Naming Your New Business

You’ve got big ambitions for your new company, a solid business model laid out, and values to guide you along the way. But, what should you call yourself? The most important element of your company’s branding will also be one of the first decisions you make: what you will name your business.

Using a Name to Come Up with a Name

Obviously, you want to make your mark on your business. One consideration many business owners have when naming their business is whether or not to include their own name. For many people this works out great, but it’s far from a sure-fire win.

This may be a tough pill to swallow for some, so let’s just get it out of the way: Some people just don’t have a good name for branding. If your name is hard to spell or not very memorable, it won’t make for a strong company name. You also want to make sure your name is fitting for your company, so if your name is Harry, you may not want to name your sandwich shop after yourself.

However, if your name is unique, memorable, and fits with your brand, then it’s a solid way to make your brand unique. Just keep in mind that using your name might not be the best idea if you plan on selling your business

Using Your Location

One effective way to create a great name for your new business is to include your location, especially if you will be mostly serving your local market. Not only can you connect with your customers by resonating with your region, but you will also boost your local SEO by choosing a name that targets your location.

Before you settle on anything, make sure the location name you’re considering isn’t already taken. You’ll also need to keep in mind that using your location may not be best for all types of companies, particularly if you plan on expanding outside your local market. Although, if you’re based in particularly attractive cities, like Seattle, New York City, or Los Angeles, including your location in your business name could work to your advantage, depending on the industry.

Finding a Good Domain Name

Having a strong web presence is crucial to a successful business, so it’s worth taking into consideration whether or not your business name will be available as a domain name. When you have a list of finalists for your business name, check each one to see if the domain name is available.

You may have to forego some options if a logical domain name isn’t available. However, if you believe the branding behind your favorite name is strong enough, you may be able to get creative with choosing a domain name that’s separate from your business name.

Conveying Your Brand

Ultimately, your company name should reflect your values and unique place in your market. While there are some technical considerations to get past, you should have the company name you believe portrays your brand identity and will appeal to clients.