I agree completely that a company with a bad or mediocre name can reach success. However, here are 10 reasons why coming up with a snappy, interesting and memorable name is worth the business owner's or organization's time and energy.
1. When you call or speak with strangers and mention the name of your company, and the name in and of itself provokes delighted recognition, this can get the business relationship off on a positive footing.
2. A distinctive name can attract the kind of customers you want and keep away those you don't want. For instance, if you can't stand dealing with those who have no sense of humor, a punny name repels such folks. Au contraire, if you want people to know you're serious and weighty, a shrewdly chosen traditional name can impress people accordingly.
3. Cool company names can in and of themselves generate media coverage, either because there's something newsworthy in the name or because many journalists are more attracted to highlight companies with fun names than boring ones. Case in point: Rent-a-Wreck.
4. A distinctive name increases repeat business because it helps previous customers remember it when looking at a list of possibles in the Yellow Pages or elsewhere. For instance, House Husband would jump out of a list of competitors like A-1 Handyman, Acme Home Repair, etc.
5. A wisely chosen name is simple to spell and leads to one and only one possible URL. This enables more people who have heard about a company to find it online.
6. A well-chosen name can embody the #1 benefit you offer customers and make it possible to get across an appealing marketing message in less space.
7. A hastily chosen name can lead to legal troubles or bad PR, both adding needless expenses and needlessly alienating customers. Just ask my friend Andy, who had to change his business name not once but twice in three months because he hadn't done his homework on the name. And just ask the shoe company in the UK that named some new sneakers "Zyklon," which was the name of the gas the Nazis used to kill millions during World War Two.
8. If customers need to find you in the Yellow Pages, a name that's near the beginning of the alphabet makes it easier for them and may make it less crucial to have a huge, expensive display ad.
9. A boring name contains no sparks for getting started on persuasive descriptions of your company's products or services, while a creative name makes it easy to riff off it with inspired marketing copy.
10. The name affects how people who work for the business feel about it. A company name they love to say and that customers respond to positively makes for a more pleasant working environment than does a name that is confusing, hard to pronounce or has some negative connotations.
Registered Business Names In
Seven business names ideas that will help you create a name that will last the lifetime of your business include:
Business Names: Idea 1 - Think of as many name options as possible.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose a name that expresses what your business does.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose a name that leaves room for expanding into new products and services.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Select a name that leaves a positive image with your target market.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Conduct trademark research.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Conduct target market research.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Learn the connotations and hear the sounds of each name.
Business Names: Idea 1 - Think Of As Many Name Options As Possible
Start with lots of business names. Ideas will be eliminated as you process through to determining the best one. So make a long list of name options. Ten options will do, but more are better.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose A Name That Reflects Your Business
If you are fortunate enough that your name reflects your business well, or if you have name recognition, you can label your business with your name. Otherwise don't do it.
I know an attorney whose last name is Court. "Court" works for a legal office especially since law firms are notorious about naming the firm after the senior partners. However, if he were an accountant, his last name could be a detriment.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose A Name That Leaves Room For Expanding Into New Products And Services
Don't choose a name that won't grow and expand with your business. Your business name's ideas should be broad enough to cover expansion.
I learned this the hard way and had to rename my business within its first five years. I originally named it Sulton Books. "Sulton" didn't add any value or positive image to the business, and "Books" kept me from expanding into other information products.
I ended up having to rename my business, partially because of the terrorist attacks in Sept. 2001. I needed to rid my business of the negative connotation of "Sulton." I took that opportunity to select a name, "Best Books Plus" that enhanced the business with a more positive connotation and a greater ability for expansion.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Select A Name That Leaves A Positive Image With Your Target Market
Consider how each business name idea will impress target market members. This requires knowing as much as possible about your target market members so you can select a final name that they will like.
But don't tie your name to the target market so that you can't later expand into new target markets. Remember you're trying to avoid the expense of renaming your business later.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Assure That Name Options Are Available
It's vital to determine that none of your name options are already being used by other businesses.
Search for the "United States Patent and Trademark Office" on one of the search engines. The correct site will end in "gov." Once there, you can search for each name option to see if it is a part of a trademark. Eliminate all options that are taken to avoid possible suits and certain renaming of your business.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Query Your Target Market
Next detrmine which ideas that your target market members like best. Ask them what first comes to mind when you mention each business name.
This is also a good time to get their feedback about your product. That feedback will sometimes give you even more name ideas.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Learn The Connotations And Hear The Sounds Of Each Name
You should consider the connotations and sound of the words in each because a name that sounds pleasant and flows well will generally work best.
You also need to know the connotation of each word for the culture of your target market. A positive name in one culture can be negative in another.
Avoid mistakes like that of the American car company. When naming a model "Nova," no one checked to see what the name means in different languages. In one country, it means "no go." That meaning wasn't good for sales.
In Conclusion
By considering each of these seven business name ideas, you can pick a business name that will serve your business well throughout its life.
Both Marcia Yudkin & Linda P. Morton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Marcia Yudkin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Writing and Marketing. . Marcia Yudkin's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Linda P. Morton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Advertising Guide, Online Marketing and Writing. Get more information about and learn what best appeals to yours. Find completed. Linda P. Morton's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
