How to Pick the Perfect Business Name

Do you need to pick the perfect business name? For those parents out there, it’s just like expecting your first child. If you’ve been there like me, your business is a baby of some sort. You’re excited and nervous with anticipation. You have a long to-do list, and it keeps getting longer by the day as you discover more ways you can serve.  The future is bright, and everyone around you is excited. The pressure is on to choose a business name your clients will love.

When I named my daughter, I combed through an entire baby book and made a list. I love lists. I came across Addison, and it made it on the list. I had always wanted to name my daughter Madison. Given that Madison was on the top 10 girl name list, I wanted something unique.

Sprout was born in a very similar fashion. First, I made a massive list of words that I loved. The word Sprout represents growth, warmth, and prosperity. I kept coming back to that word. Second, I wanted part of the name to express what I do for my clients. Then, somehow it came to me – helping dreams grow. My passion is helping others grow their business. It was perfect.

Check out these six tips on how to choose a business name that’s perfect for your dream:

Leave a Great First Impression

First impressions leave a lasting impression. We’ve all heard the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” We know we shouldn’t, but how often have we fallen for it?

You’re on vacation in a new city, and you drive by a restaurant that looks like it needs considerable work. Do you go inside? Now, if the hotel attendant recommends it as their favorite place in town, how does that change your perception?

Choose a name that will leave your ideal client curious to learn more about your product or services. It’s already hard enough to break through the noise in today’s world. Make this one easy.

Be Memorable

We tend to remember words and phrases that are shorter, unique, sound well together, and easy to read. For example, your name could refer to the product or service itself or geographic location. Here are some examples:

• Uber – This unique, short word is now a household name for the taxi industry.
• Coca-Cola – The full name Coca-Cola has a ring to its sound. Some areas of the country even shorten it to Coke. 
• Nationwide – Known for providing insurance nationwide… their name says it all.
• Shrimp and Grits Kids – They sell southern-style clothing for kids. The name helps you picture it: bonnets, smocked dresses, rompers, overalls, and monogramming everywhere.

How Does it Make your Ideal Client Feel?

Read that again. Notice the ideal client part. I know you love it. But, does your dream client? Put yourself in their shoes. How do you envision they will react? It’s a great idea to share it with others for feedback. Powerful brands make you feel something when you see their name or logo.

It’s got Personality

If your business was a person, how would they be described? Warm, welcoming, professional, dependable, approachable, kind, or funny. This is the first step to developing your voice and tone. What words do you want your dream client to think of when they see your name? That way, when you’re looking at your list or the final choice, you can double-check to see if you reached your goal.

Google it

Is there a business or organization out there in the universe with that name? Remember to search with your browser in Incognito, so competitors don’t see what you’re looking for. Of course, depending on how you’re going to establish your business will depend on if you need to trademark or register your name and mark.  Either way, it’s always good to know what already exists.

Visual Power

My favorite part is the logo design. It can be the most challenging part but has to be just right for you and your ideal clients to love it. If it’s not loved by all, start over, get more options, or redesign it. It’s too important. Colors, font choice, shape, and size, must be considered when designing a powerful brand image. Because a powerful brand will make a great first impression, be memorable, evoke emotion, and have a personality.

How did you choose your business name? Leave me a comment and share your story. I can’t wait to hear how your dream name came to life!

Ready, set, grow!

All my best,