How to Name a Business

By PokerPlayingDad

Rate: (0 Ratings)

When starting the business, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is choosing a name for that business. There are many factors that go into choosing a name for your business. This is one of the first decisions you make as a business owner. Here are some guidelines for how to choose a name for your business.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Imagination
  • Knowledge of other businesses in field
  • Creativity

How To Name A Business

Step1
Create a name that advertises as well as describes your business. When you start a business, the first thing you need to realize is your business name is your first form of advertising. Make sure that the name of your business gives an indication of what your company does. As an example Mack's Crab Shack is a great name for a crab restaurant. On the other hand, Mack's Crab Shack is probably a bad name for a kennel or dog training facility.
Step2
Choose a name that stands out. Not only should your business name be one that advertises your business, but it should stand out as memorable as well. Remember that most customers rely on memory instead of written notes when hearing your business advertised. If the name of your business is catchy such as Jamaican Jerk Jubilee Restaurant it is more likely to be remembered than a name such as Jim's Jamaican Restaurant.
Step3
Know your competition. Research the industry you are getting into and the names of the competition. Find out which businesses are successful and look at their names. How did they go about naming their company? Is there something similar with the names of all the successful companies in your area of business? If so, you might want to incorporate that into your business name when you choose one.
Step4
Do some focus group testing. Focus group testing does not have to be expensive. Once you have chosen a final list of names, get a group of random people that you know and ask them for their opinions on the names and find out how they would rank your list of names. Find out what name would be most likely to catch their attention, and what name they would most likely remember. If you want a larger test group and you have the finances, you could hire a market research firm to do your focus group testing for you.
Step5
Choose a name you will be happy with. Remember, in the end it is your business. If you have a name that you don't like, the only person in the end you can blame is yourself. Remember, as the owner of your small business you have the final decision.

Tips & Warnings

  • Ask friends, family, and colleagues for suggestions if you have run into a road block when trying to come up with a company name.
  • Be careful not to use copyrighted names as part of your company name, or you could face legal issues.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Name a Business

Article By: PokerPlayingDad

PokerPlayingDad

Novice Novice | 0 Points

Category: Business

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads