Want to Know How to Choose the Perfect Name When Naming a Business?
When it comes to naming a business there are a lot of different things you can do. From using business name generators to naming a business based on the type of services you offer, to using your name, or your favorite animal, all are avenues you can take when choosing what your business name will be. The important thing is that you choose a name that is reflective of the image you want your company to project and one that will be memorable to potential customers.
Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect name for your business:
Keep your business name short and sweet
A long or complicated name can be hard for customers to remember or spell correctly. You want something that is easy to say and easy to remember so that customers will be able to find you again in the future. Your business name is an integral part of your brand. It’s important to keep it short and sweet so customers can easily remember who you are, especially if they are looking for a specific product or service related specifically to their needs!
Your business name should reflect the image you want to project.
You want potential customers to have an idea of what your company does just by looking at the name. If you are a luxury brand, you don’t want a cutesy or childish name as that will not match up with the image you are trying to portray. You want to make sure that potential customers can instantly understand the nature of your business by just looking at its name. This is why many businesses choose names like Sony or Microsoft, which have simple and straightforward meanings in comparison with other brands’ nicknames–such as Intel (which translates into “I think”).
Avoid using initials in your business name
While using initials may make things easier for you, it can actually make things more difficult for potential customers. When people see a series of initials they often have trouble knowing how to pronounce them or what they stand for. If you must use initials in your name, make sure they are pronounced so people will know what they stand for.
Do a Google search for your desired business name
Once you have narrowed down your list of names, do a quick Google search on each one. This will help you see if there are any other businesses out there with a similar name which could cause confusion down the road. You also want to make sure the domain name is available so that people can easily find your website.
Get feedback from others
Ask your family and friends what they think of each of the business names on your list. They may have some helpful insights that you hadn’t considered before. They may see a problem with the business names you came up with.
Trust your gut when naming a business
In the end, it is important to go with the name that feels right for you and your business. You are going to be living with this decision for a long time so make sure it is something that you feel good about!
Do A Trademark Search
Technically this should be one of the first things you do because it is very important! You can lose A LOT OF MONEY if you don’t do a trademark search when naming a business. For example, years ago, when I was just starting in business, I came up with a name that I thought was perfect for me. I spent 2 weeks writing content and building my website, ordered t-shirts, and business cards, and invested almost $500 in building the brand. Then, after all that money and work, I got a cease and desist letter and had to start over from scratch because there was a company in California that owned the trademark.
So take the time and do a trademark search. You can use the official United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
DISCLAIMER: We ARE NOT lawyers. We cannot tell you or guarantee that the USPTO is 100% accurate. To be 100% safe and sure that you are covered we strongly recommend that you seek professional legal help.
Naming a business can feel like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be! By following these tips, you can choose a name that is reflective of the image you want your company to portray and one that will be easy for potential customers to remember. Trust your gut and go with the option that feels right for you and your business!
For more information, and help after naming a business, check out our Pro Branding & Marketing Guide.
