What to do When Choosing a Business Name
Many people choose their business name based on what they like or are good at. Entrepreneurs often go with their last name or a part of it. Sometimes they choose something related to their business. When choosing a business name, most people spend a lot of time looking for the perfect name. Business owners are fortunate to have a unique kind of freedom that is not afforded to the average citizen. Here are some facts and tips for choosing a business name.
1. A Name that’s Consistent a Company’s Brand
A good business name is consistent with a company’s brand. According to pain management specialist Dr. Jordan Sudberg, “The name of the company should tie to the brand.” When deciding on a business name, it is better to choose one that reflects the company’s identity than to choose one that is whimsical, or that may not be easy to remember. A well-branded company will look professional and be seen as a credible source of information.
2. Name Should Avoid Conflicts
A good business name should not conflict with other similar names. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, if a name is too similar to another registered name, then one of the names might have to be changed. For example, Pepsi and PepsiCo have been in a dispute because the name was close to Pepsico Inc.. This can happen even if either party has no intention of confusion. Therefore, customers may think their favorite brand runs out of their favorite beverage.
3. Avoid Jargony Names
A good business name should not be jargon regarding the quality of its services or how it does business. This does not mean that a company can’t develop a creative name for its brand; however, Dr. Jordan Sudberg says that companies should avoid too complicated words so that their customers will not have trouble figuring out what they do. Also, a brand name should not imply that the company is something it isn’t. To build customer credibility, it is better to stick to the truth in advertising.
4. Thinking About the Future
A good business name should be able to expand across other media platforms. Before deciding what to call their company, business owners should consider whether the character will last if it is used in different kinds of media. Businesses that have a website or use social media must know that the company’s name needs to work in places like Facebook and Twitter. This will make it easier for people to learn more about what they do.
5. Avoid Confusing Names
A good business name is one that doesn’t confuse people. For example, in recent years, Dr. Sudberg has noticed more people mix up the terms Novocain and Novolin. Also, some people get confused between ThermaCare and Thermacare. Before making a final choice on what business name to use, it may be a good idea to see if there are any similar or jargon names out there for business owners to avoid using at all costs when choosing a brand name for their company or startup venture.
A good business name should make sense and reflect what the company does. It is always a good idea to pick a name that reflects the business’s identity before deciding which name best represents the business.