Many new entrepreneurs think that naming a business is an easy task and they don’t put too much thought in their process. It is imperative to understand that naming your company is one of the most important steps of starting a business. It is the first thing your clients will know about you. It should be memorable, short and to the point, and it should say the most it can about your business. To help you come up with the best name for your business we are listing 5 tips that can assist you and give you some ideas.
- The name of your company should sound good when you say it out loud.
Make sure to say the name you choose out loud several times, it shouldn’t be hard to pronounce. Don’t make it hard for people to say it, remember that you want everybody to share the name of your company, and the easier it can be said the faster it will be mentioned.
- Have meaning.
As a new business you want people to know immediately what you do. Try to find a name that best describes what your business does. It should reflect the direct benefit that you’re offering your clients. Be careful and don’t try to list all the benefits and services your company can provide; focus on what your business does primarily. Note that even juggernauts like Apple started their companies explaining what they did on their name, they were Apple Computer Co.
- Don’t get too creative.
Unless you’re a trendy new tech company, the name of your business should be very straight forward. While on the internet you can find companies like Flickr and Tumblr misspelling their names, this doesn’t work in real life. People want to know how to pronounce the name of a company and they want to know how to spell it. Your clients shouldn’t have to have a hard time trying to find you. They should not have to spend time spelling the name of your company when they reference you to others.
- Avoid explanations.
Don’t use acronyms. While there are very successful companies that use acronyms for most of them it took years before they adopted just letters as their name. Take IBM for example, it started as International Business Machines and it took it more than 20 years before just adopting IBM.
When you’re starting a business you shouldn’t have to constantly be giving an explanation of what the letters of your name mean to your clients. A simple and interesting name should be perfect for your startup.
- Make sure you can use it.
You’ll have to do some research to now if you can use the name you have chosen. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Corporation Division is the place to register your corporation, nonprofit corporation, assumed business name, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, Oregon trademark or service mark. Go to the Forms and Fees page to file a business online or download forms to print and mail.
Finding the right name takes some time.
Be patient and brainstorm some ideas. Remember to say the name out loud and ask others if they can tell you what your business is about with the name of your business only.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help coming up with a branding identity. We have more than 16 years of experience helping companies and organizations to create their brand from the ground up. Our team of expert marketers can help you find the best name, create a unique logo and/or form and entire identity for your business. Please contact us and let us help you.