5 Tips for Naming Your LLC

Only around 40% of small businesses are profitable. How you go about naming your LLC will largely determine whether or not your business succeeds.

LLC stands for limited liability corporation. With this business structure, owners aren’t personally liable for their company’s debts or other liabilities. These business entities combine the features of a corporation with a sole proprietorship or partnership.

In order to achieve success, your LLC must have an outstanding and understandable name. Knowing how to name business will give you a competitive edge in your field.

1. Make It Catchy and Creative

When you’re naming a business, keep it catchy. People are more likely to remember your LLC name if it’s easy yet clever. Include relevant keywords, but add a twist to make the name unique.

Feel free to play with alliteration, rhyme, wordplay, acronyms, and more. Keep in mind that your LLC name must be easy to read and pronounce aloud. Pick a name that most consumers can pronounce correctly based on reading it alone.

However, don’t choose a name that’s too long or “out there.” It’ll make your LLC harder to recall.

2. Brainstorm Ideas

Brainstorming is a valuable tool for learning how to name a business. It also gives you the chance to flex your creativity.

Come up with 4 to 5 potential names for your business. This will give you an idea of what type of name(s) you like and a sense of direction. Always keep your target audience in mind when coming up with names.

3. Conduct Online Research

Once you’re serious about a name, research that name online thoroughly. That includes researching competition to see if anyone has a name that’s too similar.

If someone else has the same/similar name, that tells you everything you need to know: Someone else thought of it first, so you should pick another name.

You can also use online research to gather more resources for your startup. For instance, this website provides personal loan options for debt consolidation purposes, something that benefits many people.

4. Do a Federal Trademark Search

Anyone who knows how to choose a business name is familiar with doing a federal trademark search. It’s an internet database that lets you search for trademark names. It’ll clue you in on who else is using names like yours.

Please conduct a federal trademark search even if you can’t afford an actual trademark (yet). It’s an important step that’ll prepare your LLC for more success in the future.

5. Look up the .com Domain Name

Look for the .com version of your LLC’s name as a domain name. If that .com address is already taken, it doesn’t bode well for your startup.

Sure, there are other domain extensions available, but none of them are as professional or memorable as .com. Having a .com extension means more consumers will find your business and remember it after the fact.

Naming Your LLC Is Easier Than You Think

As of 2018, there are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States. Don’t fret: There’s more help out there for naming your LLC than you think.

Fortunately, free business name generators are available online. They’ll help you with creating a company name that works.

Inspire yourself—read some of our startup ideas. It’ll boost your business knowledge and creativity.