According to Entrepreneur.com, picking a name for your franchise might not be as complicated as you think. Many franchises have similar names, and there’s a reason for that—certain names lend authority to a business venture, engage target audiences, or even amuse customers. All you need to do is follow a few simple guidelines.
Opt for Masculine:
Businesses can benefit from a masculine touch. Repair or maintenance franchises in particular make use of the title Mister. Mr. Transmission, Mr. Sandless, Mr. Handyman, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric and Mr. Rooter all make the popular list in this year’s Franchise 500. At best, it appeals to an old-fashioned assumption that a man can change your ties. At worst, the tradition might be a touch sexist, but the numbers don’t lie. Not a single Mrs., Miss, or Ms. exists among the 824 franchises listed in the ranking. Only one Auntie makes the ranks. That’s Auntie Anne’s pretzels, of courses.
Use a Higher Degree:
In general, the doctor title assumes an automatic extra level of authority. Doctors have attended several years of school, they specialize in complicated systems of the body, and in many cases, people entrust them with their lives. Why not lend a franchise some much needed clout? Grout Doctor, Glass Doctor, Lawn Doctor, Duct Doctor and Dent Doctor all made the Franchise 500 list.
If you don’t want the medicinal connotation, there’s also a royal angle: Sir Grout and Sir Speedy were popular picks.
Stand at Attention:
Military names were a common theme this year. Think franchises have nothing in common with our armed forces? Think again. They both have strict rules, a need for both leaders and followers that can work efficiently together, and last but not least, men and women in uniforms. Lawn Army, Maid Brigade, and Squeegee Squad drew in extra crowds.
Count on Your Business:
Franchises with numbers in the title are nothing new. Motel 6 and 7-Eleven have proved that, but popularity of numbers in franchise names is at an all time high. For one thing, a number in the title can convey necessary information about the franchise. Take Burger 21, which features 21 varieties of burgers. A few numbers rank higher than others: i9 Sports, as well as kickboxing franchise 9Round, prove great minds think alike when it comes to lucky numbers. Also popular is the number 1—Honest-1 Auto Care, A-1 Concrete Leveling, Restoration 1 and 1st Inspection Services.
And Number 2 doesn't need to come in second. Games2U, Assist-2-Sell and Live 2 B Healthy Senior Fitness all made a good showing.
Don’t Curb Your Enthusiasm:
What’s the easiest way to get your customers excited? Use an exciting title! Or an exclamation point, at least. If nothing else, the pet demographic appreciates it. Fetch! Pet Care and Dogs Love Running! made people and their pets line up at the door. There’s an additional reason why exclamation points can mean the difference between success and failure. A mundane activity, like watching paint dry, can sound much more exciting simply by the name: 1-888-Wow-1Day! Painting and Juice it Up! prove to be great examples.
Though renaming a franchise isn’t impossible, coming up with a great name right off the bat will save you the trouble of an eventual name change. Follow these rules and you might just be a winner in the franchise name game.
