Choosing a Name for Your Home Business

“What’s in a name?”

When you consider a name for your home business, determine what you want to achieve, the customers you desire to serve, and the products/services you offer. Nowadays, choosing a name for the image or impression you wish to project also might be included in the idea of branding your business.

*A unique name will catch attention. However, if it’s too far out, it may have the adverse effect. If it’s mundane, it won’t capture your customer’s imagination.

*In addition to being unique, will your name adequately describe your business?

*Is someone else using that same name? If your business name is exactly the same as someone else’s, you may be asked to stop using it. This can be costly if you have signs, business cards, advertising, web site, etc. designed and printed with this name.

*Do some research. You could start by checking the phone book and Better Business Bureau, then your state agency for registering business names. Generally if the name reflects your name and/or initials, you can use it. Those are “yours.”

When I operated a dressmaking/alteration business from my home, I used part of my sewing room for displaying and selling readymade original clothing and accessories. What should I use for a name that incorporated all aspects of my home business?

I chose “MEA’s Boutique,” utilizing my initials. I didn’t realize at the time how well this captivated customers and how well it stuck in their minds for years…even after we moved from that location to another home. Also by using my initials, the name was mine. For my home publishing company, MEA Productions, I’ve used my initials again.

*Sometimes you can use a play on words that will catch attention, such as The Dirty Worm for a greenhouse or gardening operation, The Dusty Mop for a cleaning business, Wedding Wonders for a wedding planning business.

What name can you come up with for your business that will catch attention or “brand” it?