How to Select the Most Effective Business Name

Run a highly targeted ad on social media networks like Facebook and LinkedIn for, say, a week, to see which page gets the most visitors and conversions.

Other Tips

Here are nine other best practices on how to come up with a solid name for your company:

1. Avoid names that are hard to pronounce or spell.
2. Try and get the “.com” domain name for your business, instead of such domain extensions as “.org,” “.net” or “.biz.” People tend to associate a “.com” website with a more established business. A domain name can have an impact on your online visibility as well as your marketing efforts.
3. Do not pick a name that may cause issues down the road or limit your business as it grows.
4. Do a thorough web search to check if the name is taken, even if it’s not trademarked.
5. Do not pick a name that is too vague, complicated or generic, or even too meaningful. Keep it simple.
6. Never copy your competitors. Apart from appearing unoriginal, it might confuse your customers and investors.
7. Unless you are an established name, avoid using your own name. The founder’s name does not tell anything about the business. It may also cause problems if you wish to sell your company in the future. Also, avoid names of places if you want your business to grow beyond your region.
8. Pick a scalable name.
9. Check the meaning of your chosen name in other languages.

Remember, a business name is just the first step toward building a company. And while it may give a good first impression, how you deal with customer expectations will ultimately bring success to your venture.

Authors

Neha De

Neha De is a writer and editor with more than 13 years of experience. She has worked on a variety of genres and platforms, including books, magazine articles, blog posts and website copy. She is passionate about producing clear and concise content that is engaging and informative. In her spare time, Neha enjoys dancing, running and spending time with her family.