Things to consider when naming your Business

Naming your business is an exciting step. It has been for centuries. Think about household brand names like Coca Cola or Macy’s. Well, today, naming your business is a little more complex. Fact is, a good business name is the key to success with your new business. I remember a client with a business name that made sense, however when management realized that the abbreviated acronym for their business actually directed you to an adult content site, they were a little embarrassed and had to backtrack using that abbreviation as quickly as possible. So, how do you make your business name stick? What should you consider when choosing a name for your Caribbean business?

Make it Unique and Special

Google it. Make sure that your domain name is available. It’s no good to have a fantastic branding for your business and then find out you can’t have a website at that address. If you business is geographically targeted, having the city, state or region in your brand name is ok, but check to see that there isn’t another business with that name in your geographic target

Logo Friendly, Brandable

Is it something that will look good on your staff t-shirts? Is it understandable to your target audience? Never forget the first rule: keep it short and simple and unique. That means no ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Construction” or “Kasailowitz Industries Incorporated” Choose a company name that is functional and descriptive, easy to remember, and most of all, empowering and exciting.

Keyword Rich

If someone just read your business name, would they know what you sell/do? Use a description that includes keywords. I love to shop at OnlineShoes.com. You know how I found them? I googled “online shoes.” It’s ingenious! Many names include information about what your business does and that makes all of your customers lives so much easier. But if you plan not to do so, make sure the other elements somehow give a clue about it. Like in our case, Sugarmill Media. Sugarmill’s are part of the culture and history of the geographic location of our business, but not confining enough to limit our business here. Media describes what we do.

Don’t Limit Yourself

Don’t let your name limit your growth. Pick a business name that allows you the opportunity for growth. If you open Acme Screws and then decide to start selling nails, hammers and power tools, well, you’ve outgrown your name. There is the option to change your business, but from a branding and financial perspective that’s not a good move.  Changing out your letterhead, stationary, signage, brochures, website would all be avoidable if you pick a good FIRST business name.

Final Thoughts

Remember one thing: your company name is a representation of you and business. The more important thing is that you associate your chosen name to quality service. Who knows, that name could become a household name in the future. So, put those thinking caps on and start your Caribbean business marketing plan with a good business name.