In the previous parts, we covered . . .
- Offbeat Names
- Names with Benefits
- Fantasy Names
- Instant Reward Names
Today, let's discuss a variety of small things you may want to add to your search power . . .
Long Names
Don't rule out long names.
Yes, generally most product names consist of one or two words. Many times consumers will shorten it for you.
In our previous conversation, I discussed Coca-Cola. Yet, many people say Coke to mean the product (the soda) and the company. Yet, Coca-Cola really isn't a long name. Is it?
As a previous accountant, and as all accountants learned, sometimes you have to back into a number in order to get to the formula.
Well, this works in naming a product as well. If coming in through the front door isn't working, or convenient, then it's time to use the back or side door.
This happens more often in life than you think. The majority of people who own a home enter from the garage or side door because it's more convenient than the front door.
This means, you will want to explore long names just to let them sit so the short one appears with use.
Now, when I mean shorten versions, I'm not talking about initials. I'll discuss this soon.
Let's take a common name. One we're all familiar with – the United States Postal Service. That's a mouth full, isn't it? Consumers found the name too long, so they shorted it for them. Later they officially adopted the name -- USPS. Even though these are initials, this doesn't necessarily mean you want to use initials. Again, more shortly.
Use a Real Person's Name
I don't normally recommend using a real person's name. It's tough up selling the brand. Yet, it is possible. Just don't allow the backend intention to be because of ego.
Orville Redenbacher, the guy behind great popcorn, can be considered an unusual case by some marketing individuals when it comes to using a real person's name. It worked because the name seemed to connect with fantasy. No one thought anyone could possibly have this name. It seemed like a cartoon character. Yet, years after the product was on the market, they began showing his picture. The name brought up emotions for many age groups when it was released. Still does.
To some it brings up a fantasy feeling. Others a "I feel sorry for the poor guy" feeling, either because they have a hard name to pronounce themselves or they related to trying to pronounce someone's last name that was difficult. To children, Orville is a commonly chosen children's story. On Amazon.com you'll find a popular book called "Orville: A Dog Story." It also has a connection with Wilbur and Orville Wright – the Wright Brothers – and their story of flight. It connotes a feeling of freedom and flight for some. Nevertheless, for the majority, it does bring up some sort of image of something. In addition, every image is positive no matter what age you are. Even the pronunciation challenges are positive.
Paul Newman is another one. Movie star to product line. Why his name became a popular product name was because all the proceeds from the product went to charities. It was a gift that kept on giving. Always a popular stance for a product.
As I said before, the only way to come up with a product name is to build a list of possibilities.
Play with your name . . . see what appears. Then ask others to play with it as well. And don't rule childhood nicknames.
In high school, kids nicknamed me Windy . . . because I could hold the longest note on my flute and play the longest without taking a breath. Great lungs, I think. Others thought it fit because when I finally did talk, I didn't stop. Chuckle. Overall, it did the same. It made me memorable back then and even at the 25 year reunion.
In grade school, my nickname was "boots." In the next post, I'll explain this one.
In all of these, I had a ball exploring their possibilities. Hope you do as well.
