Don’t Just Name It—How Strategic Naming and Design Shape Your Results

A small bakery was struggling to stand out—dozens of blandly named treats just lined the shelves, and sales went flat. After reading about how powerful names and first impressions can be, the owner overhauled their entire approach. They brainstormed names that made promises (like 'Sweet Energy Bars'), sparked curiosity ('The Velvet Crumb Mystery'), or met a need (like 'Gluten-Free Mornings'). They tested these titles with their most loyal customers at the register, watching reactions and jotting down which names made people smile or ask questions.

Next, the owner ditched the clipart labels and invested a bit in fresher, stylish packaging that reflected the bakery’s personality—hand-drawn style, bold colors, and simple fonts. Rather than guessing, they printed three versions and let customers vote. Results came quickly: the renamed items started trending on social media, new visitors dropped by just to try treats with intriguing names, and sales increased at a steady pace. The new design became part of the customer experience, making the pastries more shareable and giving the staff new stories to tell.

Behavioral studies confirm that clear, memorable names and compelling visuals increase recall and desirability, especially in crowded markets. Humans naturally gravitate toward options that tell a story, make a promise, or solve a need. The bakery didn’t need a huge budget—just strategic tweaks and courage to test until real people responded.

Choose your next project and brainstorm at least five possible names, using strategies that promise a benefit, spark curiosity, or address a need. Share them with people outside your usual circle and see which ones catch their attention or prompt questions. Pair your best picks with simple, attractive visuals that fit your brand—this step is worth the extra time. You'll notice not only fresh enthusiasm from your audience, but also more confident sharing and word-of-mouth. Try it this week with a simple flyer, website update, or product label.