What's in a Name? How to Choose a Business Name That Will Make a Lasting Impression

Your business name is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an entrepreneur. It's the first thing potential customers will see and hear, and it will play a big role in shaping their first impressions. That's why it's important to choose a name that is memorable, relevant, and unique. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to choose a great business name for your new venture. We'll also share some examples of successful business names and explain why they work so well.

Q + ABUSINESS FORMATIONSTRATEGY BUSINESS LAW

Graham Settleman

10/9/20233 min read

a work desk with a light bulb on it
a work desk with a light bulb on it

How to choose a name for your business

Your business name is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a new entrepreneur. It's the first thing potential customers will see and hear, and it will play a big role in shaping their first impressions. That's why it's important to choose a name that is:

  • Memorable: Your business name should be easy to remember and pronounce, so that potential customers can easily find you when they need you.

  • Relevant: Your business name should be relevant to the products or services you offer. This will help potential customers understand what you do and why they should choose you.

  • Unique: Your business name should be unique enough to stand out from your competitors. This will help you create a strong brand identity and make a lasting impression on potential customers.


Here are some tips to help you choose a great business name:

  1. Start by brainstorming a list of potential names. Think about your business goals, your target audience, and the products or services you offer. What words and phrases come to mind?

  2. Evaluate your potential names against the criteria above. Is the name memorable? Relevant? Unique?

  3. Do some research to make sure your chosen name is available. You can use a business name generator or search online to see if the name is already in use.

  4. Get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, and colleagues what they think of your potential business names. Which one is their favourite? Which one is the most memorable?


Once you've chosen a business name, be sure to check to see if it's available as a trademark. You can do this by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. If your name is available, you can file a trademark application to protect your intellectual property.


Here are some additional tips for choosing a business name:

  • Use keywords. If you want your business name to show up in search results, consider using relevant keywords. This could include the name of the city or region where you operate, or the type of products or services you offer.

  • Avoid using numbers and symbols. Numbers and symbols can make your business name difficult to remember and pronounce. It's best to stick to letters and spaces.

  • Keep it short and sweet. A long and complicated business name is difficult to remember and type. Aim for a name that is no more than three words long.

  • Be creative. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when choosing a business name. A unique and creative name can help you stand out from your competitors and make a lasting impression on potential customers.


Here are some examples of successful business names:

  • Google: Google is a play on the word "googol," which is a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. This name reflects Google's mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.

  • Apple: Apple is a simple and memorable name that is also associated with creativity and innovation. This name reflects Apple's commitment to creating high-quality products that are both user-friendly and visually appealing.

  • Amazon: Amazon is the name of the world's largest river. This name reflects Amazon's vast selection of products and its commitment to providing customers with a wide variety of choices.

  • Tesla: Tesla is the name of a famous inventor and engineer. This name reflects Tesla's commitment to innovation and its focus on developing new and cutting-edge technologies.


Choosing a business name is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following the tips above, you can choose a name that is memorable, relevant, unique, and available.


Here are some additional tips for choosing a business name in 2023:

  • Consider your target audience. What kind of language and imagery do they respond to? What are their values? Choose a business name that will resonate with your target audience and make them feel connected to your brand.

  • Be future-proof. Avoid choosing a name that is too specific to your current products or services. If you plan to expand your business in the future, you want to choose a name that is versatile and can grow with you.

  • Be social media savvy. Make sure your business name is available on all major social media platforms. This will make it easier for customers to find and connect with you online.


Choosing the right business name is an important step in building a successful brand.

How to Choose a Business Name That Will Help You Stand Out from the Competition

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