whatbizopp.com

How To Name Your Business: Choosing & Using Business Names

If you’re starting a business then ideally your business name should be catchy, easy for customers to remember – and most important of all comply with the business naming regulations.

It often used to be the case that business people would call their business after themselves... Smith & Son for example. But today’s entrepreneurs tend to be a lot more creative. Who would ever have thought of calling a business eBay or Amazon for example? (But they seem to have done quite well from it!)

There are still some basics you should bear in mind however:

Your business name should be catchy. After all, it’s part of your brand – part of the image you present to your customers. You don’t have to, but it’s usually a good idea if your business name says what you do and why you think you do it better than anyone else. Easyjet is a perfect example of this sort of name.

Your business name should be easy to remember. Customers are exposed to hundreds of business names every day, and might only remember a couple of them. How can you make it that bit more memorable?

Having a name that is easy to remember is particularly important if you’re planning to have an online presence. Make sure that a suitable domain name remains unregistered too.

Try to go for something that is easy to remember, won’t get confused with something else and works on the Internet. There have been a few bloopers here... including a medical practice called The Therapist Finder who mistakenly registered the totally unsuitable www.therapistfinder.com!

Now the regulations:

The goods news is that in the UK (unlike some countries) you don’t need permission for a business name and you don’t need to register it anywhere… in fact there is no central register of business names. (The exception to this is for limited companies.)

There are a few rules though…

• There are a few ‘official’ words you can’t use without permission. For example British, National, International, Federation, Foundation, School or Royal.

• Your name shouldn’t be the same as, or too similar to an existing business. It could cause disputes and might confuse your customers too. Do a thorough search in trade directories and on the Internet to try and make sure nobody else is already using the name.

• If the name you use isn’t your own personal name then you must state your own name on your business documents (such as letters and invoices) and by way of a notice at your place of business.

Remember, it’s not easy to change a business name when you’re established and your name could become a major part of your business success story. So once you’ve got a few ideas draw up a shortlist, do some research… and ask prospective customers which name they think works best before making the final decision on your business name.

by Mark Hempshell Business Opportunities Expert Mark Hempshell is a regular contributor to What Really Makes Money. You can sign up for the free weekly eletter here: Recent Articles by Mark Name Email

• How To Buy At Wholesale Prices
• How to Make Money from Travel Writing
• Become An Instant Publisher…With Print On Demand Publishing!
• Small Business Law: Handling Legality