How To Choose A Business Name
Important Things to Consider When Deciding on a Business Name
Important Things to Consider When Deciding on a Business Name
Choosing the perfect business name is an exciting milestone on your entrepreneurial journey. It’s more than just a label — your business name shapes the first impression you make on potential customers, reflects your brand identity, and serves as a cornerstone for your marketing efforts.ou know exactly what information to gather to file your report correctly.
We get it—nailing down that name can feel like a big decision. But with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about picking a name that works for your business!
EACH STRUCTURE HAS SPECIFIC NAMING RULES
Before you get too far into brainstorming, it’s important to consider your business structure—whether you're forming a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has specific naming rules. For example, if you're forming an LLC, you'll need to include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” in your name. Similarly, a corporation usually needs “Inc.” or “Incorporated.”beneficial owners
Important: Make sure the designator you choose matches your actual business structure. You cannot use "LLC" in the name of a corporation or "Corp" for an LLC. Doing so could cause complications and confuse customers or regulators. Getting the requirements right from the start means smoother registration and fewer headaches down the road.
And here’s the good news — New Business Filing is ready to help you navigate these details to make sure your name meets all the requirements!
BE PREPARED IN CASE YOUR FIRST CHOICE IS TAKEN
When coming up with potential names, generate several options—you’ll want backups in case your first choice is taken. Make sure your business name is unique and distinct from existing businesses to avoid confusion and legal issues. A name that’s too close to another company’s could cost you time and money in rebranding later.
Pro tip: Keep it short and simple! A short name is easier to remember, pronounce, and spell, which can make all the difference when new customers are trying to find you.
RESTRICTIONS TO KEEP IN MIND
While you’re being creative, it’s important to keep some important restrictions in mind. Here’s a quick list of things to avoid when choosing your name:
Avoid using words like “bank,” “attorney,” “physician,” “trust,” “insurance” or other regulated terms that may require special permits or paperwork.
Steer clear of words like “bureau,” “agency,” or anything that sounds like it’s associated with the government. This could cause confusion and may result in your name being rejected.
While it’s tempting to hop on the latest trend, try not to lock your business into something that could feel outdated in a few years. Choose a name that has lasting power!
Avoid unnecessary punctuation, except for hyphens (-) or ampersands (&), as other symbols can complicate registration with entities like the IRS.
WE WILL CHECK THIS FOR YOU
Firstep will check the availability of whatever name you choose with your state agency. If it’s not available, we will contact you with suggestions, or check any other backup names you have chosen
New Business Filing can help you register your name and make sure you’re set up for long-term success!
Choosing your business name is one of the most exciting parts of starting your business, but it’s also one of the most important. A strong name sets the tone for your entire brand and helps you connect with customers from day one. At New Business Filing, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life—from brainstorming the perfect name to filing all the paperwork.
