Friday, 18 May 2012
Naming Your Business
Naming Your Business & Building a Brand & Identity
Naming your business is one of the first hurdles to clear when starting your new business.
When researching an appropriate name for your business, as explained below, don't forget to ensure that the same name is available
as a domain name - if the business'registered name is exactly the same as its domain name it will serve to further enhance your brand.
So let's get started with naming your business...
Name Your Business - Develop Your Brand
If you don't already have a business name you need to come up with a memorable name that can accurately convey what
your business stands for & one that can be developed into your brand.
Once you've decided on your name check to see that it is available to use as your domain name as well & if it is make sure you
register your business name with the Company Names Registrar & register your domain name with a reputable registrar online.
By doing this you creating value in terms of branding & intellectual property rights.
- What's In a Name?
What's the big deal about a name you may ask - well the answer is everything.
The name you decide on for your business should be one that seperates you from the rest which will distinguish your business
from your competition and forge a select niche within which you can market your goods & services.
And remember, a name lasts forever (& is unlikely to be changed during the business' existence) so research & choose it wisely.
- How to come up with a snappy & appropriate business name?
You may be lucky & just come up with a name that feels right, but if that doesn't happen you'll need to research an appropriate name
which can be done by conducting a survey or by asking friends & colleagues for their suggestions.
Another good technique is to brainstorm by listing the type of emotions you want you market to feel when hearing your name - from there
you can extract related words & phrases which you can mess around with until you come up with something exciting.
Avoid restricting yourself, in terms of a geographical reference for example, as you may expand in the future or change your focus slightly
which could damage your brand identity.
- So what makes a great business name?
A great, memorable name will make someone pause & consider it - it could be a name that rolls easily off the tongue
& represents your business activities in a clever way.
A good name should be suggestive to stimulate the imagination or even arbitrary names like Apple which is a huge brand name but has little
relevance to the products under it's banner.
It should also be appropriate for your target market - for instance a rapper type name may not be suitable for an accounting business
which targets the financial sector.
At the end of the day, whatever name you decide on start promoting it enthusiastically as this is the first step in building your brand’s identity
which can develop into something of real value in the long run.
- Create a Logo
Whilst we're talking about your business'name & building your brand, don't forget you will also need an eye catching logo
that can be associated with your business' products & services.
Designing a really professional looking one can be difficult, but don't worry there's a link below where you'll be able to get a free
one created.
- Useful Resources
The next step (Step 2) in starting & setting up your $100 a day online business is
How to set Up a Professional Online Presence »
- Naming Your Business & Brand Identity
- 3 Keys For a Successful & Effective Online Presence
