There’s no shortage of creative inspiration when it comes to naming a restaurant.
However, while a clever name may seem like a great way to stand out, it can actually backfire in a number of ways.
First, we’ll explore the pitfalls of being too clever with your restaurant name. Then, we’ll discuss what you can do instead to ensure your business is remembered.
Pitfall #1: Your name can be confusing and hard to remember
If customers can’t easily recall your name, they may struggle to recommend you to others. This is especially true if your name is too abstract or doesn’t clearly convey what you offer. While it’s okay to be creative, it’s important to make sure your name is still clear and easy to remember.
Pitfall #2: Your name may not be searchable online
If your restaurant name is too vague or unrelated to your business, it may be difficult for people to find you when they search online. This can be a major problem, especially if you’re trying to attract new customers who are unfamiliar with your business. A clear and simple business name can help ensure that customers find you online and come back to your website in the future instead of going to a competitor.
Pitfall #3: A clever name can limit your business’s growth potential
A clever business name can seem great when you’re just starting out, but it can become an obstacle as you grow. As you expand your offerings or enter new markets, your name may not accurately reflect what you do. If you’re planning to scale your business, it’s important to choose a name that can grow with you.
Pitfall #4: Your restaurant name may not be taken seriously
While a clever name can be fun and lighthearted, it may not be taken seriously by some customers or partners. If your name is too gimmicky or doesn’t convey professionalism, it may be difficult to establish credibility in your industry. This can be a major obstacle, especially if you’re trying to secure partnerships or funding.
Pitfall #5: People easily forget your business name
Many people think that a clever business name is fun and memorable, but the opposite could be true. If your name doesn’t have a clear connection to your brand, it may not stick in customers’ minds. This can end up being a big problem when you’re trying to build a loyal customer base or increase brand recognition.
Why big brands can be clever
It’s true that big brands can get away with having clever business names. Think Apple, Uber, and Nike.
But big brands also have marketing budgets that most small businesses don’t have. They can afford to be more creative with their names because they have the resources to build brand awareness and create associations between their name and their products or services
As the owner of a small business, you may need to rely on word-of-mouth referrals and online search traffic to attract customers, which makes it even more important to have a name that’s clear and easy to remember.
How to choose a business name
Choosing a clear, relevant, and easy to remember business name can be a challenge, but there are strategies you can use to come up with a name that avoids the pitfalls we discussed above.
Here are a few tips:
- Focus on your niche: Try to choose a name that is closely related to the products or services you offer.
- Keep it simple: A name that is too complicated or hard to pronounce can be difficult for customers to remember.
- Check its availability: Before you settle on a name, make sure it’s available as a domain name and on social media platforms.
- Consider your audience: Think about the types of customers you want to attract and choose a name that will appeal to them (trendy, professional, etc.)
- Test your name: Once you have a few ideas, test them out on friends and family members. Ask for honest feedback on which name is most memorable.
- Get inspired: Check out this list of 118 Creative and Cool Restaurant Names or 50 Punny Bar and Restaurant Names for some fun inspiration.
While a clever business name may seem like a great way to stand out from the crowd and attract customers to your restaurant, it can backfire in several ways. From being confusing and hard to remember to limiting your growth potential and not being taken seriously, there are many potential pitfalls to consider.
When naming your business, be creative and true to your brand, but also choose a name that accurately reflects what you do and can grow with you over time.
Strike the right balance between creativity and clarity and you’ll have a name that stands out for all the right reasons.