How to choose the best chatbot name for your business

From Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa to C-3PO and WALL-E, robots are real, and features have names. When it comes to automation, the same rule applies. Some businesses simply use their company title as their bot’s name. Read on for our top tips and key considerations if you wonder how to create a unique name for your chatbot.

Why unique bot name matters

Distinctive and unique names help companies stand out from the crowd. However, your first priority should be creating a functional bot to assist users in solving a problem or answering their questions. A great name can make your bot:

• Approachable. Chatbots are still a relatively new technology, so pick a name that feels personable instead of intimidating. For example, Siri sounds more warm and friendly than Apple Smartphone Robot. Chatbot’s name should welcome and even intrigue users.
• Memorable. If customers are looking for your bot in their inbox, a unique name will make it easier to find. For example, a bot that offers tips and advice on dog training can be easily found as BarkBot rather than Dog Obedience Bot.

Four different ways to name your bot

The type you select depends on your industry, the tone of voice of your business, the purpose of your bot, and how you want customers to see your brand. Here are a few common categories of chatbot names:

1. A human name, like Lisa or Michael. These names are often suitable for banking, tax, or medical services. They are formal and don’t distract from the topic at hand.
2. A robot name, like Bolt or Alpha, clarifies that the user is chatting with a non-human being, which can help avoid any confusion. You might consider a robot name if you’re in an industry like tech, education, or finance.
3. A descriptive name, like Calorie-TrackBot, helps users build healthy eating habits or Book Club Bot for one that offers book recommendations. The advantage of this naming style is that the user already understands the bot’s purpose before interacting with it. Although these names aren’t always as personable and approachable, their clarity may appeal to some users.
4. A clever name, like Penny for a personal-finance advice chatbot or PAM as a name for a bot that provides Prayer And Meditation tips. This type of chatbot name is best for businesses in the travel, fitness, food, or beauty industries. A clever name ensures that your bot stands out and can make your brand and industry more approachable.

How to choose good bot name

Although it’s possible to change your chatbot’s name, it’s best to pick a great one the first time so you don’t have to confuse users by updating it later. Keep these tips in mind as you make your choice:

• Reflect your brand voice. Your bot’s name and persona should match your brand voice or how your business communicates typically with prospects and customers. Suppose your blog, social media pages, and customer support messages are full of puns and emojis. In that case, it makes sense to give your automation a clever name and a casual persona. If not, you lose consistency, decrease brand recognition, and might confuse your users.
• Descriptive, but not dull. Give your Facebook chatbot a name that gives a clue about its function but is not too descriptive and dry. For example, Travel Deals and Booking Bot isn’t very engaging. Instead, consider names like Dr.Travel or Global Adventure Bot to instantly show the idea and not tell about the concept.
• Have your bot introduce itself. If you give your bot a human-like name, users might think they’re dealing with a human. Make your bot let users know it’s a bot to avoid it. Chatfuel’s handover protocol automatically notifies the users when a human agent takes over for your chatbot at any point. That way, users always know whom they’re chatting with.

Add your idea to a chatbot names list

A suitable name might be just the finishing touch to make your automation more engaging. If you don’t have a Messenger chatbot yet — sign up today. It’s free and easy to get started with Chatfuel.