One of the first steps you should take before starting a child care center is to think of an appropriate name. A great child care center name, along with a well-designed logo, will form the basis of how your business will represent itself in the marketplace. Your name will help you build a brand image in the communities you serve, and there is much to be gained by developing a brand that people know and trust. Here are some ideas for naming your child care business.
Don’t limit your daycare’s future potential too much by packing too many specific details into a name, such as the area in which it operates or the precise services it provides. This can make it difficult for you to change the direction of your business in the future if you ever want to. On the other hand, it’s a good idea to communicate through your name the type of business you’re in, so including the words “daycare” or “childcare” can help make this clear to people.
Try to avoid using your personal name, such as the business owner, as part of the title. Think of names that are catchy, warm, welcoming, and maybe even cute or funny. The children who attend your child care center will be spending a lot of time there, so why not choose something that appeals to them? You could even go as far as involving children you know in the naming process. Make it a competition and ask for their ideas and you will be surprised what they come up with.
Originality is important for several reasons. First, you want to have a name that sets you apart from your competitors and other local businesses. Make it unique to stand out in the marketplace and avoid customer confusion. Second, you need to make sure that your selection is not trademarked for use by any other company before you decide to go ahead with it. Doing a name search is critical here so you don’t end up facing legal action later. Do your own search first by searching your local Yellow Pages and online Once you believe you have a name that is unique, you can verify it by doing a formal name search at your county or city clerk’s office.
Since a website will most likely become a key part of the marketing strategy for your child care center, you should also ensure that a suitable domain name is available for registration.
Good names should be memorable and easy to pronounce. Create a short list of your favourites, then share it with friends and family. Get their feedback, and then check back with them in a few days to see which ones they remembered and if they were able to pronounce them correctly.
Once you’ve gone ahead with a name and started your child care center, it can be almost impossible to change it. Not only will you have to change your stationery and other branded business materials, but you’ll also lose some of the reputation that can be built into a name over time. Keep things simple for yourself and your business by coming up with a great child care center name from the ground up.