In a world where most shopping starts with a search engine, it’s a big disadvantage to be un-findable.
- Does Shure outsell Etymotic because no one can spell Etymotic? I own and like both kinds of earphones, but I rarely refer Ety because I can’t spell it.
- Do the Jewel, Shoppers, and Lucky grocery chains get less search traffic because they have common-word names? It’s easier to find Kroger and Brookshire.
- Does Andy Sernovitz get more referrals than social media expert Peter Kim because there are few more Kims than Sernovitzs out there?
When you’re thinking about a name for your business, you want something that is:
- Different enough that you’re the only one
- Simple enough that everyone can say and spell it
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thanks Andy! I’ve been going bonkers with this one recently, trying to name a biz. you’ve boiled down how to think about it rather nicely. thanks!
We are Transplex Center for Medicine and Rehabilitation providing full service rehabilitation for work-related and accident injuries. We are the ONLY Transplex center, and it works for us!
Are you saying that everyone can say or spell Sernovitz? I don’t think so!
There is the famous story that, once Yahoo got its first round of venture capital, the founders asked if they might seek a “more serious” name. They were told “if you change the name, we tear up the check.”
Unique and memorable. That’s the ticket.
Great tips Andy. What do you think about “Kotsego” as a business name?
Thanks.
Hey, I’m in luck then! If you Google my name – I, like Tigger, am the only one! In fact, my website is the only one, too. Now… how do I turn that fact into a million bucks? (sound of crickets…)
Dear Julie Grisham:
You forgot to mention that you are my wife and foolishly chose to reject the lovely sounds of “sernovitz” in favor of the trite and over-used “grisham”.
Your call, I still love ya!
Andy
3. Available as a .com domain.
It’s so much easier if it’s in the domain people expect. One less pebble to trip over on the path.
Excellent point Nathan! I say amend this blog to add a #3 to the list! How many times have you visited a .info site, or a .biz or .tv site and actually considered it legit or useful for that matter? Or perhaps I’m just a .snob ;o)
I was teased about my name when I was little. All I can say now is that I’m having the last laugh. (Of course, coming up with a business name didn’t hurt either.)