What’s in a business name?

Are you thinking about starting a new business? Then you will need a business name.

But what’s in a business name and how do you get it right? We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you choose the best name for your business.

• Make it short and simple – keeping your name short will make it easy for people to remember. Too long and it will become a mouthful and harder to remember.
• Say it, spell it, read it – make sure your name is easy to pronounce and spell. You don’t want customers asking you over and over again how to spell your business name.
• Think twice about geographic names – it may be tempting to include your local suburb in your business name, but this can also be self-limiting if you decide to expand your business.
• Avoid being generic – while it may help with keyword searches, avoid being too generic with your name. Generic names are more challenging for people to remember in the long run.
• Consult a few, but not all – it’s worth asking a couple of your close friends or family for their thoughts, but don’t consult with everyone as it can lead to confusion.
• Check the translations – if you plan to do business internationally, check the translation of your name in different languages to avoid any double or hidden meanings.
• Consider using your name – Using your surname is a logical choice for many businesses, but avoid your full name if you’re concerned about anonymity.
• Choose a name you like – make sure you like your business name, afterall, you will be stuck with it for as long as you own the business.

Once you have decided on your business name, then you should do the following:

• Register your business (or entity name) – speak to a PPT advisor.
• Check if your website domain name is available – visit netregistry.com.au
• Setup your relevant social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin).

If you need help registering and setting up your business, call PPT on (03) 5331 3711.

DISCLAIMER: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone.  If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.