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Business Name Ideas – Our Four Commandments

Business Name Ideas – Our Four Commandments written by Brand Agency Creative Order – A 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers report commissioned by Google revealed that “Australia’s startup scene could add $109 billion to the economy and 540,000 new jobs over the next 20 years…”Just look at some of those now listed on the ASX (think SEEK and Cochlear)!

So how can you devise a business name that works and strive to be household lexicon like Apple or Nike? Start by following these four commandments for naming your new business.

1. Make it memorable but keep it simple

Ideally your name should be short and clear to inform your potential clients about what you do. If you want to be more intriguing and catchy then make it memorable but easy to spell so it is search engine savvy.

Take your cue from Ikea founder, Ingvar Kamprad who kept his inspiration simple by using his initials and the first letters of the farm (Elmtaryd) and village (Agunnaryd) where he grew up to name his now global success story.

We also love Tesla, the electric car manufacturer named for Nikola Tesla, the inventor and engineer behind the induction motor and AC power transmission.

Making memorable names is in our DNA, so stop pondering and talk with us. We can work with you to brainstorm names that will truly resonate.

2. Stake your domain

A great brand name is obsolete if you can’t Google it! Your domain name (url) gives you an online identity, crucial for sales, marketing and word-of-mouth.

Check out our client auDA for more about registrars and resellers, and if you want to buy a .com.au or .net.au domain then you must be a commercial entity with an Australian Company Number (ACN) or Australian Business Number (ABN) – visit the Australian Government’s Business Portal for a handy checklist.

Twitter’s original domain name was twttr.com because their first choice was already owned by a bird enthusiast – $7,500 later they acquired the full spelling!

Remember, advertising starts with a brand name

3. Business Names Ideas – Protect at all costs

Firstly ensure that nobody else is already using your proposed brand name as you might be legally required to stop using it.

ABN Lookup provides access to publicly available information supplied by businesses when they register for an ABN. Once you have your name, register it, trademark it (ideally along with your logo, and tagline) and display clear copyright notices.

Despite the cost Aussie shapewear brand Nearly Nude was trademarked in 11 countries from the beginning, something that founder, Lucy Hosken told FashionSource was “…initially undertaken to protect herself against litigation in other territories…” but became“…an important strategy…” She has since sold a majority shareholding in the label’s global business allowing for rapid growth and expansion whilst retaining ownership of the Australian and New Zealand business.

4. Be consistent in every application

Consistency is key. In fact it is paramount. Make sure your name and associated entities (logo, style, taglines, etc) have consistency in design, application and language and be simple but persuasive with messaging.

Whilst the most enduring brands have stayed consistent that doesn’t mean you can’t evolve. An effective name and signature delivers a stable platform for success, just look at Chanel.

The fashion house was founded over 100 years ago but their innate symbolism (the allure of Paris and double-C logo) underpins everything they do. And proving there is always a story behind a name, their most famous and successful line, Chanel No.5 is said to be for the fifth fragrance sample presented to Coco Chanel due to her superstitions surrounding the number.

We hope you find our article Business Name Ideas – Our Four Commandments a handy, insightful resource – Click the following link, business naming service if you’d like to know more about our affordable, professional service.

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