What’s in a name?

For those of you who live and work in Bellingham, you’ve likely seen one of the “1-800-Got-Junk” trucks driving around town. I see them all the time. The amazing thing about this is, and I heard this from a third party so someone correct me if I’m wrong, they only have two of these puppies here, but they’re everywhere! (By the way, ever notice how many Keith Cox Autobahn license plates are driving around town? Try it. Next time you see a VW, Audi or BMW in B’ham, check the license plate cover, chances are you’ll see Keith’s name.)

Anyways, back to my story… There’s no question about what it is Got Junk is offering: an easy way to get all that junk you have (we all have it) off your hands. No witty name, no pun, no artsy design… just 1-800-Got-Junk. The name speaks for itself. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Another case in point: RunningShoes.com. You don’t hear anyone asking what it is RunningShoes.com offers. Nobody.

And what do these two business names have in common? They both tell you exactly where to go for more info. No flipping through the phone book to find junk collectors; no Google search for local places to find a good pair of running shoes. The name says it all.

Unfortunately, there are many businesses out there shooting themselves in the foot by overthinking this process. Don’t believe me? Flip through your phone book for plenty of perfect examples.

Yes, your name is important. But what’s more important is that your customers know exactly what you provide. Are you helping them with that?

~ by rpemberton on October 11, 2007.