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Good business name ideas help you to create names that will serve your business well for a lifetime.

Seven business names ideas that will help you create a name that will last the lifetime of your business include:

Business Names: Idea 1 - Start with many name options.

Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose a name that expresses what your business does.

Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose a name that leaves room for expanding into new products and services.

Business Names: Idea 4 - Choose a name that makes a positive impression on your business’ target market.

Business Names: Idea 5 - Conduct trademark research.

Business Names: Idea 6 - Conduct target market research.

Business Names: Idea 7 - Consider the connotations and sound of the words for each option.

Business Names: Idea 1 - Start With Many Name Options

You can’t have too many business name options. Ideas won’t all withstand the elimination process. So list as many as possible in a brainstorming fashion. Get ideas everywhere, but list at least ten business names ideas.

Business Names: Idea 2 - Choose A Name That Expresses What Your Business Does

Does your name really represent your business? Are you so well known that your name will be an asset? If you answered “yes” to either question, you may want to use your name in your business’ name. If you answered both questions “no”, then don’t.

If your last name is “Small” and you specialize in renting small equipment, then you can use “Small Equipment Rental.” However, if you want to also rent large equipment, it will limit you.

Business Names: Idea 3 - Choose A Name That Leaves Room For Expanding Into New Products And Services

Just because you start your business with a specific product doesn’t mean that you won’t expand into different product lines. Your name should be broad enough to cover your business as it grows.

To exemplify business name ideas two and three, let me tell you what I did. When I started my business in 2000, I named it Sulton Books. Sulton is a blend of my and my husband’s last names. “Sulton” portrayed no message to add to the business name and “Books” limited my business to books.

After Sept. 11, 2001, the name developed a negative connotation. So I had to change it, incurring additional expenses. I renamed it “Best Books Plus,” which enhances the business and incorporates more than books.

Business Names: Idea 4 - Select A Name That Leaves A Positive Image With Your Target Market

Your target market is an important element in selecting your business’ name. The more you know about the people in your target market, the better you can choose a name that relates well to them.

But don’t tie your name to the target market so that you can’t later expand into new target markets. Remember you’re trying to avoid the expense of renaming your business later.

Business Names: Idea 5 - Determine If Any Name Options Are Taken

You need research to assure that none of your business name ideas are already taken.

Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office site. You can search your business name ideas to determine if any are already trademarked by another business. Delete all business name ideas that are part of a trademark to avoid potential legal expenses and an almost certain judgment that you rename your business.

Business Names: Idea 6 - Query Your Target Market

Now, you’ll need to find some representative members of your target market and what they think of when hearing or reading each name. Then ask them which name options that they like best.

While you’re at it, show them your product and get their reactions to it. Sometimes their reactions will provide new name ideas.

Business Names: Idea 7 - Know The Sounds And Meanings For Each Name Option

You should consider the connotations and sound of the words in each because a name that sounds pleasant and flows well will generally work best.

And don’t forget that words’ meaning vary in different cultures. What you consider positive in your culture may not be so in another culture.

Avoid mistakes like that of the American car company. When naming a model “Nova,” no one checked to see what the name means in different languages. In one country, it means “no go.” That meaning wasn’t good for sales.

Summary

By using these seven business name ideas, you will never have to pick another name for your business.