Going on the Offense

An edgy name can be highly effective at getting attention and sticking in a customer’s mind. But invariably, someone is going to complain about the name. That’s the nature of edge—it’s controversial. And these days, social media gives everyone a microphone, and business owners can feel pressure about a questionable brand name choice from relatively few voices.

There’s nothing wrong with edge, per se. It’s a tool in the branding toolbox that can be used to great success. The question is, what kind of names can overcome controversy, and what kind should a business always stay away from?

Here are five cases in Charlotte, NC of names that stirred the pot. I have my opinion on which names went too far, and which rode that keen edge between acceptable and disaster. What do you think?

Here’s what happens when a business or product gets offensively named.