Choosing a business name can be one of the biggest — and most stressful — decisions you’ll ever make. You want a name that reflects who you are and what you stand for. You want it to tell potential customers exactly what you offer.
In short, you want the perfect name for your company. Your baby.
Here are five tips to help you navigate what truly may be the most important decision in the life of your business.
Keep Your Business Name Simple
First, you want a name that people can spell and pronounce without thinking twice. A name that’s easy to say is a name that’s easy to share.
You don’t want to cause confusion right off the bat. It should be understood by everyone — from your best customer to the person seeing your sign for the first time.
If you’re spending your days explaining the story behind your brand or coaching people on how to pronounce it, that’s a red flag. Simple wins every time.
Have Fun With Word Play
Although you want to keep things straightforward when choosing a business name, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it. Incorporate words that connect to what your business actually does.
Be clever in a way that your audience will understand. Think common phrases and familiar sayings — not inside jokes that only make sense to you.
A great example? We started as “Addis Sign Company” and over the years, our name naturally merged with what we do — becoming Addisigns. It stuck because it made sense.
Be Original — Don’t Copy the Competition
Show some originality when choosing a business name. Don’t copy or play off the name of someone else in your industry. That’s a risk that invites comparison or scorn.
You want to stand out on your own. Not be judged against another brand that people already know.
Your name should be as unique as the service you provide.
Choose a Name People Will Remember
A memorable business name is worth its weight in gold. Think of one that sticks — something as memorable as the product or service you offer.
Go with something unique, but beware of trendy. A name tied to a current fad may not age well. If your customers’ kids won’t understand it ten years from now, it’s probably not the right choice.
The best business names have staying power. They work today and they’ll work twenty years from now.
Your Business Name Shows Up on Your Sign
Here’s something most people don’t think about when choosing a business name — it’s going to end up on a sign. And that sign needs to communicate clearly to people driving by at 40 miles per hour.
A great name that looks confusing on a building sign isn’t doing its job. Think about how your name will look in lights, on your storefront, or on a monument sign out front.
At Addisigns, we help businesses put their best face forward every day. From logos to channel letters to monument signs, we’ve been helping Arizona businesses stand out since 1955.
Make Your Business Stand Out
Finally, have fun with the naming process. Get input from people you trust, but don’t let it overwhelm you.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect name, make sure the world can see it. A professionally designed sign is one of the best investments you can make for your brand.
Want to make your business impossible to miss? Give Addisigns a call at 520-748-1540. Real people answer, and we’d love to help your business stand out.