How to Choose the Right Name for a Business
For the prospective business owner, choosing the right business name ranks among the most important tasks. The right business name identifies the business and the product for sale. It also creates a first impression in a customer's mind. Choosing the wrong business name might result in reduced sales. Choosing the right business name might result in a very satisfied business owner.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Consider the sound of your business's name. For instance, if the name sounds unappealing, you should select a different one. If you sell yogurt, for example, "Creamy Delight" sounds better than "Snotpot's Yogurt Delight."
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Consider if the name of your business lends itself to an interesting image. For instance, the name "Red Cab" for a red cab company, creates a much more vivid image than the name, "Eddy's Stuff" for a general retail store.
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Search the trademark database. For instance, you want to ensure your business name has not already been claimed. Go to http://tess2.uspto.gov/ to conduct online searches of all U.S. based, registered trademarks.
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Decide if qualify for or need trademark protection. Applying for trademark protection ensures no one else can use your business name. To receive approval for a trademark, you must have a distinct business name for a distinct product. For example, if you sell expensive, handmade coats, and you name your business name "Kotas," you might want to apply for trademark protection. If you sell a common product and have a rather generic business name like "Dave's Retail," the trademark office probably won't approve your application, so you will have wasted the $325 application fee.
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Select a name with an easy spelling. If your company has a difficult-to-spell name, customers might not find it in the yellow pages. They might also not remember it, or find it when searching online. Additionally, a difficult-to-spell name might offend a potential customer's intelligence, resulting in that customer doing business with your competitor.
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Think of the connotations the name suggests. For instance, the denotation of a name is its literal meaning: A candy store named "Sunday Caramel" might literally mean that "Sunday" is the business owner's last name, and that she sells caramel. The name's connotation, however, is the emotional response it elicits. For instance, "Sunday Caramel" might make people think of relaxation, sweets or goodness. Pick a name that creates the type of subtle suggestions you like.
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