When it comes to marketing, one of the most powerful tools you can use to build your brand is a good business name.

Choosing the right name for your daycare business is a very important task that requires a lot of thought and consideration. You want to choose one that fits your personality as well as your business outlook.

Here are a few guidelines that will help you choose the right name for your Family Daycare.

1.) Determine what thoughts and feelings you would like the name to convey.

Cutesy ( Little Explorers)

Straightforward (Jane’s Day Care)

Regional (Chesapeake Child Care)

Educational (Brainy Babies Academy/Pre-School)

Warm & Fuzzy (Home Away From Home) I’d urge you to stay away from this one due to it’s popularity.

2.) You want folks to “Get It.” – Don’t get so creative that no one understands what message you’re business name is trying to convey, it should clearly represent you and the services that you offer.

3.) Get it right the first time. – Put a lot of thought and consideration into choosing the right business name in order to avoid having to change it months or years from now. Your goal should be to find a name that will serve you well for the life of your business.

4.) Forget funky spelling. – Don’t get cute here, make it easy to pronounce and easy to spell.

5.) Do your homework. – Check for availability to avoid any potential legal conflicts. Imagine investing your time and money into marketing materials, only to receive a cease-and-desist letter in your mailbox. Arrrg!!!

6.) Dust off the trusty old Thesaurus. – When you need just the right word, this is the ideal guide for a quick study in the synonym department.

7.) Get down to brainstorming. – Come up with a master list of names and take it from there.

8.) Register your domain name. – If you plan on having a website (and surely you do, right?… right…), now’s a good time to snap-up your domain before someone else does.

9.) Limit the number of decision makers. – Decide who will have input in the naming process. I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage… “To many cooks in the kitchen”.

Use the tips and ideas above to come up with a name that will be just the right fit for you. Don’t rush yourself into coming up with a name too quickly, the time you invest in choosing a name for your daycare business is time well spent.

Visit http://www.FamilyDaycareMarketing.com for more articles, tips, and marketing resources for your Home Daycare Business.

1. Marketing collaterals / Direct mailers

Direct mailers are very important marketing tools. They need not be flashy. A simple flyer telling your audience about your centre and what you offer is good enough.

Distribute them wherever possible; put them at community clubs, cafés and restaurants and/or hire temporary help to distribute them at train stations, bus stations, basically any high traffic area in and around your neighborhood.

And if budget permits, a brochure will be a nice addition, especially when someone requests for more details about your centre. However, if you are a new start up and a little low on funds, a flyer will do just fine.

2. Business cards

Carry your business cards wherever you go and give them out.

3. Advertisements and listings

Ensure that you are listed in all the relevant directories such as the yellow pages, community guides, daycare magazines for parents, daycare directories, etc. If budget permits, you should also consider taking up advertisements in those guides and directories as well as your local newspapers.

4. Banners

Nothing attracts more attention than a banner. Print a bright and colorful banner and hang it at the entrance of your daycare centre. It’ll guarantee to attract the attention of passer-bys. Don’t try to recreate your entire brochure or flyer onto the banner. Keep it simple and short. Include basic information such as your logo/name of your centre, your contact number and website, if any. Ensure that the text is legible from a distance.

6. Website

Pick up a new skill. Learn to create your own website. A simple, professionally designed website with some pictures of your centre will do just fine. And don’t forget a map.

7. Car decals and bumper stickers

If budget permits, print car decals and bumper stickers to give to family, friends and customers. It’s free publicity on the move.

8. Posters

Print posters and display them wherever possible. Pin them up on notice boards at shopping malls, eating places or the supermarket. Pass them to your customers, families and friends and have them put it up in their offices.

9. Open houses

Nothing beats a preview of an experience. When a company wants you to sign up for their pricey conference, they will usually conduct an event preview to let you have an insight into what you will be experiencing if you sign up. In the same token, open houses are an excellent marketing tool, allowing parents a hands-on experience at your centre.

There is no need to execute all the above suggestion at one go. Pace them out throughout the year. It’ll be a lot easier on your budget.

Happy marketing!

For more information or resources on starting a daycare, please visit http://www.setupadaycare.com