How to Pick a Business Name
If you’re being honest, this may be something you’ve been stuck on for a long time. You think about it, write down ideas, and Google everything you can think of. The name is important but it shouldn’t hold you back from starting your dream business. Thankfully I have a process designed to get you unstuck.
This is a process that I know will help you! I’ve named everything in my life. I’ve picked names for our kids, the pets, and over 8 businesses now. Sometimes Dan gets a little annoyed that he hasn’t really named anything, but what can I say, I’m good at this and he agreed to each one!
There is something to be said for simplicity but you may want a name that’s catchy and is easily remembered. Either way, grab a sheet of paper or open a note in your phone to get started.
Brainstorming
First, it’s time for a good old brainstorming session! Think about all the words associated with your business and brand or words that you just happen to like or those that inspire you. These could be words like quirky, edgy, upscale, focus, coaching, overwhelm, manage, assist, fashion, beauty, etc.
Now, start with your favorite words and look up their synonyms to find words that are related. Add any of the ones that you like to your list. Next, write down words that are descriptive of your business such as company, corporation, group, initiative, enterprise, capital, etc.
Mix Them Up
This is the fun part! Review your list of words. Started picking and choosing various combinations that you think would sound like a good business name. Don’t obsess over this, just write everything down.
Remember that some of the biggest companies in the world have names that don’t relate to what they do at all….like Apple, Virgin, Google, or Pepsi. These names meant virtually nothing to us until those companies became recognized around the world.
Research
Before you fall in love with one of the names on your list, you have to take this next very important step! Head to your Secretary of State website to search your favorite company names. You may find that it is taken or there are a lot of other businesses with a similar name.
For the names that passed the first test, do a trademark search to be sure the name isn’t taken. This will help you avoid legal trouble down the road!
Do you plan to get a website for your company? I would highly recommend going to a site like GoDaddy.com to search for the domain name that you want. If the .com is unavailable that may eliminate a potential name from your list.
Search It
For the names that passed, it’s time for Google and social media searches. Head to Google and type in your company first with your state and next without your state. It is vital that you are easy for consumers to find and the fewer search results with your company name the less confusion for someone searching for your company.
I love utilizing social media for marketing! I think it is so important that your social media handles be as close to your company name and as consistent as possible across every platform. Pick the platforms that you plan to use the most to promote your business. Type in the company names left on your list to see what comes up. Hopefully, the results are minimal and the username that you want is available too!
I know all this poking around seems overwhelming and tedious, but I’ve eliminated so many possible company names from my lists in the past this way. You want to be easy to find, so it’s totally worth the extra time to take this step!
Claim it!
After you pick the final name, do a little happy dance and then claim that name! Buy the domain name, even if you don’t plan to have a website for a while, set up the social media accounts, and if needed file for the company name with your Secretary of State.
Don’t forget to celebrate a little because you just conquered a big piece to starting your business! If this episode helped you, share it on social media, and be sure to tag me!
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