Three Things to Consider for Your Brand Name

Naming your business is one of the most important things you will do starting as a business owner. After all, this name will most likely be the most memorable part of your business. I've seen some interesting business names and I want to share a few tips you should consider before legalizing your business name.

THINK LONG TERM

‍It's easy to think short term when getting started in business but thinking long term is incredibly helpful in naming your brand. I had a client who named her business based on the one product she offered, which was soaps. But when I asked what are her dream goals for the business; she said she wanted to offer an entire skincare line. I suggested that we change her name  to reflect that.

Avoid adding a location identifier to the name. Atlanta's Best Wings is a cool name but if an investor wanted to take a franchise to South Carolina, that presents a potential setback. On the flip side, it might be completely fine for Atlanta’s Best Wings in London. Either way, be sure the name of your business can withstand the test of time and growth. 

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THINK NAME AVAILABILITY

Sometimes we think we are so creative in naming and we get all excited once we find a name that we go down the rabbit hole of creating a logo and website without doing our due diligence. Remember Google is our friend and it is free.

Complete a thorough search to see if it's being used by someone else. First I would search the US Patent and Trademark database as well as the Secretary of State's website where you plan to register your business to make sure your proposed name is not already registered. You definitely don't want to get cease and desist letter when your business momentum is on the upswing. Next I would also search godaddy.com for url availability. Lastly check social media to see if your handles are available. Make sure the same name is available across all channels.

THINK MORE FUNCTIONAL

Clever is great but is not always functional. Sidebar: Can we stop using the letter Z to replace s i.e. Dimplez as opposed to Dimples. No shade. In all seriousness, you want customers to be able to identify what it is that your business does just by experiencing the name. Consider avoid slang or a word that may difficult to remember or spell.  And when naming your business, clarity is of the utmost importance. One of my favorite bloggers says, when it's easy to find me, it's easy to pay me. Also think of your favorite brands. Their names are not complicated, sometimes clever yet always functional.

I know naming a business can be overwhelming if you feel like you are not creative. But you can use tools such as Namecheck, Namechk, Domainr to help with the brainstorming process. Good luck and let me know how I can help!