One of the basic and most important marketing tools required for an online marketer is a website the the power of its domain name. Learn more... http://websites24seven.com/should-own-your-own-domain-name/
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Choosing the right business name is the good way to start your business. In a world where there are many variations of names, prose, and business services it is important to make sure you find a name that is unique to you and your business to brand as your own.
Perhaps your business is in its inception phase, meaning while in this stage, you are still working on finalizing some ideas. This is the process of visualizing, planning, and development of the type of business you want. It is also the time in which you are making decision on the direction you plan for the branding of your business. By the end of this phase, the business should have at least a tentative name. There is no rule that sets this into stone; however, as a business owner destined for more day-to-day decision making to come, you want to at least complete this portion of your process.
In this article, we will be performing a run through of some suggested ideas to use when choosing a name for your business. Choosing the right name from the start is important, because once the name goes public, it may be difficult to go back and change it later. We have provided some simple suggestions that have been tested and learned through experience.
There's no requirement that says you have to choose a name that seems common or even make sense to others. Take a chance. Select some random business names for testing and trial runs. Although were going random, we also want to make sure, the business name signifies the nature of your work or the specific line of business you are catering to. Names that give no clear reference as to the type of business or nature of the work are often overlooked. Unidentifiable business names take time and research to figure the nature of the business. Be considerate and do the work for them by making the meaning of the business obvious within the name. For example, Joe Smith, LLC, tells us nothing about the business or what it is they do and risk potential customers not taking the time to find out. Same with promoting your business online, not only should the name be original, it should provide some indication as to the nature of the business. Do choose a clever name. People like thoughts that trigger ingenuity.
Read more: http://wattspublishinggroup.com/random-word-blends-for-choosing-the-right-business-name/
I've been talking to some ambitious friends AGAIN! And this particular friend has an actual clothing line coming out. We were talking about how he would go about copyrighting his brand name and the logo and I realized that there might be more up-and-coming merchandisers/designers that don't know about this process. So, this week, I'm going to talk about how to copyright your logo, website, blog or business name. OR in using the actual term, TRADEMARK your "stuff". I used 'copyright' in the title because most people confuse the two. However, as I researched this subject I found out some interesting things...
Copyright is actually not the same as a trademark. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, a copyright provides protection for original works in the realms of music, poetry, movies, literature, etc. In fact, copyright exists as soon as the publication exists. It is just advised to register your publication with the U.S. Copyright Office for legal purposes. Some people also like to publish the copyright facts on their publications and make sure there is public record. Registration fees vary from $35 to $80. And it's more to renew, get copies or search copyright records. Believe it or not, people steal ideas so you want to make sure you're protected. And for a mere $35 at least, I'd say it's a good idea to make sure your writings are safe, LEGALLY.
Now to the good stuff. A trademark is what is used to protect patents, trademarks, and ideas. This is handled in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). So a business name, logo or even business idea would fall under the trademark category. It is often confused with copyright but now you know the difference. The reason you would want to register for a trademark is to get legal use of a service mark (™,℠,®) for your word, phrase, symbol, or design.
The benefits of getting the service mark is to protect your name! Keep people from stealing your ideas. Just like with copyright, if you claim ownership, you can use the ™ and ℠ symbols on your business name or logo at any time. But owning the federal trademark registration obviously has it's benefits legally. Some of which include, being able to defend your logo in federal courts, being listed in the USPTO database, and the use of the ® symbol. YES! You MUST be registered with the USPTO to use that symbol on your logos, etc. You can't even use it if your application for registration is pending. So there are great benefits to registering your business name and logo.
Now, keep in mind, the USPTO has the right to deny your registration application. Especially if there's a similar logo. So, you need to research and make sure your business name and logo are UNIQUE and fit federal regulations. When filing an application for trademark registration (or to get a service mark) you must file one application per category(class) you the need the service mark for. FOR EXAMPLE, if you need a service mark for a t-shirt logo AND for the store marquee, you must submit two applications. Application fees vary from $275-$325, depending on the type of application you submit.
I know it sounds a bit complex and confusing but registering your business name and logo are so worth the protection. Especially if you're an owner that offers services/goods, merchandiser, designer, or inventor that's about to BLOW UP! You can of course find out more and get an application at www.USPTO.gov.
For help on a business plan and development contact us today!
Tamara Garrison-Thomas
http://www.garrisonprosperitysolutions.com/
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers.
Therefore it makes sense to understand that branding is not about getting your target market to choose you over the competition, but it is about getting your prospects to see you as the only one that provides a solution to their problem.
The objectives that a good brand will achieve include:
- Delivers the message clearly
- Confirms your credibility
- Connects your target prospects emotionally
- Motivates the buyer
- Concretes User Loyalty
To succeed in branding you must understand the needs and wants of your customers and prospects. You do this by integrating your brand strategies through your company at every point of public contact.
Your brand resides within the hearts and minds of customers, clients, and prospects. It is the sum total of their experiences and perceptions, some of which you can influence, and some that you cannot.
A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers intensifies day by day. It's important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand. After all your brand is the source of a promise to your consumer. It's a foundational piece in your marketing communication and one you do not want to be without.
You can literally stretch a dollar here fill the empty spaces under the tree!Hope you'll love it!
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