Things to consider when choosing your new name:

Should your new name reflect what your business does?

Should the name be abstract like Diesel, apple, O2? A contemporary name would convey a fresh and innovative approach? Interesting that the Prudential Bank have chosen to market their online services under Egg. Not only that the more abstract names give us logo designers a great opportunity to be creative.Should your name be conventional like French Connection or Silver Cross. A traditional name gives the impression of reliability.

Using your own name? There are many famous restaurants, department stores and fashion houses that have a personal name on them. If your name has a link to your business, as in Graham Fox Garden Design & Landscaping, the logo becomes a clever device for making your business memorable.

Think long term. Pimp My Website may be a great idea right now, but will it still look good next year.

If you’re business is aimed at a world wide market, it would be a good idea to check that your new name is not offensive in other languages. Ikea is a great source for amusing naming mistakes one of which is a workbench called Fartfull.

Things that should probably be avoided are long names and unusual spelling. Although Toys R Us worked well for them.

For directories such as the Yell or Thomsons Local, would something beginning with A be worthwhile to your business success.

If your business is locally based only it may be worth including your location in your name. People like using local businesses, especially in our present climate where ‘think global shop local’ is a good mantra for us all.

Aim for a name that is short, original and / or describes your product or business.

And of course once you have your great name, you need a great logo design to bring it to life!