| Branding is the creation of a name, name layout | | | | whole lot of fun, don't just go on a cruise, go on |
| and symbols or designs working together to | | | | a Carnival Cruise. |
| represent a company. Good branding creates a | | | | 2. Keep your name and company design simple. |
| lasting first impression that is unique and easily | | | | Your company name should always be easy to |
| identifies your company. Ideally, branding should | | | | read. Any symbols or logos, should support the |
| catch the consumer's eye, make a good | | | | name and not detract from it. Increase your |
| impression and provide potential consumers | | | | awareness of how major corporations make it |
| information about the services offered. A couple | | | | easy to read their company name and how the |
| of well known corporations that effectively use | | | | symbols used support the name. You can use the |
| branding are McDonalds--think golden arches and | | | | name to evoke a feeling, but it needs to be |
| Macintosh--an apple with a missing bite. Even if | | | | legible. For example Ashley Furniture uses an |
| your company is small or just forming, you still | | | | elegant style in their branding, whereas, Re/Max |
| want to begin name recognition by incorporating | | | | Real Estate uses an exciting bold look. |
| branding during the early stages of business. | | | | 3. If you add a logo, symbol or picture, use |
| When working with a graphic designer to create | | | | something that will support your theme. If you |
| effective company branding, be sure to think | | | | run a catering business, it's appropriate to have |
| about the whole picture. Please consider the | | | | pictures of food or people celebrating with food. If |
| following: | | | | own a fencing company, you may want to have |
| 1. Your company name should inform the general | | | | part of your name appear with a fence-like |
| public about your business. If you haven't decided | | | | texture. I realize this sounds obvious, but many |
| on a company name, take some time to think | | | | times new business owners incorporate pictures |
| about all the services or products you sell or will | | | | that are personal and do not support their |
| be selling, and brainstorm names that will clearly | | | | business. Don't include your child's picture, a pet |
| identify what you do. Some good examples are | | | | photo, or family pictures, unless you own a |
| Petsmart, Rooms to Go, Famous Footwear, and | | | | business that services these areas. Try to be |
| Carnival Cruises, etc. All of these companies use | | | | very objective about your logo or symbol. Does it |
| names that clearly identify what they do. They | | | | really portray your business in the best possible |
| also provide a theme on the business. For | | | | way? |
| example, smart consumers shop for pet needs at | | | | It may be helpful to consult with a graphic |
| PetSmart, people in a hurry wanting a | | | | designer at the preliminary stage of your business |
| put-together look in furniture are drawn to | | | | development. They may be able to show samples |
| Rooms to Go, when you need shoes buy the | | | | that will help feed your creative juices. |
| best at Famous Footwear, if you want to have a | | | | |