How To Name A Business

There are a lot of considerations that go into naming a business. A great business name is one that is easy to remember, spells out well, and is associated with the product or service you offer. You also want a brand name that conveys the personality of your business.  And finally, you want a name that will help you stand out from your competition.

Here are some tips on how to name your new venture:

• Consider the meaning of your new business name. The meaning of your business name can say a lot about your brand. Choose a name that conveys the values of your business.  Do you want it to be serious or fun? Professional or creative?
• Choose a name that reflects the type of business you are starting. For example, if you are starting a tech company, you might want to include “tech” in your name.
• Utilize resources to help come up with business name ideas. Using a dictionary, thesaurus, industry publications, or business name generators such as https://businessnamegenerator.com/ to try different keywords can help create a short list of potential words.
• Avoid using jargon. Jargon is defined as “the specialized language of a particular group or profession.” It’s the kind of language that only insiders understand. And while it might make sense to use jargon when you’re talking to other members of your industry, it will only serve to confuse and alienate your potential customers.
• Avoid using acronyms or abbreviations. While they may be easy to remember, they can be difficult for potential customers to spell and pronounce.
• Make sure the name is easy to spell. You don’t want customers struggling to spell your business name, especially if they are searching for it online.
• Keep it short and sweet. A shorter name is easier to remember and less likely to be misspelled.
• Keep it simple. A name that is too complicated will be difficult for people to remember and spell.
• Make sure it is easy to pronounce. You want potential customers to be able to find your business online and in the real world. A name that is difficult to spell or pronounce may make it harder for people to find you.
• Check for domain availability. Having an online presence is important for just about every business and the .com is the most recognizable and professional of the domains. The .com may not be available, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t get a matching domain name. There are plenty of other alternatives such as .net, .biz, and others that may work. Related: Do a domain name search with NameCheap.com
  Do a social media accounts name search.  If social media will be heavily utilized by your business, you’ll want social media handles on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others that are an exact match or a close match to your business name as possible.  
  Do a Google search for competitors. If there are already businesses with a similar name, you might want to choose a different name to avoid confusion. If other names come up, it makes it more important to search for existing trademarks. 
  Make sure the state will allow the name. If you plan to form an entity such as a corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC), each state requires them to have a unique name. 
  Check for a trademark. You don’t want to choose a name that is already trademarked by another company in your industry. If there is an existing trademark, you could be forced to change your name, which would lead to significant costs and potential loss of customers. Trademark searches and trademark protection is available on the United States Patent & Trademark Office website (USPTO). 

  Related: How to do a trademark search

• Be careful about using geographic names. If you name your startup business after a city, state, or location, you may limit your ability to expand to other locations in the future.
  Use caution if using the founder’s name.  If you name the business after the owner and then decide to sell the business, it may be harder to find a buyer.
  Steer clear of anything that could be offensive or controversial. You want your small business name to be inoffensive and welcoming to all.
  Brainstorm with friends, family, colleagues, and potential customers. They might come up with some great ideas for inspiration that you never would have thought of on your own.
  Try alliteration words. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds. Alliteration is often used in poetry and other forms of literature as a stylistic device. It can add rhythm, humor, and fun to a text. 
  Test the name out loud. Say it out loud to see if it sounds good. You don’t want a name that is difficult to pronounce.
  Write it down and see how it looks on paper.  A good name should also look good alongside a logo design, on marketing materials, business cards, and on your website.
  Don’t rush the process. Take your time to come up with a list of potential names before making a final decision. 

Choosing the perfect name for your business is an important decision. But with careful consideration, you can find a name that is both unique and memorable.

Choosing the perfect name for your business is a big decision. But if you take your time and consider all of the factors, you’ll be sure to find a great name that will represent your brand well.