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#168: Alexandra Watkins – How to invent a GREAT brand name. [Greatest Hits]

Oct 15, 2024

57:44

Snipd AI

In this engaging conversation, branding expert Alexandra Watkins, founder of Eat My Words and author of 'Hello, My Name is Awesome,' shares her wisdom on creating memorable brand names. She introduces the 'SMILE and SCRATCH test' for evaluating name effectiveness. Alexandra discusses the crucial role of domain names and tips for acquiring the perfect .com. She also addresses when to consider rebranding and the long-term impact of a strong brand identity, drawing from her vast experience with clients like Amazon and Coca-Cola.

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Quick takeaways

The SMILE and SCRATCH test is essential for evaluating brand names, ensuring they are memorable while avoiding potential pitfalls.

Securing a strong domain name is crucial for brand identity and credibility, with creative alternatives available even if .com choices are limited.

Rebranding can significantly enhance a company's identity and engagement, emphasizing the need for strategic assessments of existing brand perceptions.

Deep dives

Creating Effective Systems for Content Creation

As content creation scales, it often leads to increased complexity that can detract from the creative process. To combat this, a robust framework was developed using Notion to streamline tasks and enhance productivity. This system, called Creator HQ, integrates all necessary data and processes into a cohesive workspace, facilitating content collaboration and management. The resulting efficiency has allowed for significant growth, with an ambitious annual revenue target approaching $1 million.

Intro

2min

The Power of a Great Brand Name and the Rebranding Journey

2min

Crafting Impactful Brand Names

4min

The Critical Impact of Naming a Brand

4min

The Power of Brand Names and Taglines

7min

Evaluating Brand Names with SMILE

6min

Crafting Memorable Brand Names

8min

Crafting an Impactful Brand Name

7min

The Art of Brand Naming and Rebranding

16min

10.

The Value of Strategic Brand Naming and Domain Investment

3min

Alexandra Watkins founded Eat My Words in 2005. She is a brand name expert and the author of the best-selling creativity book, Hello, My Name is Awesome

Her branding firm, Eat My Words, has made a name for itself by cooking up unforgettable names and working with clients from Amazon to Coca-Cola, Disney, Google, and Twitter.

Before starting Eat My Words, as a freelancer, Alexandra actually named Wendy's Baconator!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The SMILE and SCRATCH test to help you identify good names and disqualify bad ones
How important domain names are, including whether .com is important
How to get a good .com even if your first choice is taken
Whether premium domains are worth it or not
And if and when you should consider a rebrand if you're not satisfied with your current name

Full transcript and show notes

Alexandra's Book / Website / Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter

SMILE and SCRATCH test

How I rebranded my newsletter

How I rebranded my podcast

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