When you’re starting a business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what to name it. A good company name can help your business stand out from the competition and attract customers. But how do you come up with a good company name? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the factors that go into making a great company name. We’ll also provide some tips for finding the perfect name for your business. So read on to learn more!
Trademark?
A great company name should be easily distinguishable from other businesses in your industry. This means that your name should not be too similar to another company’s name or trademark. Many people wonder what’s involved in trademark screening and how to do it. Trademark screening refers to the process of checking whether a proposed trademark is already in use. If you’re unsure whether your proposed name is too similar to another business, you can search for it on the USPTO website. The USPTO is responsible for granting trademarks, so if your proposed name is already trademarked, you’ll need to choose a different one. Also, keep in mind that you can’t trademark a generic name, so avoid names that describe your product or service.
Geographic Location
Your company name should also be relevant to your geographic location. This can help customers remember your name and make it easier for them to find you when they’re searching for businesses in your area. For example, if you’re based in Los Angeles, you might want to include the city’s name in your company name. Or if you have multiple locations, you might want to include the name of the state or country where your business is headquartered.
Relevance
Your company name should be relevant to what you do. This doesn’t mean that your name needs to be a literal description of your product or service (although that can work, too), but it should give customers some clues about what you do. For example, if you’re starting a pet sitting business, you might want to include words like “pets” or “animals” in your company name. That way, when customers see your name, they’ll immediately know what you do.
Pronounceability
Your company name should be easy to pronounce. This is important because you want potential customers to be able to say your name out loud. If your name is too difficult to pronounce, people might not remember it or be able to find you when they’re searching for businesses like yours.
Memorability
Your company name should be memorable. This means that it should be easy to remember and stand out from the competition. One way to make your name more memorable is to use alliteration, which is when you use the same letter or sound at the beginning of multiple words. For example, “Sally’s Pet Sitting Service” is more memorable than “Pet Sitting Service.”
Domain Availability
Another important factor to consider when choosing a company name is whether the domain name for your website is available. In today’s digital age, it’s important to have an online presence, and your website’s domain should reflect your company’s name. If you can’t get the .com domain for your chosen name, you might want to consider a different one. For instance, you could use a .net or .biz domain.
What’s In A Name?
When it comes to choosing a great company name, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect name for your business. So start brainstorming and good luck!
Don’t Pick a Name That Could Be Limiting As Your Business Grows
You might not be planning on expanding your business beyond your local area, but it’s still important to choose a name that won’t limit your growth potential. For example, if you name your business “Joe’s Plumbing,” you might have a hard time expanding to other services like HVAC or electrical work. A better option would be something like “All Pro Home Services” that signals to customers that you can handle any repair or maintenance job they need.
Avoiding Trends
It can be tempting to choose a name that’s inspired by the latest trends, but this isn’t always a good idea. First of all, trends come and go, so your company name could quickly become outdated. Second, if you choose a trend-based name, you might have a hard time standing out from the competition. After all, there are probably plenty of other businesses that are using similar names. If you want your company to have staying power, it’s best to avoid trends altogether.
Use a Name That Conveys Some Meaning
Your company name should say something about who you are and what you do. For example, if you’re a accounting firm, you might want to include the word “accounting” in your name. This will help customers understand what you do at a glance. Or if you have a unique selling proposition, like quick turnaround times or low prices, you might want to include that in your name as well.
Get Feedback On the Name You’re Considering
Once you have a few name ideas, it’s important to get feedback from others. After all, you want to make sure that the name you choose is one that other people will respond positively to. So ask your family and friends for their opinion on the names you’re considering. You can also ask customers or clients if they have any thoughts on the matter. And don’t forget to solicit feedback from employees, since they’re the ones who will be representing your company to the world.
Make Sure You Are Personally Happy With the Name
In the end, it’s important to choose a name that you personally like. After all, you’re the one who will be living with it day in and day out. So if you don’t like the sound of a particular name or it doesn’t feel right to you, trust your gut and move on to something else.
Choosing a company name is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one. Just keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect name for your business. Good luck!
