7 Tips for Naming a Small Business

The process of naming a small business is one which requires thought and creativity. This name is a trademark for your business. It will be able to uniquely identify your business from its competition. Customers should be able to tell what your business does just by hearing its name.

Naming a small business often lends itself to rookie mistakes, like not conducting a name search prior to brainstorming a name so lengthy not even the owner knows how to spell it.

Ready to give your new business a great, memorable name which will lead to its long-term success? Here’s what you need to know about naming a small business.

1. Avoid Selecting a Name That Is Too Similar to a Competitor’s Name

Choosing a name too similar to a direct competitor can lead to confusion among customers, not to mention legal issues. For this reason, it’s important to differentiate your business by creating a name that is unique. In fact, you should consider researching competitors within your locality and industry to ensure that your chosen name stands apart. This will help you avoid trademark infringement, with a bonus of ensuring your business is easily recognizable. A unique name allows you to establish your own brand identity and prevents your business from being mistaken for another.

2. Keep Business Names Simple

Many startups believe the best way to choose a name for a small business is to choose the most unique name possible. This approach has been proven to work for some businesses, like Google. The quest to give a business an unusual name often becomes heavily muddled. Business owners may place too much focus on a strange misspelling or make the name too long.

The best advice we can give when trying to come up with a name for a small business is to keep it as simple as possible. This name should be easy to spell and pronounce. You can be creative in coming up with a business name, but it does not mean you must be choose something which is too obscure.

Still struggling to figure out where to start with your business name? The general recommendation is entrepreneurs pick out a name which is five to 10 letters in length. This name should have at least one consonant in the word or phrase.

3. Say The Business Name Out Loud

Once you have a business name you would like to use for your company, take a moment to say it out loud. Ask yourself these questions after you say the name.

• How does it sound? Do you feel ready to learn more or like you will laugh because it’s too silly?
• Is a form of alliteration present? This isn’t a requirement for naming a business. However, it has been proven to be a successful tactic for massive brands like Lululemon and TED Talks.
• Does the business name reflect your brand and its offerings? Creating a name that makes it sound like your business does something it doesn’t isn’t going to be beneficial.

If you need to test the sound of your business name on a wider audience, ask a friend to say it out loud. Get their feedback on how it sounds and if they can tell what your business does upon hearing the name.

4. Choose a Name That People Can Spell and Pronounce

Complicated names can be easily forgotten or misremembered, leading to potential customers struggling to find or remember your business. Test your business name with a diverse group of people. If they can easily spell and pronounce it, you’re on the right track. This approach ensures that your business name is memorable and user-friendly, enhancing word-of-mouth marketing ans well as overall brand recognition.

5. Make Your Name Web-Friendly

If you plan on building a website for your business, having a web-friendly business name is crucial. If not, at least consider the social media handles you might use. A web-friendly name is typically short, easy to spell, and doesn’t include special characters. Check the availability of your desired domain and social media handles early in the naming process. This helps in creating a cohesive online presence, making it easy for customers to find and connect with your business online. A strong online presence contributes significantly to your brand’s visibility and accessibility.

6. Test Your Business Name with Potential Customers

Before finalizing your business name, test it with potential customers. Gather feedback on the name’s appeal, clarity, and relevance to your brand. Conduct surveys, focus groups, or informal polls to gauge reactions. Ask if the name conveys the right message about your business and if it’s memorable. This step helps ensure that your chosen name resonates with your target audience and aligns with your brand’s identity. Testing your business name can provide valuable insights and prevent potential issues after the name is officially launched.

7. Conduct a Name Search

Before you can register your business name, it’s essential to conduct a name search to ensure the name is available. Each state allows only one business to register a particular name, so you need to verify that your desired name isn’t already in use. You can perform this search through your state’s Secretary of State website or use our business name search service.

Conducting a name search helps you determine if the name is already taken by another business in your state. If the name is available, you can proceed with the registration process. If it’s already taken, continue brainstorming until you find a unique and available name.

Securing a unique name is crucial to establish your brand identity and avoid potential legal issues. By taking this step, you ensure your business name is uniquely yours and ready for registration.

Let MyCorporation assist you with your small business needs. Contact MyCorporation at mycorporation.com or give us a call at 877-692-6772.