Catchy Business Names
May 13th, 2009 by Laurie Neumann
How important do you think the name of your business is? Many people choose catchy business names, only to find out that they actually hindered their business instead of helped it. How can this be?
If the catchy name you choose for your business doesn’t clearly tell what the business is all about, you have missed the boat. A catchy name is only good if it draws someone in, and then gives them what they expected to find. Otherwise, you will have angry, disappointed or confused visitors who never become customers.
I have just written an article on this. You can read it at Catchy Business Names – Good Idea?
I agree, Laurie. I was a bit worried about choosing “A Word Aptly Written.” For one thing, it’s too long. It’s a little bit difficult to say, too; it doesn’t roll off one’s tongue. Still, it’s what I do. JoJo Tabares (artofeloquence.com) actually came up with the name. She uses Proverbs 25:11 on lots of things, “A Word Aptly Spoken is like apples of Gold in settings of Silver.” (I’m paraphrasing here!) Well, a word aptly written is, too! I wanted something with a Biblical flare and I finally agreed she was right. And she was!
Carla,
I love the name of your business! It tells what it is all about, and that’s the important thing.
I think my name is too long too, but I feel it says what my business is all about. So sometimes longer names can work too.
Blessings,
Laurie
There are some amazingly creative folks in my area. I see the most adorable business names. A chain of stores selling mostly patio furniture here in Arizona is called Paddy O. One of the local churches has a coffee shop called, He Brews. If it tells what you do and is catchy, you have a winner, but you are right. If it is simply catchy and doesn’t give people a good idea of what you do, ias my dd likes to say “Epic Fail”. lol
I thought long and hard about my business name and felt it was not as catchy as some of the other names I found but I thought it portrayed what I did well. The only thing is that nobody can seem to spell “eloquence” and I often have folks call asking for Art of Elegance. Once a customer’s dd thought we were Art of Elephants. I guess an elephant never forgets how to communicate effectively. lolol
JoJo,
That’s funny about the Art of Elephants. I know eloquence can seem a little tricky to spell, but you’re right – it says exactly what you do.
I’m glad to hear you thought about the name for a long time before choosing. I think too many people just kind of pick one that seems ok, but you have to remember, you will have that name for many years so you want to pick wisely.
Laurie
I guess one might say that I have a name fixation. I love creating them, and titles for books too!
My two business’ are: “At Home with Christian Fiction,” and “The 3 R’s Home and Pet Care.” The 3 R’s stand for reliable, responsible, and reasonable; which I include on all my promotional materials.
Laurie, I enjoyed your article on this topic, and the ability to hop over to your other article on marketing. Good going!
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for the comment! I love both of the names you have chosen. “At Home with Christian Fiction” tells you exactly what your site is all about (and it’s a great site!) and “The 3 R’s Home and Pet Care” covers all the important issues someone thinks about when looking for someone to take care of their beloved pet or home. Nice job!
Laurie