When you name your child, most people put extensive thought into the perfect name for their bundle of joy! Even though you have undoubtedly heard some strange names that left you wondering what were their parents thinking, most children’s names are well thought out.
Well, the same effort that goes into naming your first born should also be put forth when naming your first small business.
Below are several tips to consider when naming your business:
Tip #1: Make sure people can pronounce, spell and remember it.
Don’t make things so difficult when naming that your customers are left scratching their heads and asking, “What in the heck is the name of that new store?” Catchy, but not awkward, is the key.
Tip #2: Determine what you want your business name to portray.
Some businesses benefit from a small hometown type of name, while others may do better with a more corporate image name. A person’s name is part of their identity, and the same holds true for any business.
Tip #3: Be creative!
It is great to be creative, but we caution against anything TOO creative. For example, “Taste-Tea Beverage Company” is clever, but sounds so much like “Tasty.” When people go to search for you on the internet they may have a hard time finding your business.
Tip #4: Think long term.
Instead of “Bob’s Biscuit Shop,” remember that one day you may expand and prefer your name to not be a part of the business name.
For a good laugh, read this article on business name failures, such as Herpes Pizza, Slaughter and Sons Funeral Home, and Butt Drilling. Those names will definitely be remembered, but all for the wrong reasons!
Perhaps you already have a business name, but are considering renaming the business. If so, check out: 4 Steps for Renaming Your Business.