by Linda P. Morton

The right business name ideas help you to get your business name right the first time.

The following seven business names ideas will create a name that you’ll never have to replace:

Business Names: Idea 1 – Create numerous name options.

Business Names: Idea 2 – Select a name that matches your business.

Business Names: Idea 3 – Select a name that allows expansion of your business.

Business Names: Idea 4 – Choose a name that makes a positive impression on your business’ target market.

Business Names: Idea 5 – Determine if any name options are taken.

Business Names: Idea 6 – Research your target market.

Business Names: Idea 7 – Know the sounds and meanings for each name option.

Business Names: Idea 1 – Start With Many Name Options

You can’t have too many business name options. Ideas won’t all withstand the elimination process. So list as many as possible in a brainstorming fashion. Get ideas everywhere, but list at least ten business names ideas.

Business Names: Idea 2 – Choose A Name That Expresses What Your Business Does

Unless you are fortunate enough for your name to truly represent what your business does, or to be a well-known celebrity within your industry, don’t name your business after yourself.

I know an attorney whose last name is Court. “Court” works for a legal office especially since law firms are notorious about naming the firm after the senior partners. However, if he were an accountant, his last name could be a detriment.

Business Names: Idea 3 – Select A Name That Allows Expansion Of Your Business.

Consider possible ways that you may want to grow your business as you select a name. Then select one that will cover you if you grow your business in new directions.

To exemplify business name ideas two and three, let me tell you what I did. When I started my business in 2000, I named it Sulton Books. Sulton is a blend of my and my husband’s last names. “Sulton” portrayed no message to add to the business name and “Books” limited my business to books.

After the Twin Towers were bombed, the Arabic sound to “Sulton” became a distinct disadvantage. I was smarter with the second name, “Best Books Plus,” because “Best” added a positive connotation. “Books” was still appropriate for my business, and “Plus” enabled me to expand beyond just books.

Business Names: Idea 4 – Choose A Name That Makes A Positive Impression On Your Business’ Target Market

You need to know as much as possible about your target market so you can select a final name that leaves a positive impression with target market members.

But don’t tie your name to the target market so that you can’t later expand into new target markets. Remember you’re trying to avoid the expense of renaming your business later.

Business Names: Idea 5 – Determine If Any Name Options Are Taken

You need research to assure that none of your business name ideas are already taken.

You can search for trademarks that use any of you name options at the United States Patent and Trademark Office site. Eliminate all options that are a part of a trademark name to assure that you don’t get sued and have to change your name later.

Business Names: Idea 6 – Research Your Target Market

Now, you’ll need to find some representative members of your target market and what they think of when hearing or reading each name. Then ask them which name options that they like best.

While you’re at it, show them your product and get their reactions to it. Sometimes their reactions will provide new name ideas.

Business Names: Idea 7 – Learn The Connotations And Hear The Sounds Of Each Name

The best business names sound good and flow well of the tongue. They also portray positive meanings.

And don’t forget that words’ meaning vary in different cultures. What you consider positive in your culture may not be so in another culture.

Avoid mistakes like that of the American car company. When naming a model “Nova,” no one checked to see what the name means in different languages. In one country, it means “no go.” That meaning wasn’t good for sales.

Summary

By using these seven business name ideas, you will never have to pick another name for your business.

About the Author:
Get more information about Target Markets and learn what best appeals to yours at Target Markets. You will also find completed Target Market Profiles. Linda P. Morton writes on many marketing topics. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

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