What's in a Name?

[djohnny]

Yeah! Again, what's in a name in branding?

I have witnessed many startups failing in overall branding effort just because they chose wrong and unsuitable name.

How can chosing a befitting business name contribute to brand success? Some business names are so definite, that even coming across it for the first time, you're already aware of what may be in offering. And that's what I call initial sale out.

So, choosing a befitting business name to me is the foundamental prerequisite for successful branding.

[GT Bulmer]

How do you recommend a marketer goes about selecting an appropriate name? What are the things to consider?

GT

[Evan]

Great question! I'll create a video reply.

[Bizking]

It is extremely important... it can either take you to the top or drag you to the bottom. Though clearly the "branding" is not solely responsible in any case a business fails. But admittedly it can be a contributing factor. Basically I think the most important quality of every company name are simple; 1. retaining factor 2. reflects your business. Be creative, think unique but not complicated. Never settle for pretty generic brands like Joey's Bakery or any of that sort. There are some people that suggest a phone test; If you try to mention the name of a company over the phone and the other person understand you completely without having to spell it... then most likely your company name has the retaining and simplicity factor.

[djohnny]

Yeah! Bizking, you've nailed it. Unique and uncomplicated brand name is a prerequisite for successful branding.

However, branding involves a whole lot of other factors.

Then, given an suitable name, what are the top 3 other factors akin to effective branding?

[Jason Fonceca]

Good topic, and I'm pretty passionate about it.

I feel my brand's name and brand assets are some of the strongest in my industry and will continue to grow

But how did I come up with it?

I had to get clear on Who I Am, and What I Stand For, and realize I strongly desired a powerful brand that was an authentic reflection of me.

Coke isn't just a name, it stands for Optimism + Positivity + Fun.

Google isn't just a name, it stands for Solutions + Information Organization.

Facebook isn't just a name, it stands for Connectivity + Open-ness.

Most people think of a name on a very low-level, but the successful one's are much deeper than that.

Thanks

[jessica_david]

Sale or promotion relies a lot in name chosen for product/business.

[DanielS]

First of all your brand name should be short and speaking. People should remember your name and associate it with your services.

[Evan]

Hi guys!

I wanted to let you know that my video response to your question will be going up on my YouTube channel later on today.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingTheMasters

Good luck!

[CeoCabin]

your company's name is going to stick with you for ever hence it is essential that you put some thought behind selecting an appropriate name. Some of the most successful companies have not put any effort into selecting their name, however that was 20 years back, in this age of competition your name has to be unique, easily pronounceable, and easy to remember, if you can make it short and memorable then I think you have got a winner. Your company name has to be in line with your product, however the most important part is branding, giving a good product and service. Your company's name would play an important part but not the most important.

[drdony]

Great Post and responses

Evan, recommend add a search function on tour site or post the title for your videos - What in a name?

I do a lot of social business marketing - an find it amazing how few understand branding or the important of the name:

User names other than their own name: nice to meet you mentor237? Wonder what the other 236 mentors have to offer?

Banding pages, blogs, sites all have a name: Let us try click bank solutions - pretty obvious, but Solutions 2012? Solutions for what "Dead batteries or Menopause? and inst 2012 limiting your future?

Name - probably as important as your idea when you want to market something

[jeffalex]

Would anyone recommend a good naming services that I can use to get ideas for my business name?

[drdony]

Don't have a naming service in mind, but if you really want one, try a Google search

Otherwise, it doesn't have to be complicated. Brain storm with friend and family, what is your product or service

I have always tied to find a name that helps identify what I do or my product and keep the name braod enough so that your can do other thing within the category, i.e

Financial services is quite broad; whereas mortgage service is limited to mortgages

[davidfrankk]

Once a brand becomes popular, the name becomes popular with it.

[jobspotz]

Brand is only as good as the persona behind the business that comes with it.