In some cases, you might even want to consult a trademark database (like the USPTO’s if you’re in the U.S.) to ensure your name is truly unique.

Pros and Cons of Different Naming Approaches

To help you weigh your options, here are some pros and cons of common naming styles:

1. Descriptive Names (e.g., “PetSupplyCo” for a pet store)

• Pros: Easy for customers to understand what you sell.
• Cons: Can feel generic; harder to create a unique brand identity.

2. Made-Up Names (e.g., “Zylo” or “Droppy”)

• Pros: Memorable and often have available domain names.
• Cons: Takes more branding effort to explain what the store sells.

3. Compound Names (e.g., “HomeHaven” or “FitGear”)

• Pros: Can make the purpose clearer and have a unique feel.
• Cons: May not stand out if similar compound names are widely used.

4. Personal Names or Founder’s Names (e.g., “Sarah’s Finds”)

• Pros: Creates a personal touch and makes the brand feel more approachable.
• Cons: Harder to scale if you want the business to grow beyond a personal brand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my store’s name later if I don’t like it?

Yes, but it’s not always easy. Rebranding means changing your domain, logo, and potentially your social media handles. It can also confuse returning customers. So, it’s best to choose carefully from the start.

2. How important is it to have a .com domain?

While a .com domain is ideal, it’s not essential. Alternatives like .store, .shop, or .co can work, especially if they align with your brand’s vibe. But, customers are most familiar with .com, so it’s often seen as more credible.

3. Should my store name be keyword-heavy?

Having keywords in your name can help with SEO, but it’s not a requirement. If you can include a keyword naturally (like “PetGear” for a pet store), that’s great! But prioritize a name that feels right over cramming in keywords.

4. What if the perfect name I want is taken?

Don’t stress! You might still find a similar version available with a slight tweak, like adding “shop” or “store.” Try to keep an open mind and be flexible with alternatives.

5. How long should my store name be?

Aim for something short—ideally, two or three words. This makes it easier to remember and type into a search bar.

Conclusion

Naming your dropshipping store might feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting chance to set the tone for your entire business.

Remember, the goal is to pick something memorable, simple, and aligned with what you sell. With a bit of creativity and patience, you’ll land on the perfect name that customers remember and trust.

So, what kind of name are you leaning toward for your dropshipping store?