What does your business name say about you? Finding a company name is a very serious business! From the name alone an immediate opinion is formed and it’s important to start on the right foot, but how do you do you find the name that is just right? We’ve collected a good few nuggets of wisdom on our own long and winding journey (you can read all about it here) and are happy to share that with you.
Don’t try and please everyone!
You will NEVER find a name that everyone likes. Don’t be put off by a little negativity from a few people. In fact, a name that sparks a reaction positive or negative is memorable – much better than a vanilla response.
Focus Groups? Sack em!
Ok, they do have a use but don’t consult too early on with a wide a range of names. Get a shortlist together and then see point 1!
Hold onto that first impression!
The first time a name pops up is your one and only chance to experience it as your potential clients will the first time. As soon as you have so much as repeated the name in your head the feeling starts to morph, and once you have discussed its merits then it changes shape altogether. Use that first feeling, document it and ensure you account for that when weighing it up.
Give it a whirl!
Use your name from a client’s point of view “Yes, I contacted xxx for a quote”, “let’s give xxx a call to see if they’re available”, “I bought this great new rubber duck from xxx”. Does your name work in all contexts?
Sense check that name.
- Can people pronounce it?
- Is the spelling so open to interpretation people could/would get it wrong?
- Does the name work out of immediate context? – no point having jargon which your target market may not understand or colloquial terms which could be confusing for a client from another country.
- Are there other companies doing the same thing with a similar name? You don’t want to be inadvertently entwined with another companies reputation.
Check the website name is available!
Can you buy the web address? There are many tools that you can use to check the availability of web addresses (the most popular being Go Daddy, 123-reg and our personal tool of choice Heart Internet). It can be pretty frustrating when the web address you want is taken, especially when it leads to a blank or spam page. If you find yourself in this position don’t despair, it can be worthwhile to check with Who Is to get the owner’s details, then hunt them down and strike a deal!
Are you an inadvertent A.R.S.E.?
What is your acronym? Imagine “Adam Roberts Signage & Equipment” going for their logo design and coming back with…
Have you found your dream business name?
If you have all of these points covered then hurrah and well done you! Now get on the case and start to build your business! Of course, we are here to help with branding, web development, social media or a chat! 😀
