Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

Same comment as Phil: Why funny? Do you entertain while you paint? I would think a prospective customer would be a little leery of a "funny painter."

If I were you, I'd go with something that communicates the quality of the work you do, or how nice the house will look when you've worked your magic, or how proud the homeowner will be of their home when you're finished, etc.

Dear brianlewis2424,

Unless you're applying for a job as a circus clown I'd urge you to steer clear of funny. When I want my house painted I'm paying for my house to be painted, not to be entertained.

If your customers have given you a solid indication that they want you to be funny, then by all means, go for it. But as it's likely that this is NOT the case, stick with what works.

Here's why:

Your sense of humour, gleefully filled with sunshine and mirth though it may be, is not usually what people are thinking of when they need painting work done. The following conversation between husband and wife does not ordinarily take place:

Wife: "You know honey, our living room needs painting but I know those high ceilings will be a bitch to reach. Let's call around for quotes from painting companies."

Husband: "Yes, the walls have needed painting for a while now. Here's a list of painters. Let's call them to see which one's got the funniest name!"

See?

This means taking a stone cold look at one overwhelming fact:
you do not matter. You're not in the painting business, you're in the marketing business.

This means you must align your product and service with the compulsions of your prospects and clients, so that you fulfill and then exceed their wildest dreams. You're not selling painting services, you're offering refreshing spaces for people to relax in, luxuriate in, and entertain in. You're offering lifestyle options, aspirations, and dreams.

State what it is you do and avoid funny, clever, or witty.

Of the following, which sounds more believable and therefore
more professional?

Brian Lewis: Fine Painting and Decorating for People With Discerning Tastes

Drip, Splash, and Daub: Brian Lewis Decorating.

I hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

Paint Surgeon

Implies precision, skill in product choices and possibly a cute logo....similar to Platic Surgeon ideas we all have.