Good business name ideas help you to create names that will serve your business well for a lifetime. That’s important because having to rename your business is an expense best to avoid.

Seven business name ideas that will help you get it right the first time include:

Business Name Idea 1: Start with many name options.

Business Name Idea 2: Choose a name that expresses what your business does.

Business Name Idea 3: Choose a name that leaves room for expanding into new products and services.

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

Business Name Idea 5: Conduct trademark research.

Business Name Idea 6: Conduct target market research.

Business Name Idea 7: Consider the connotations and sound of the words for each option.

Business Name Idea 1: Start With Many Name Options.

You need to start with many business name ideas in order to have enough to eliminate through the process of selecting a final name. So brainstorm and put your subconscious to work. Use a thesaurus and get a list of your business name ideas. I suggest at least ten.

Business Name 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 with name recognition 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.

You can use both your name and a word that expresses what your business does, but unless your name portrays a message that adds to the business name, you’re wasting valuable words.

Business Name Idea 3: Choose A Name That Leaves Room For Expanding Into New Products And Services

Don’t choose a name that won’t grow and expand with your business. Your business name ideas should be broad enough to cover expansion.

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 Sept. 11, 2001, the name developed a negative connotation. So I had to change it, incurring additional expenses. I renamed it “Best Books Plus”, which enhances the business and incorporates more than books.

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

Consider how each business name idea will impress target market members. You need to know as much as possible about your target market so you can select a final name that creates a positive impression for your business.

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 Name Idea 5: Conduct Trademark Research

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

Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office site. You can search your business name ideas to determine if any are already trademarked by another business. Delete all business name ideas that are part of a trademark to avoid potential legal expenses and a almost certain demand that you rename your business.

Business Name Idea 6: Conduct Target Market Research

Next research which ideas that your target market members like best. Ask them what first comes to mind when you mention each business name.

And don’t forget to get their reactions to your product. You can get additional business name ideas from their reactions

Business Name Idea 7: Consider The Connotations And Sound Of The words In Each Business Name Idea.

You should consider the connotations and sound of the words in each because a name that sounds pleasant and flows well will generally work best.

You also need to know the connotation of each word for the culture of your target market. A positive name in one culture can be negative in another.

You don’t want to make the mistake of a major American car company who named a model “Nova”. When they attempted to sell it overseas, they learned that the name there meant “No Go”. Obviously they didn’t sell many there.

Conclusion

By considering each of these seven business name ideas, you can pick a business name that will serve your business well throughout its life.

Then you won’t have to go to the trouble and expense of renaming and re-branding your business after it is already established.

To Get Information About Your Target Market, See Target Market Profiles.

Submitted to Article Directories 5-05-08: Business Name Ideas