Decide on a Name and Create Your Identity
The entire process of naming your catering business and creating an identity is known as “branding.” Don’t rush through this important step. One of the core principles of branding is to create uniformity and flow in your logo use, color standards, business stationary and website presence.
Name your catering business
What do you want to call your new catering business? Will you make something up or use your own name? Deciding on a name and creating your identity can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy creative activities.
Get a matching domain name
Search for an internet domain name at the same time, so your domain name and website will match your chosen business name. Even if you’re not ready to build a website right away, you’re going to need one sooner or later. More and more people are turning to the web for information, even to find local providers.
Purchase a domain name that’s the same as your chosen business name or at least includes your business name. And don’t be tempted to get anything but a “.com” address. In everyone’s mind, “dotcom” means business and if your domain name ends in “.com”, they’ll know you mean business too.
Get a website for your catering business
If you’re ready to move quickly on setting up a website for your business, you might want to go ahead and find a “web hosting provider”. A web host is a company that provides space on their computers (called “servers”) so your website can be accessed on the Internet.
Many hosting plans offer a free domain name if you sign up for a year. Netfirms is currently offering this benefit. PowWeb is another hosting company that offers free domain names with a new hosting account. I have two of my websites hosted by PowWeb and have been very pleased with their service.
If you can pay a year’s worth of hosting in advance, you should be able to get a more-than-adequate hosting plan for as little as $5 a month. Be wary of anything cheaper, because you don’t want to give up reliability just to get a good price. You want your website to be available when potential clients go looking for it.
Build a successful website for your catering business
I don’t want to spend too much time getting into website building in this guide, but you might want to take a look at the services offered by SiteSell.
Get a logo for your catering business
As you brainstorm ideas for a name, you’ll also want to think of possible logo designs for business cards, letterhead, your website, etc. If you’re the creative type, you may be able to come up with your own ideas. Or you may have a friend who’s into graphics and design.
Branding is an essential part of starting your business
Don’t ever feel like you’re spending too much time on names, logos and branding. The name and design you choose up front will provide identity and continuity in everything you do and use-business stationary and cards, order forms, invoices, promotional brochures, menus and your website.
If your catering business really takes off, you may be branding things like spice mixes, sauces, baked goods and other food items. You could sell these from your website or even give them away as gifts to clients. The point is to keep your name in front of the consumer as much as possible.
Hello my friend and i are interested in starting our own business ,but are confused about the name we are two outgoing people and need a good and catcy name for our business , please help us. Thanks Pilly and Steshy .