What's in a name?

Coming up with a name for new web design business

[MWpro]

This has been bugging me for a couple of months now. I have decided to start a new web design business, I have most of the content written for the site, I have a good idea of what the layout will look like, yet I cannot think of a name for my business.

So what is in a good name? What are potential customers looking for? Are they looking for a name that implies professionalism or a sleeker more savvy name? I don't think the problem is that I am not creative, but I just can't think of a name that would give the visitor a good first impression.

Also, many names that do think of are taken by lots of other web design companies. Is it acceptable to have a duplicate name? Can any action be taken against me by them if I do use the same name? I am just wondering because I have come to the conclusion that all the good names are taken.

So how can I get past the name development stage? What suggestions do you all have?

[martinibuster]

Why choose a name that is close to yours? It's annoying when it happens that's why I buy up similar names when working on a project.

What's in a name? What would your target audience like? Are they hip young and slightly dumb? Use something with z in it,like web-dezines.

In other words, branding as I understand it is about speaking to your potential customer and triggering an emotional response.

Are all the best names taken? I don't think so. They can't all have been taken. Only the obvious ones. A name can evoke a feeling or an association and there are billions of combinations out there.

[DLadybug]

Might start thinking about the color ranges and themes you are comfy with in general. If you like a lawyers color scheme, ie Cranberry and Forrest Green with leather and mahogany bookcases, then a name like Web Commando isn't going to fit. Liquid Expressions isn't going to fit. Smithers Svs might.

Head to office depot and look at the office stationery. Not to select anything, just see what types of colors you would feel proud to hand out. Remember, your theme and colors are going to be on the biz bards. See if you like bold colors, or subtle tones, earthy or bright, two tone combos or three tone mixes.

Certain color combos will project energy, youthfulness, some will do a more solid/dependable image.

Just remember, if the corporate image you want to project isn't in keeping with your comfort zone, you'll always feel silly handing out your biz card. (Mine has ladybugs and playground equipment on it, with springy colors. My consumer is playful unconventional independant females. Just like me. I feel very comfy with my cards)

I swear, once you have your color scheme, you'll "see" your name type. If you have trouble, send me a swatch. I am a consumer psychology freak.

Dian :)

[netguy]

>> because I have come to the conclusion that all the good names are taken.

You MUST be kidding! There are millions of names out there, and thousands and thousands of GREAT ones. Determine if you are wanting a brand, or something that describes your business (keyword domain).

Either way, there are tons of them out there. Just try to pick something that is relatively easy to remember, and relatively short (under 10 characters in most cases). This is because you will also want your company name for your site domain, and you don't want to put acmeenterprisesinternationalinc.com on your business card.

Good luck!

[madcat]

>> a name like Web Commando

I would seriously look into this one.

I just wish I thought of that about a year ago.