Five Pitfalls to Avoid When Naming Your Business

Naming your new business should be exciting and fun. After conceiving a plan and readying your new product or service for potential clients, you are now ready to create the name under which you will conduct business in the marketplace. While it may seem easy, this step can be tricky. In addition to legal considerations, there are several other marketing pitfalls to avoid when choosing a name. 

1. The Name is Not Unique

The issue here is two-fold. First, you need to choose a name that is not already taken by another company. One way to avoid this pitfall is by utilizing Namify’s website to generate a list of business name ideas. On this site, you may input keywords for your business, and Namify will generate a list of names that are not already taken.  

Second, the name should be unique from the standpoint that it grabs attention and seems fresh to your audience. If a customer does an internet search and your business name blends in with all the others, he or she is much less likely to click on your site. 

2. The Name is Understandable to Only a Few

If you already have a small network of clients, it may seem appealing to utilize a name that serves as an inside joke. This is a dangerous technique. If your name is inclusive and understandable to a wide range of people, you are more likely to expand your existing network faster.

3. The Name is Spelled Wrong

Whether it is intentional or not, spelling a word wrong in your name is truly risky business. Unless there is some way to make it clear that you are spelling a word wrong for effect, this strategy could backfire. Potential customers may assume that you are careless and don’t pay attention to detail. And frankly, even if it’s obvious that you did it on purpose, the tactic may annoy folks. 

4. No One Can Pronounce Your Name

Similar to the spelling issue, if people struggle to say your business name, they may avoid accessing your company. Be sure to evaluate your target audience and make sure that your name is inclusive of their language and preferences. While utilizing grandiose words may appeal to you, if people aren’t sure how to say it, they are less likely to repeat it. 

5. The Name is Bland

While we’ve stressed hereto the importance of keeping the name short and simple, it’s important to avoid utilizing a name that is so bland that it blends into the landscape. Here again, Namify can help by producing fresh ideas for your business name. Any new business will struggle at first to develop a large customer base. You will struggle less if you have a name that stands out from the competition. 

It’s true that there is a lot to think about when it comes to naming your business. However, it should nevertheless be a fun and exciting thing for you to do. Take your time and get help if you need it. You’ll be glad you took the extra time to get your name just right. 

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.