Tips to Consider Before Naming Your Company
Incorporating a company in most states requires a distinctive name that’s not already in use and must avoid being misleading. Yet, determining a fitting name for your business can be a creative challenge beyond these rules. How can you brainstorm and select an appropriate name for your company? So, here are some points to consider especially before you name your new company.
Let the name highlight a benefit
When someone hears your business name, it should give them a general sense of the products or services you offer. In essence, your company’s name should reflect the value it provides. For instance, if you operate a home cleaning service, the name need not explicitly contain “home cleaning.” However, it should suggest concepts associated with cleanliness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and other advantages customers experience by choosing your service.
Crosscheck for trademarks
Before finalizing a business name, especially if you’re considering trademarking it, it’s prudent to conduct checks to ensure the name isn’t already trademarked by another entity. The United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website, www.uspto.gov, provides a straightforward way to perform these checks. Testing potential names prior to commitment can help avoid the disappointment of finding out a chosen name is already trademarked elsewhere.
Not too generic or too quirky
Opt for a name that’s both distinct and memorable. Creating a name that customers easily recall fosters repeat business, which is crucial for long-term growth and success. While starting with more generic names is acceptable, try enhancing them to be distinctive and engaging. However, it’s essential to strike a balance—avoid being overly eccentric as an excessively quirky name might confuse or deter potential customers.
Must sound good
Avoid selecting a company name that’s hard to pronounce or excessively long. It’s best to test the name by saying it aloud repeatedly. If it becomes challenging to articulate or doesn’t flow smoothly, consider opting for a different name. Additionally, prioritize a name that’s easy to spell, particularly in the context of online searches. A name that sounds peculiar or is complicated to spell may not serve your business well in the long term.
Research about the options
Conduct thorough online searches for the name you’re eyeing for your incorporated business. Explore what appears in the top search results to gauge the name’s potential to establish a strong online presence. Leveraging tools like Google’s AdWords search tool can further enhance your search and generate additional ideas.
After finalizing the name for your business, you will get one step closer to the process of incorporating your business, paving the way for its potential success and growth in the market.
