Your business name is the first thing customers see. A great name builds trust, a bad one creates confusion. Here are 7 rules for choosing a name that works.
1. Keep It Short
The best business names are 1-3 words. Short names are easier to remember, spell, type, and fit on a logo. Think: Nike, Uber, Stripe, Slack. If your name needs a comma or "and" in it, it's probably too long.
2. Make It Easy to Spell and Say
If you tell someone your business name over the phone, can they spell it correctly? If not, pick something simpler. Avoid unusual spellings (Lyft instead of Lift works — but only because they spent millions on branding).
3. Check Domain Availability First
Before you fall in love with a name, check if the .com is available. If it's taken, consider .co, .io, or .app. But .com is still king for credibility. Use our business name generator to find names with available domains.
4. Avoid Trends
Trendy suffixes (-ly, -ify, -io) feel modern now but may date your brand. "Uber for X" names are already cliché. Choose something timeless over trendy.
5. Think About SEO
Including a keyword in your name can help with search rankings. "Austin Plumbing Co" will rank better for "Austin plumbing" than "AquaFlow Solutions." But don't sacrifice brandability for SEO.
6. Check Trademarks
Search the USPTO trademark database before committing. A name that's already trademarked in your industry will cause legal headaches. Also check state business registries.
7. Test It With Real People
Say the name to 10 people. Can they spell it? Do they remember it an hour later? Does it evoke the right feeling? If most people stumble, keep iterating.
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