What Makes a Good Company Name
If you`ve gone through the list and are still wondering how to name your business, why not take a page from Twitter`s book and pick a random word from the dictionary? Some examples of clear, simple and fascinating domain names are Canny.com, Cling.com, Afire.com and Administer.com. A domain name like “OnlineTickets.com” is great because it conveys the importance of the business and is useful for search engine optimization. Sometimes names look good on paper, but sound bad when spoken out loud. And if it`s said out loud, make sure people aren`t confused about how it`s written. You can start your investigation by doing a general internet search to find companies with the same name. You can also search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database for names registered as trademarks. When performing a search, be sure to check for alternative spellings and abbreviations. As a business owner, you`ll have to live with the name for a long time, so make sure you`re happy with it and believe it will resonate with your customers.
Take the time to get it right from the start. However, developing names is never as easy as people think and doesn`t always get the investment it deserves. This requires planning, focus and perseverance and, ideally, the inclusion of an experienced “brand” to truly succeed. When branding your business, it`s important to maintain consistency across all major online and social media platforms. Since domain names and social media handles are a commodity, you cannot assume that the desired business name will be available. As with any marketing, a clear briefing is crucial to success. Agree in advance on name generation with the type of name you need and its desired role in existing or new brand architecture. Clarify terminology for everyone involved to check if everyone speaks the same language (e.g., primary brand, endorsement mark, sub-brand, ownable descriptor), as we discussed in a previous article here.
Remove or add a letter or completely change the spelling of a well-known word to make your business name more catchy. Take Flickr and Tumblr, for example – these brands omitted the “e” at the end to create concise and catchy names. Or choose a word that is essential to your business and invent a new spelling, as Reebok did – the sports brand was inspired by the word “Rhebok”, an African antelope. In fact, what makes a brand name great is part of the name. The more distinctive, memorable and emotionally appealing, the better. But always remember that a brand name in itself means nothing to the customer or consumer. It`s the entire brand experience – constantly created and delivered over time through precise brand positioning, marketing strategy and creative execution – that adds value and helps build successful brands. Having a name that resonates with your consumers can save you money because you don`t have to spend advertising money to clarify a convoluted message. A good name can also set you apart from the competition, help you reach new markets, and open doors for future growth. But naming your business involves much more than just thinking of a name you like. A good name reflects your company`s identity and goals.
This will help you sell yourself. And it won`t get you into legal trouble. Whether you`re partnering with another entrepreneur or merging with another company, mix bits of both names to create a new one. When Twentieth Century Pictures and Fox Film Corporation merged, they simply became 20th Century Fox. Uniqueness: Customers won`t remember a brand name if it`s not unique. A memorable branding is all about standing out from the competition, and that starts with a cool and unique business name. A starter brand name that catches a customer`s attention will be recalled later. Fortunately, it`s never too late to change a company`s name.
Some of the most successful companies changed their names when a better idea came along. Xerox was formerly known as The Haloid Photographic Company; Nissan was Datsun; and LG shortened its name to Lucky and GoldStar Co. A big name may hit you right away, or it may be the result of careful adjustments over time. Availability: Last but not least, you need to make sure that your brand name is not already taken. Aside from the legal risks, having another brand with your name (or something similar) can be confusing for customers and hurt your online reputation. This also applies to your domain name. Your domain name should be as memorable as your business name and easily associated with your brand. Once you`ve chosen a name, make sure you claim a functional area as soon as possible. There`s no magic formula for creating a good business name, but there are five different traits that all big names have in common: Existing names have established meanings, but these terms are likely to be used by some of your competitors.