16 tips for choosing a small business name

Your small business’ name is important, but there are a few guidelines and tips that can make the process a little easier. Here are 16 of our top tips for choosing a great small business name.

• Keep your small business name memorable.
• Keep your business name short.
• Be creative, but not too out there.
• Allow room for future growth.
• Can your ideas fit together to form one name?
• Use synonyms or words starting with the same letters to find something catchy.
• Go online to search – try trademark searches, a simple web search, or a NUANS name search.
• Check domain name availability – you may not be able to get a .com of your exact name, but look for alternatives such as .ca and .net. You can also get a descriptive URL, such as waveapps.com.
• Look for a name that you’ll be able to use in the same form across various social media platforms – you may need to add a descriptive word here too, like with your URL.
• Avoid restricted small business names – these include names that are too similar to existing businesses, are considered obscene or inappropriate, or suggest a connection with the Royal Family or with the government.
• Ask yourself how the name will follow your brand.
• Determine how your name will distinguish you from competitors in your industry.
• Decide to what extent the name will describe the product or service that you’re offering. This doesn’t have to necessarily be right in the company name – it could always be used as a tagline or catchy phrase.
• Think of some distinguishing names that would work for your business and write them down. Don’t second-guess yourself – let your creativity fly!
• Take some time away from your list of potential names and focus on something else for a while.
• After some time, return to your list and start the process of elimination.

Good luck!