How to Name a New Business
There's a wide variety of suggestions on how to name a new business and what should go into the process, but all agree that the right name can make or break a fledgling entity. In addition to helping customers understand and remember the business, a unique name might qualify for trademark protection and have a used domain name available for a website.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Brainstorm. If no name ideas immediately come to mind, it may help to think of words that describe the customer experience the company provides, words that elicit that feeling. It may be helpful to use a thesaurus or even to translate these words into other languages in pursuit of just the right combination of describing the business identity and conveying the customer experience.
-
2
Tell what and how. An effective name should give some indication of what the business does and how. The words in the name will give potential customers a clue about whether its the right place for them, whether they're interested in a luxury experience or an economical one. Making these matters clear in the name makes it more likely the right customers will find the business.
-
-
3
Survey the competition. With a few potential name ideas at hand, it's time to see what names are already taken. This can be done by searching the internet, looking for which domain names are taken, and the phone book. The Department of State for the state the company will be incorporation in will also have a list of business names and assumed names already registered in the state. It's a good idea to become familiar with this resource, as it will be important for registering the name that is chosen.
-
4
Get feedback. Bounce your ideas off of friends, family and other business associates to gauge their response. A successful name doesn't necessarily have to wow people, but it should fit the criteria listed above. If the consensus is that the name doesn't, it's time to return to Step 1.
-
5
Register the name. Though it costs a bit up front to register the name with the Department of State, it can save lots of money later if there's a need to defend the trademark on a name. It will also decrease the probability another business will choose the same name not knowing it's already being used.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid names that are so clever they tell very little about the business. At the same time, avoid names that are so generic they're impossible to trademark or may violate other trademarks. The best names speak to potential customers in a simple way that conveys what they can expect.
Resources
- Photo Credit Satan's Laundromat
