Creating a Unique Name to Brand Your Business
One of the most important steps in business planning is choosing a name in which to operate under. The challenges with choosing a name can be difficult to overcome, such as deciding on a unique name, finding a name that reflects the business and its purpose well, as well as choosing a name that will easily transition to online use and social media. Once these challenges have been conquered, the most important step in the naming process is registering it with the proper department of local government as well as copyrighting or trademarking the name in order to protect the branding of the business long-term.
Important Considerations to Make When Choosing a Business Name
More often than not, small businesses start out as an individual’s freelancing or solo efforts. When this is the case, using the individual’s personal name is acceptable and does not need to be registered with the government. But, when these small operations begin to grow and working under a personal name is no longer feasible, it is time to consider creating a name and having the business branch off from the owner’s personal name. Giving a business any old name is usually not the best option – there are many things an owner should consider when choosing a proper name for his or her organization.
Some of the main points that business owners should consider when choosing an acceptable name are choosing a name that reflects the business and its offerings well, how the name will look both in print and on the Web, what feelings the name may evoke in consumers and business partners, as well as if the name has already been trademarked or claimed by another organization – violating trademarks can lead to huge legal ramifications for small businesses. Being able to meet these points with confidence will help an owner choose the appropriate name and build the business’s branding overall.
Importance of Registering a Business’s Name with Local and State Government
Once the business’s new name has been created, it may be pertinent to register the name with local and state government agencies. Registering the business under a new name alerts the government that business is being done under what is known as a “Doing Business As” or DBA name. After this registration process is complete, some business owners choose to also trademark the business’s name. Trademarking protects the business’s “Doing Business As” name and branding, guaranteeing that another organization will not use the same name and helping to keep the image of the business clear.
Is Your Business’s Name Web Ready?
Just as the business’s name is important in print, it is also important for branding on the Web and through social media. When considering a name, do research to determine if the same domain name is available. Also, search social media such as Facebook and Twitter to see if there is another organization with the same or similar name. If the proposed business name is available on social media, claim the name early in the naming process – even if the name changes down the line, many social media sites will allow business owners to edit and change the name of the business at any point.
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