1) Make It Unique: Even if you choose a name that is self-explanatory, do your best to make sure there is no one else already doing business under that name.
2) Check the Domain: One of the driving factors any time I pick a name for a business is seeing if the domain is available. Having a domain name that is intuitively associated with your business increases the visibility.
3) Think about the Brand: Choosing your business name is the first of many brand-defining activities you will do with your business. Consider the elements of the brand you want to create — brandmark, colors, fonts, style, theme — and see if that can play into the naming process.
4) Name the Service: There are many business out there that include their main service in their business name. For example, Jane Doe Virtual Assistance, Team Coaching Group, Susie’s Web Design. There is a lot of value in doing this in terms of SEO and immediate recognition by potential clients.
5) Embrace It: Once you choose your name, there’s really no going back, unless you’re prepared to start your branding from scratch. So make sure you love it, and then run with it (screaming it at the top of your lungs!).
If you’re in the U.S., you’ll also want to check with your state to make sure it’s not already being used and that no one has it trademarked.
How did you choose your business name?
What other tips would you add to this list?
