When deciding what to name your business, there are several important factors you should consider:
- How does the name sound or roll off your tongue? Is it easy to pronounce? Is it memorable?
- What does the name say about your business—and is that the image you want to portray? Low Budget Designs is fine if you want to be known for your low prices. Paula’s Pretty Designs may be too cute to appeal to a corporate market. Corporate Graphics is not the best choice if you also want to attract clients for services other than graphic design.
- Does the name limit you or indicate an inaccurate specialization? Page Makers would probably eliminate those clients who would like for you to use InDesign.
- Is the name positioned near the beginning of the alphabet? Give yourself an edge in the directories by being listed near the top of your category. I have a client whose business is consistently listed at the top of every list—Absolute Solutions and Associates. I wished I’d learned this lesson before I named my business 10 years ago. TWA Solutions is, pretty much, at the back of the line. So, here’s a wonderful opportunity for you to learn from my mistake.
In choosing a name, consider words that are descriptive of what you do and evocative of the spirit you wish your business to portray. You might feel comfortable using your name (Abigail London and Associates or Bradford Designs), particularly if it positions you at the front of the alphabet. Try to stay away from names that may appear offensive.
Obviously, I did not follow my own guidelines! When I started my business 10 years ago, my main focus was on writing. I named my company The Writer’s Assistant. My rationale was that my services were geared toward writers, publishers and publishing industry professionals. It was wordy, indicates a specialization, and began with a letter at the end of the alphabet. In 2007, I decided to expand my services and product listing, so I changed the name to TWA Solutions. Again, I did not follow my own advice! The new name indicates a broader focus, is easy to pronounce, and gives an impression of high quality, but still at the back of the line. Nonetheless, I’ve been able to run a successful business despite its name, and so can you!
You are starting a new business, and you are able to purchase your domain name before you file all your legal business documents, and before you create all your printed materials. Many people make the mistake of thinking their business name should relate to their products or services. On the contrary, your name needs to be memorable and your company logo needs to be professionally designed so that you start off with a strong company brand. TWA Solutions can help you design the perfect logo.
At first, all companies start off small. Pick a name you like and do not feel forced into selecting a name you think will fool customers into believing you are a big company. Instead, you should focus your attention on building quality products and offering professional services.
Right now you are in the wonderful position to start your business off strong. It is well worth the time and money you spend researching your competition, your favorite companies and product branding that you like. Hire TWA Solutions to ensure that there is consistency in company name, logo, letterhead, brochures, business cards and website design. Trying to cut costs in this initial phase will ensure that you launch your new company with a poorly created image. In the end, this could really hurt the reputation of your business, and you could spend significantly more money trying to recover from this mistake.
It is a well-known fact that you are better off not having an online presence, then having a horrible website with useless content and mediocre graphics. Remember, everything that carries your company name is a direct representation of you. If you decide to make your move online, contact TWA Solutions to make sure it is done right, and affordable.
