If you are just starting your business journey and are searching for the right name, this is a guide from the imaginative to the law-related aspects.
Choose an innovative and unforgettable name
The best companies are still distinct from the competition. This means that they must be imaginative and special. For this, there is no magic recipe. Your name should, however, simply be very distinct from other companies in your industry so your company is not confused with others.
There are therefore some benefits of having a company name that defines simply and specifically what you do. For example, adding in the name of a local plumber “plumbing” shows people what type of service you offer. But they’re not guessing left. And it will support you with such stuff as your website’s SEO. The other elements of your name can also be a little imaginative. But people don’t expect it too much in some industries.
No matter what kind of business name you choose, it is necessary to remember easily the name you choose. It should be catchy and quick to read, so that customers can remember your business name easily. Ideally, it should also be something to read and pronounce very quickly. And if there’s any hook such as a pun or an element you can even better tie into your logo or brand.
If you don’t know where to start your name tour, you might suggest using a business name generator or list of industry-specific names examples. You always have to make sure you don’t take the titles. But such instruments may also enable business owners to find the spark that leads to an original idea.
Check your company name’s availability
And if you find the perfect business name, if anyone else uses it, it will do you no good. This can lead to uncertainty and probably even legal problems for your company.
See the US trademark database and your state’s company names database to stop this. You will have to review the rules surrounding company names in your country and/or area. Some countries have prohibited some terms, mostly suggesting that you operate a government office, a school, or a financial institution. If you apply, then you should be good at going legally.
However, some firms can also use your favorite name without having a registered trademark. Even if you can make legal statements, a corporation that uses this name for years can cause headaches for your business. And for consumers, the whole thing can seem overwhelming. Do any web searches to ensure that your name is not used informally. You may also want to search for names that look particularly similar to prevent confusion.
Check if the domain is available
Your company name would preferably also be eligible as a website domain. It’s easy to remember your site by using your name, rather than a slogan or combination of other words. This enables customers to find you easily online and buy or connect with your company.
It is a good idea to check the availability of the domain you want before selecting a name. If this is done, you may want to replenish or change your name or reach out to the owner to see if they are ready to sell. You may also want to see if the required social media handles are eligible.
After looking at a domain corresponding to your company name, consider registering it with the.com extension since that is what people are familiar with. You can buy equivalents from.net and.org and have them forwarded to your homepage. There are several new plugins, including items like.tv and.design, available today. However, these are not usually so easy to recall for consumers.
Register the business name
It’s time to make it official until you have the perfect name. In the United States, you can register your company name with the Secretary of State of your state. Find the required local authorities outside the United States that work with companies and inquire about their operation.
Additionally, if your everyday name is different from your business’ legal name (such as if you’re a sole owner and your business name is your technical name) you can file a DBA to record the name that you are using in business affairs.
You can also consider defending the brand name using a trademark. This is different from registering your company name, although your brand and company names could be the same. This will shield you legally if any businesses want to use your brand name in any of their materials. And it can also allow you to secure many brands under one company’s umbrella.
