Perhaps a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but you don't want to take any chances with your new small business. Your business name will often be the first thing potential clients know about your business. It may be what appears in online searches or on social media. Whether humorous, serious, descriptive, or abstract, picking the right name for a business is often one of the initial stumbling blocks an entrepreneur must cross successfully. You want something catchy so that potential customers will remember it. But you don’t want a similar name to another company or one with negative connotations.
As you begin brainstorming names for your new business, it’s important to keep these things in mind when trying to pick a good business name.
Where and How Will Your Business Name Be Used
Depending on the type of business you own the name may even be more important than the actual goods or services you provide. Think about companies like Apple, Nike, or IBM and their brand identity in the business marketplace. If your business is something like an architecture firm or a doctor’s office, the naming process may not be quite as important.
When you are thinking about business name ideas, try to keep them simple. You may even wish to consider using an abbreviation or acronym as your outward-facing name. Consumers will respond to a unique name they can easily remember and find using a search engine.
Once you have chosen a name, make sure to register it with the Secretary of State where the business exists.
What Is a Fictitious Name?
A fictitious name is one that you use to do business. It is not your real name or the names of your business partners. Typically, you will see it listed as “dba”. Each state has its own process to register a fictitious business name, which typically happens through the Secretary of State’s office or possibly a court clerk’s office. You may want to consider using a fictitious company name for many reasons. These include rebranding or taking on a catchy name for your business for e-commerce or other marketing reasons.
Your Name May Be Taken
Before you decide on a business name you need to check the name availability. This can be done through a Google search, a domain name search, or checking with your state Secretary of State’s office. You should also check with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (uspto.gov) to make sure no one has a trademark on the potential names you are considering.
Each state has its own procedures and rules regarding naming a business and registering a business name so be sure to speak to a local business attorney if you have any questions.
Deciding on your business name is just the beginning of your life as a business owner, so have fun with the process and name it well!
Related Resources:
- What Does Co Mean in a Business Name? (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Top 5 Legal Tips for Naming Your Small Business (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
- Starting a Business (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
