What's In a Name---A LOT!

The name of a product is one of a customer's first impressions of a brand. If it is a bad name, it will reflect poorly on that brand. Just off the top of my head, I can come up with a few poorly named products:

1) RoC Moisturizer: Nothing says soft skin like RoC
2) AMC Gremlin: The definition of Gremlin says it all---An imaginary gnomelike creature to whom mechanical problems, especially in aircraft, are attributed
3) Apple iPad: We all heard the sanitary napkin jokes
4) Audry: Can you even guess what this is? 3Coms internet appliance
5) Crack Cream: See my other blog about this product and my thoughts on the name http://jdainc.blogspot.com/2013/07/let-your-packaging-sell-your-product.html

I was at the grocery store recently and came upon this product. "I And Love And You". I had to look at it several times just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Is there really cat food with that name? Sure enough there is. Can you imagine asking someone to pick this up at the store for you? OK I get the name is supposed to mean you love your cat but I would rather it be called "I Love My Cat". However, I'm pretty sure that isn't able to be trademarked.

Anyway, I don't want to tear down a product I know nothing about so I did some research and found this commercial starring the owner of this brand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKZAWN3NA2c&feature=youtu.be He is likable and he is sincere. I believe his product has the best possible ingredients. Unfortunately, nothing about the name of this cat food or the design of the packaging tells this story. If I had a cat I would try it after I saw the commercial, but I would never remember that name.

What, in my humble opinion are good product names?

1) Tropicana Orange Juice: This actually sounds like it is going to taste good
2) PayPal: This name is friendly and sounds easy to use
3) Nest Thermostat: Nest means home and that sounds comfortable
4) Cheerios: What a great way to start out your morning
5) Friskies: Now that sounds like it could be cat food

Written By: Patty Jensen, VP Account Services

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