Seven Business Names: Ideas That Get It Right The First Time
Good business name ideas help you to create names that will serve your business well for a lifetime.
The following seven business names ideas will create a name that you’ll never have to replace:
Business Names: Idea 1 - Think of as many name options as possible.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Select a name that matches your business.
Business Names: Idea 3 - Select a name that allows expansion of your business.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Choose a name that makes a positive impression on your business’ target market.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Assure that name options are available.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Query your target market.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Know the sounds and meanings for each name option.
Business Names: Idea 1 - Start With Many Name Options
You need to start with many business names. Ideas will be eliminated through the process of selecting a final name. So brainstorm and put your subconscious to work. Use a thesaurus and get a list of as many business name ideas as you can. I suggest at least ten.
Business Names: Idea 2 - Select A Name That Matches Your Business
Unless you are fortunate enough for your name to truly represent what your business does, or to be a well-known celebrity within your industry, don’t name your business after yourself.
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 - Select A Name That Allows Expansion Of Your Business.
Just because you start your business with a specific product doesn’t mean that you won’t expand into different product lines. Your name should be broad enough to cover your business as it grows.
To exemplify business name ideas two and three, let me tell you what I did. When I started my business in 2000, I named it Sulton Books. Sulton is a blend of my and my husband’s last names. “Sulton” portrayed no message to add to the business name and “Books” limited my business to books.
After the Twin Towers were bombed, the Arabic sound to “Sulton” became a distinct disadvantage. I was smarter with the second name, “Best Books Plus,” because “Best” added a positive connotation. “Books” was still appropriate for my business, and “Plus” enabled me to expand beyond just books.
Business Names: Idea 4 - Be Certain That The Name Relates Positively To Your Target Market
You need to know as much as possible about your target market so you can select a final name that leaves a positive impression with target market members.
Still don’t select a name that is so specific to your target market that you can’t expand into new markets later. You don’t want to have to rename your business in order to expand it in anyway.
Business Names: Idea 5 - Determine If Any Name Options Are Taken
It’s vital to determine that none of your name options are already being used by other businesses.
Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office site. You can search your business name ideas to determine if any are already trademarked by another business. Delete all business name ideas that are part of a trademark to avoid potential legal expenses and an almost certain judgment that you rename your business.
Business Names: Idea 6 - Research Your Target Market
It’s time to try your name options on members of your target market. Get as many as you can to tell you which name options they like best and what comes to mind with each option.
While you’re at it, show them your product and get their reactions to it. Sometimes their reactions will provide new name ideas.
Business Names: Idea 7 - Know The Sounds And Meanings For Each Name Option
The best business names sound good and flow well of the tongue. They also portray positive meanings.
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.
Today we live in a multi-cultural nation and world. It’s vital to know what words mean across cultures to avoid mistakes like that of “Nova.” The name of this American-produced car actually meant “no go” in some languages.
Conclusion
By using these seven business name ideas, you will never have to pick another name for your business.