Naming Your Business – Important Do’s and Don’ts

A great business name can make your new company successful and a poor name will hold you back. So take your time and follow these tips for naming your business successfully.

1. Short and simple is best – Aim for a short and easy to understand the name, especially important in today’s fast-paced digital world.
2. Reconsider including your business town location because you may move or expand in the future and your location specific name could be confusing and a liability.
3. Storyify your name – Because your customers will ask why your company is named as such, have a story. This will help you stand out from your competitors and give your firm personality.
4. Speak your intended name out loud to see how it sounds and to be sure it is not too similar to other commonly used phrases.
5. Consider your international markets and double check the meanings and translation of your proposed name before finalizing.
6. Name your business differently than your personal name so that you can sell it in the future if you decide and to make your business a company not just your job.
7. Abstract names can work well. Consider creating a new word for your name.
8. Differentiate your name from those in your industry. Compare it to your competitors, because your customers will be doing it.
9. Research availability of your new name, search the US Patent and Trademark office for previous trademarks, register your new company name
10. Find out if your domain name is available and also if the social media handles are open for facebook, twitter, and Google+.