Not easy: coming up with a name for your & breakfast
If you want to start a bed & breakfast, sooner or later you are going to have to think about it: how are you going to call your B&B? Maybe you’ve had a name in your head for a long time and you’ve made your choice a long time ago. If you don’t have a name yet, then read these tips for coming up with a good name for your B&B.
- Clarity first
A good name says a lot about your B&B, about what your guests can expect. For example, the name ‘Bed & Breakfast the Three Box Beds’ immediately clarifies what you do. A name cannot be misleading. If you name your B&B ‘The Sheep Farm’, guest will be expecting to see some sheep walking around. - Dare to stand out
Do make sure your name stands out and deviates enough from that of your competition. A distinctive name is easier to remember and better for the findability of your company (especially online). B&B the Sheep Farm, for example, is an appealing name, but not very original: there are tons of farms out there. Come up with something personal and unique, the name of your street could be enough. - Not (too) funny
Be careful with funny names. Not everyone shares your sense of humour. Besides, a funny company name can arouse the idea that you don’t take your work or customers very serious either. - Easy to remember
Make sure your name is easy to remember and is easy on the ears. Keep the name simple: make sure you spell the name the same way as it is pronounced. If people can easily spell the name, your B&B will be easier to find. - Check the availability
Check if the name is still available. You can do this by checking the commercial register of the Chamber of Commerce. Existing (brand) names cannot be used just like that. If you want to use the name in a web address, then check whether the intended domain name is still free. - What do other people think
Let friends or family honestly judge your name: what do they think? They can look at it from a distance. For you, it will probably become difficult to objectively judge your eventual choice. - Hire a professional
If necessary, you can go to a professional, such as an advertising agency or a copywriter. Or ask others for advice on internet forums.
Free information about starting a B&B
Bedandbreakfast.eu periodically publishes a free news letter with information about running a B&B, that is interesting for start-ups too. Register for the newsletter here. You’re also welcome to join Bedandbreakfast.eu’s discussion group on LinkedIn: you can meet other B&B owners and exchange tips and tricks about starting a bed and breakfast. Join the discussion group >>
