What’s In a Name?
Choosing a name for your new business is not an easy task. After all, a company’s name does far more than just identify the company. It tells your customers who you are, what you do and how you do it. If done right your name is what will differentiate you from your competition, spark your customer’s interest and encourage further exploration of your business. Simply put, your company’s name can make or break your business.
An effective name accurately:
- Reflects your company’s identity
- Tells customers what you do
- Tells customers how you do what you do
- Differentiates your business from your competitors
- Sparks customer interest
- Invites customers to learn more
One of the most important parts of branding is creating a name that tells who you are. You will be actively promoting this name and getting it in front of as many eyes as possible. It should reflect how you want the public to view your business. This might mean integrating your personal name into the name of your business. This is a very common practice in professions such as legal, medical, accounting and construction. Other businesses prefer a more descriptive name.
Second to telling who you are your name should tell what it is that you do. Descriptive names do much better at this than implementing your own name. While a select few might know what you do by your own name, many others will have no idea.
Words can be extremely powerful. By carefully selecting the words used in your business name you can convey a great deal about your company’s image. Typically, many businesses will offer the same services as you. When choosing your name consider how you want people to feel about what you do.
Your company’s name is your first opportunity to tell customers how you are different from your competition. This can be done by emphasizing what makes you unique. Pick a name that pinpoints the aspects of your business that won’t be found anywhere else.
Creating customer interest is both an art and a science. Before selecting a name consider your target audience and what qualities of your service are of the greatest importance to them. The important qualities should be emphasized in your name. Word choice is equally important. In addition, if directory listings (such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, Angie’s List and Merchant Circle) are important to your business, consider choosing a name that starts with a letter from the top of the alphabet.
If you want a name that is both inviting and approachable you will need to choose one that will not intimidate your customers. Your name should reflect the qualities that your target audience will be interested in.
Alter Impact has over fifteen years of experience helping businesses brand themselves. For more information on how we can help your business please contact us today.
