Have a cool concept for a cute waffle business but don't know what to name it? Do not worry! Build a profitable business from the start by following these instructions for creating a great business name.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating a List of Candidates for Business Names
Step 1. Determine the specifics of your business
Before you create a business name, make sure you clearly know the market you are targeting. Define your target in your business plan and vision and mission. A software company will emphasize ease of use (eg, Apple); on the other hand, an accounting firm should emphasize the accuracy of its work.
Step 2. Say something to your target market
You need to know what your potential customers are like and what they are looking for when they come to your business. If your potential customers are wealthy, it's a good idea to have your business name also relate to their high level of taste. If your target market is working moms who don't have time to clean the house, you want a name that reflects their busy life, their expectations for cleanliness and order (or both, of course).
Step 3. Create a word list that reflects the traits you want to market
In one column, list the qualities you want to convey to your customers. What is this business that you are "about" about? In the other column, write down the things your customers might be looking for. Use nouns, adjectives, and verbs.
- Include every possible word that works for your business. For example the word "flurry" is appropriate for a cat care business; "curry" sounds good for an Indian restaurant.
- Look at the dictionary for the definition of the word you choose and the thesaurus to find synonymous words or phrases. You can also use software that helps you think.
Step 4. Try a simple one-word name
Upscale and modern restaurants will usually choose a name that is short and strong, with an emphasis on simplicity and quality, such as "Fig" or "Feast". In the same way, the shoe company "Timberland" specializes in making boots and their simple and realistic name reflects their product. Business names with people's names, such as "Pempek Pak Raden", reflect his personal touch.
Step 5. Look for ideas with simple noun-adjective phrases
For example, "Uenak Meatballs" or "Spicy Noodles" are evocative and powerful. The formation of one noun and one adverb is easy to make and people can imagine correctly. Other examples include "Urban Outfitters" or "American Apparel".
If you use English, you can try using a gerund phrase structure. Gerunds are words that end in "-ing". Gerunds can make your business name sound more active, fun, like a place with a fun atmosphere. "Laughing Planet" is a franchise restaurant that sells burritos, while "Turning Leaf" is the name of a wine producer
Step 6. Use the person's name
Adding a person's name to your business name will make it feel personal, even if the name you're using isn't a real person's name. For example, McDonald's was not built by someone named "McDonald"; Meanwhile, "Ayam Bakar Mas Roni" is actually owned by a person named Mas Roni.
Step 7. Create a new word
A practice word is a word formed by two words, for example "Microsoft", "RedBox", or "Coffeewar". Your efforts will sound experimental, fresh and contemporary. In essence, you will create a new word. This also makes sense when you are starting a new business.
Step 8. Play with words
Some literary rides that play with sound can make your business name memorable:
- Repeating the sound of the beginning of a word, also known as alliteration. It feels good through sound and reading. For example, "Kopi Klopi", "Papyrus Press", or "Sound of Dusk Sound System". Assonance is also similar to alliteration, but this time you're using the rhythm of the vowels -- for example, "Sushi Blupi."
- Rhythm, whether precise or not, can make your business name memorable. "Blenger Burger" is one example of a burger restaurant whose name uses rhythm.
- Playing around with commonly used words is another way to come up with a memorable name. The cracker brand "Kerupuk Bapuk" or the popular motorcycle taxi application name "Go-Jek" uses this method. There's always the risk of coming up with a cliché or shallow name, but try to come up with as many names as you can use. After all, you don't have to wear it if you don't like it in the end.
- It's also a good idea to refer to something in history, literature, or myth. For example, "Starbucks" is named after a character in the novel Moby Dick.
Part 2 of 3: Assessing Names on the List
Step 1. Find a short name that is easy to spell and read
Short names are easier to remember than long names. The Texas Oil Company shortened its name to Texaco. Yahoo was previously named Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web; probably would not have been as successful as it is today if the name had not been shortened.
If you use words that you create yourself or spelling that is creative, make sure the words you use make sense for your line of business. For example, "U-Haul" and "Flickr". The names do use abbreviations, but they are appropriate because they truly reflect the business they represent and not because of the word play. A salon called "L'Bayz Stylez" is too much in its wordplay
Step 2. Keep it universal
You might think naming your construction business "Daedalus Utama" is a good idea, since you're just learning Greek mythology, but choosing a name like that still runs the risk of making your customers feel foreign.
At this point, you must remember your potential customers. A comic shop called "Jim Gordon" will attract Batman fans, but on the other hand will alienate those who read standard (though of course, people who read standard usually don't shop at comic shops). Consider this a compromise. It's fine for a fancy restaurant in an expensive downtown location to be named in French, but it might not be appropriate if you use a fancy name like that in Cilebut or Kronjo. People who pass in front of your business will feel excluded or feel "don't know what it is."
Step 3. Avoid using clichéd language
Adjectives often collide with nouns and make really bad business names, like QualiTrade or IndoBank. Names like these are impersonal and your business won't stand out in a market full of similar names.
If your business name has words like Indo, Buana, Citra, Karya, Tech, Tron, or Corp (especially as an affix or a compound component), you better think again and replace it with a name that is less frequently used
Step 4. Choose a name that can be used anywhere
Names that are specific to a particular area can lock your business in one place, and you will need to change the name if your business grows beyond that place. "TB. Lasem Jaya", for example, will only be useful in Lasem. You don't know if your business will one day become bigger than Lasem and become a chain of building store franchises that can be established anywhere, for example in Jakarta or Bali. Remember, "Kentucky Fried Chicken" changed its name to "KFC" for this reason.
Step 5. Choose the most appropriate name
People called Bob Dylan's replacement band "The Band". One day, his name stuck, and they would forever be referred to as "The Band". If everyone has already called your business "Apotek Jalan Asem", don't change it to "Apotek Cipta Raga" just because the name isn't attractive! In the end, what matters is the product or service you provide. The name is just a package. If people have already dubbed your business a good name, don't change it.
On the other hand be aware when the name you choose is not good enough and change it. Even if you have ordered "Apotek Cipta Raga" stickers for the employees of Apotek Jalan Asem, choose a name that people like
Part 3 of 3: Managing Trademarks
Step 1. Make sure that no one in your field has already trademarked the name you chose
Once you have a list of names you like, first make sure that no one else has used those names as their trademark.
Use the ASEAN TMview website to see if the name you want to use is already a trademark in ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia. You can search and check the expiration status of the trademark on the site
Step 2. Prepare the documents you will need
You will list more than a name, but your entire business concept and model. You will have to provide a clear description of what you are going to register. If you want a word, slogan, design, or a combination of these to be registered as a trademark, you must be able to provide a "base" as to why you want to register it as a trademark. In essence, you must provide a clear reason why you need a trademark.
In addition to trademarks (for goods), there are also service marks, for services
Step 3. Register your trademark
You can register a trademark at the office of the Director General of Intellectual Property Rights. It's a good idea to take the time to consult with a lawyer to make sure everything is ready.
Tips
- When you choose a business name, choose one you like. If the name doesn't sound pleasant to you, you'll be too lazy to sell and promote it to others.
- You may still be able to use a business name that is already used by someone else, if the name you use is in another field or in a different geographic location from that other person's business. Consult with your attorney before proceeding with the name whose legality you are questioning.
