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Name Your Business
There are many factors that should be considered when deciding on your business name. It is the first thing your customers see. It can quickly determine if they want to do business with you.
Make sure people know exactly what your business is when they hear the name. This is your number one advertising tool.
Brainstorm Session
Make a list of words that just pop into your head. They may sound crazy, but write them down anyway, they could lead to other words.
Then take a break - play with the kids, make dinner, go to bed - clear your head and then come back and read your list. Don't cross anything off yet. Add to it if you think of something new.
Now try to make a name out of these words. Write down some possibilities. Remember don't scratch anything off. This is a brainstorming session, meaning anything goes. And anything can lead you to your next possible idea.
When you have a couple possible name ideas, run them by your spouse, family or a trusted friend. What is their reaction? Write down their ideas, which, of course, they will share with you.
Questions to ask when choosing a name
- What does your business do?
- What is the name of your product or service?
- How would you describe your product or service?
- Do you want a serious, straight name or a funny name?
- Will your customers respond to serious or funny name?
- Do you want to include your town name or state or region?
- Do you want a catchy saying or phrase?
- Do you want to use your personal name or kids name?
- Is it easy to spell? An unique name is great, but if your customers cannot spell it, they may not be able to find you. Same thing - if you change an i to a y, some customers may not realize this.
- Is the name positive or negative? Mom sounds friendly and warm, while Mother makes me think strict and proper.
- Is a domain name available? Even if your business is mostly service or you are not selling anything online, you could have a one page website that lists what you do and how people can get contact you. And you do know your potential customers will Google you, so make sure your business name does not have a negative influence online. Use Go Daddy.com to check availability
Registering Your Name
You will most definitely want to register your business name in your state. Check out the US Trademark office on whether or not to register nationally and to check availability.
- SBA.gov has a handy chart that gives you the requirements for filing your business name in your state along with the link to the state office.
- US Patent and Trademark Office
To learn more about Trademarks and Service Marks and if you need one or not, check out their FAQs - Go Daddy.com - the best place to register your domain online. You receive many free extras along with your domain name including a one page website and email.