The business you are starting today might not be the business you have later on.
I suggest choosing a business name you can retain for the long haul. You can always register an expected business name for forthcoming projects.
Picking a flexible name puts you in great company. Consider Kodak and Xerox. They don’t identify their industry other than they are household words. Consider also 3M, makers of Scotch Tape. 3M technically stands Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. They don’t do much mining these days, but their company name still refers to their mining background.
Of course, if you’re beginning a business such as a restaurant, you may not require this flexibility. You may launch with a name that clearly and very explicitly tells people what you are selling.
Let’s explore other points that you need to remember before picking a business name in this article.
Uniqueness.
Ensure that the name you are selecting is unique and has not been used by others. Uniqueness in the name is vital to building legitimacy, trust, and individuality.
Trademark
Don’t forget to visit your country’s patent and trademark website and see if your chosen name isn’t a trademark registered by someone else.
I’ve known firms that have been compelled to change their company name because they used a trademarked name.
Website Names
This is vital! When you choose a name, you have to weigh a few other things. Check out if the name you choose has a domain available to buy at a reasonable price. The domain should be a .com or .org! It’s a great idea to look at the bigger picture before concluding your business’s name.
Social Network
Be sure to check if someone’s using your name on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Try various sites to check name availability with all the top social networking sites.
Intentions
Do some simple research and ask people what honestly comes to mind when they hear your firm’s name. Ask, “What’s honestly the first thing that comes to mind when you hear [ name]?” Rather than asking, “Do you think [ name] is good for my business?” You need to test planned names. Testing is an excellent habit to get into. Test your ads, business name, domain name, website copy headlines, ad copy to ensure what people are assuming is what you desire them to. You don’t have to say what you want to say. People must understand what you want them to understand.
There’s an enormous difference.
Selling
A well-picked name ease the’ sales’ for you. For instance, if you’re going out to eat and you know nothing more than the name of two eateries, which honestly sound more appealing, “Absolute Barbeques” or “Alex?” One name clearly communicates what they are offering. The other name leaves you blank and clueless.
Here’s your checklist:
- Is the name available according to your state Secretary of State?
- Is the name flexible? (if relevant)
- Are there any connotations that might work against you?
- Is the relevant domain name taken?
- Is the business name trademarked?
- Does your business name sell your business?
- Is the name taken with major social networking sites?
- Does your business name mean to others what you think it means?
