The free ideas for naming a business listed in this article should make getting just the right handle for your venture a bit easier.
Get the Right Name for Your Business
When trying to decide what to name your business, make sure the name is something that will draw customers to your business, as opposed to something forgettable or that pushes them away. Keep the name simple. Customers want to be able to understand what you do or offer from your company name; don't make them guess by choosing a name that is too complicated.
Ideally, you want to use descriptive words that tell potential customers something about why they should deal with you. If appropriate, include the following types of words in your company name:
- Speedy
- Fast
- Personal
- Discount
- Luxury
- Exclusive
The words on this list indicate what kind of benefit the customer will get if they decide to do business with you.
Free Ideas for Naming a Business: Step-by-Step Instructions
- All Owners and Partners Have a Say
If you are operating your business with other people, they should have some input into what the company should be called. Those most involved in in the hands-on aspect of your business should be given a say, as opposed to asking everyone in your circle of acquaintances for their opinion.
- Picture the Company in Detail
If your company was a person, how would you describe him or her? Make note of the company's main traits. Are there any particular themes you want associated with your company?
- Consider Your Competition
You want the name you choose for your business to set it apart from similar competitors. Consider words and phrases that give your company a unique spin; perhaps a slightly different spelling of a common name or a play on words can be used to your advantage in selecting a name.
- Brainstorm Potential Business Names
Now the fun begins. Think of a series of names for your business and write all of them down. Have your business partners do the same thing. No editing allowed at this point. There will be time for that step a little later on.
- Consider Each Name on Your List Individually
Now is the time to look at all the possibilities you have come up with to see if they have merit. If you have a long list, it will take time to narrow the selection down to a short list of possibilities.
Be prepared to spend as much time as needed on this; naming your business is an important step. The name you choose will set the tone for the way your company presents itself to your potential customers, suppliers, investors, and the competition. You want to choose something that gives the right impression.
Choosing an Available Name
Once you have narrowed the possibilities to a few potential names, you will need to find out whether they are available for you to use. The Inc. Plan web site is a free resource that lets you check to see if the name(s) you are considering are available to register in the state where the company will be active.
If you choose to use this service, you will need to fill in an online form with the following information:
- The company name you want to use
- The state where you want to register the name
- Type of company (LLC or corporation)
- Your name
- E-mail address
- Your phone number
Once you provide this information, it takes time to get the answer to your question. You will be notified by a phone call as to whether the name you are interested in is available. If the name is available, you can decide to pay a fee to incorporate your company in the state of your choosing.
Now you have some free ideas for naming a business. They should help you to choose the right identity for your new venture.
