Creating Catchy Business Names
Wednesday September 10, 2008
Getting your company noticed today is challenging with business and media vying for consumer's attention. One step in getting noticed is by the process of creating catchy business names. What impact can a catchy business name have? Imagine you're shopping for an accounting service. Which firm do you notice on this list?
- Hewitt Associates
- Wright, Ford, Young & Co.
- Accounting Group
- J.R. May Accounting
- TAC Accounting
- Churchill Knight Accounting Services
- Vanilla Accounting
- Barsa Accounting
- Crooks Accounting
With a quick glance, a few names may have caught your attention. Crooks Accounting (an actual business name) is catchy but has a negative meaning. The one name that stands out is Vanilla Accounting. The name was developed by the naming and branding agency, Igor who created the name "...for a brand new kind of accounting experience, a name that's as distinctive within the accounting and business service industries as the company's business model is." A catchy business name is only a tiny piece of success. You have to deliver a great product or service and delight customers who will pass on your catchy name.
I agree that a good business name helps. In my experience, as a Web Designer and Internet Marketer, I also think that one of the most important keys to business success is creating positive relationships with potential clients.
If you need ideas for a busines name try running a project NameThis.com. The site uses the principle of ‘crowdsourcing’ to brainstorm names / taglines.
Alec
DesignBay
I agree with Abola — “vanilla” carries negative connotations for me as well.
Many accounting firms seem to do just fine with names like “Hewitt Associates” and “Wright, Ford, Young & Co.” Their names may seem stodgy, but they also convey a certain trustworthiness, and that’s a good thing — I’d like to trust my accountant.
“Vanilla Accounting,” on the other hand, sounds cutesy. It would catch my attention, but then make me suspicious. What is a company called “Vanilla Accounting” trying to compensate for with that sort of name? (Do I get free ice cream if I open an account?)
I agree that catchy business names can be a good thing…just maybe not for accounting firms.