When thinking of starting a business, choosing a name is probably one of the first things you need to prioritize.
Most people think that naming a business is simple and easy. However, it’s much more complicated than that since your business name should encompass what your business does and everything it stands for.
So, while you may already have a list of creative ideas for your business name, check out these tips on picking the perfect name for your brand.
Do A Name Search
If you’re planning to form a business entity, then you need to do a business name search. This is to ensure that you’re not going to choose a business name that already exists in your state.
Moreover, some states may have additional requirements. For instance, if you’re planning to establish an LLC in Utah, you will be required to place a business name identifier after the name.
It could be the full identifier or its abbreviation. For an LLC, you can use one of the following:
- LLC – most popular
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- L.L.C
- L.C
- LC
- Ltd. Co.
The same rule may apply if you’re using the words, corporation or incorporated. If you want to know more, you can simply search your state’s naming guidelines online. Most states also provide a search tool for checking if a name is already registered.
Do Brainstorming Sessions
Regardless of how creative you are, formulating a business name on your own can limit your options. You need other people’s perspectives if you want to create a remarkable business name. Also, the more ideas you can generate, the more possibilities you can choose from.
So, consider conducting a series of brainstorming sessions with your business partners, colleagues, friends, and family. During your sessions, make sure to explain or keep the essence of your business in mind, but let the ideas flow.
Don’t Copy A Competitor’s Name
You may get an idea for a name from your competitor. But never choose a name that’s too similar to a competitor. Avoid business names that could confuse your business with other businesses, especially within your geographical area.
For instance, if you like the name Webwork Technologies, you shouldn’t name your business Webwork Digital Marketing.
At worst, you’ll face legal issues as the other business may accuse you of trademark infringement. Even if that doesn’t happen, you may want to have a unique brand and identity and not be confused with other businesses.
Easy To Spell And Pronounce
While we advocate for a truly unique business name, we don’t mean you should go wild and create a difficult one. Business names that are too long, difficult to spell, or even hard to pronounce won’t do your business any good.
At most, people will simply remember you as ‘that business with a difficult name.’ So, stick with memorable and simple words. Don’t mess with your spelling too much or use nonsensical mix-ups of words that can raise an eyebrow.
Think Of The Future
Never pick a business name that could limit your business growth. While you can choose a business name that matches the town in which you’re located–for instance, Provo Caffeinatics–what happens if you decide to take your café business to the neighboring city of Orem?
The city name which seemed perfect doesn’t fit anymore when the business expands to another city and can even drive away potential customers.
This also applies to names that describe your services or products. If you get too specific, then you’ll find yourself with an appropriate name when you want to grow your offerings. So, make sure to consider the future and create a name that won’t limit your business’s growth and change.
Avoid Using Your Name
If you’re a small business, skip using your name. No matter how unique your name is, it doesn’t communicate anything about your business apart from the fact that you own it. Also, it won’t mean much to your customers and may even cause issues if you ever need to sell or expand your business in the future.
That said, there are rare instances when this makes sense and is actually witty. For instance, the company behind WordPress.com, ‘Automattic,’ was named after its CEO and founder Matt Mullenweg.
Take Away
Formulating a name is one of the most exciting parts of starting a business. But before you commit to a favorite name, make sure to do your homework. Keep the tips mentioned above in mind to ensure that you’ll have an effective, notable, and legal name for your business.