How to pick a name for your LLC
You’ve done your homework and are confident that the best legal business structure for your new company is an LLC. Choosing an LLC name is the next step in launching your new firm, and it’s also one of the most exciting and crucial.
Picking the ideal name for your new LLC will take more than a few minutes. You need to make sure the name satisfies legal criteria in addition to choosing something that fits well with your start-up concept and has branding potential. Even if you can’t stop thinking of potential names for your LLC, the steps below will assist you in selecting the ideal LLC name for your brand-new business.
1. Create a list of ideas
Having a list of at least five to six possible LLC names is beneficial when choosing a business name. You’ll be happy to have alternatives if the name you’ve had your heart set on doesn’t work out during the LLC name screening phase.
Don’t be selective or judgmental when you’re thinking of names for your list. Instead, try to write down as many as you can. The intriguing and maybe catchy names you come up with might surprise you.
2. Make your list more focused
After brainstorming is complete, it’s time to don your critical judgment hat. As you go through your list, start marking down names that don’t quite feel right. Take your time and give significant thought to each possible name. Hopefully, by the end, you will have a list of five or six candidates to move on to the next round.
What factors should you take into account when reducing the size of your list? Take a look at these questions:
- Does the name stick in your mind? Utilizing a name that will stick in the minds of customers will make your LLC stand out from the competition.
- Does the name have any significance? Does it explain to potential customers what kinds of products or services they may expect from you? This is undoubtedly something that helps a name, even though it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in deciding whether or not it should be on your list of possible names.
- Is the name unique? Having an original name will usually take precedence over having a name that accurately reflects the nature of your firm. This is particularly true if the majority of your marketing and branding will be done online or if your start-up is predominantly an Internet-based business. You can get a great deal of branding potential with a creative and memorable name.
3. Use the necessary terms or expressions
The majority of states will have a list of needed terms or phrases that must appear in an LLC name. They are usually acronyms like “LLC” or phrases like “Limited Liability Company” that inform people that your business is an LLC. Select the necessary term or expression that complements each of the names in your list.
4. Remove words that are banned
Many states have a list of words that cannot be used in an LLC name or can only be used with approval in addition to the required words. For instance, you most likely won’t be allowed to include the terms “partnership” or “corporation” in your name, and terms like “bank” would probably need permission from the relevant government body.
5. Verify the availability of LLC names
After you’ve compiled a list of possible names, you’ll need to confirm that you can use each one as the name of your new business. Verifying the availability of an LLC name is crucial since most states forbid LLC names that are the same as those of companies that are presently registered with the state or that are confusing enough to consumers. You can verify the possible names on your list by searching the online database of business name registrations maintained by the majority of states.
6. Look up trademarks
While a trademark search provides an additional layer of protection, an LLC name search assists you in meeting the legal requirements of your state for naming your LLC. Nothing is more annoying or difficult than having trademark problems later on, especially if your business is doing well and has had time to establish a solid reputation and a base of devoted clients. Search the US Patent and Trademark Office’s trademark database for each name on your list to prevent any trademark challenges. If you find a name that is too similar to another name on your list, or one that is exactly the same, you should remove it from consideration.
7. Readiness for the internet
You ought to know by now which names will work best for your new company. Verify the availability of domain addresses for each name that is still on your list to assist you in selecting. It’s likely that you will stake out some internet real estate for marketing even if your organization is strictly brick and mortar. A quality domain name will be a priceless asset. If your precise name isn’t available when searching for a domain name, don’t give up. Most of the time, variations that are close enough to the original name will function just as well.
Remembering the social media components of your LLC name is also crucial. Make sure that all of the major social media networks you plan to be active on have suitable usernames available if you plan to undertake any social media marketing.
The additional work it will take to choose a name that suits your new startup will be worthwhile. The perfect name will do more for your business than just help people recognize it. It will give you a foundation on which to establish your reputation and brand.
8. Think about social media
Do you want to use social media to advertise your just-launched company? For the most part, social media sites like Instagram and Twitter need you to select a username for your business. You can select a vanity URL on Facebook and Pinterest, among other social networking sites. It’s a good idea to make sure that you can use some variation of your LLC name on any social networking platform you choose.
Strong company names are extremely valuable. Selecting the ideal LLC name for your company is a crucial step in the launch process. Not only will your future LLC name help to identify your business. It’s also the moniker you’ll use to develop your brand.
Considering trademark issues and legalities? Consult with an LLC lawyer to ensure compliance and protection.
9. Keeping your LLC name reserved and secure
Once you’ve decided on the perfect LLC name, reserve and secure it by sending the required paperwork, fees, and legal documents to the Secretary of State office in your state. States may have different methods for this, so check with your local authorities.
By reserving your LLC name, you can stop other companies from using it and gain more time to finish the registration and legal documentation requirements. You may safeguard your preferred name and create the foundation for the success of your company by following these steps.
10. Using trademarks to safeguard your brand
It’s important to know the distinction between LLC names and trademarks since they provide different levels of protection for your company name and marketing collateral. A trademark safeguards your brand’s components, including slogans, product names, and logos, whereas an LLC name serves as your company’s legal designation.
Before deciding on an LLC name, do a trademark search to protect your brand from infringement. You might need to think about other trade name options if your selected name interferes with an already-registered trademark, or you could end up in legal hot water. By following these safety measures and seeking advice from the trademark office, you can guarantee the long-term viability of your brand and avoid conflicts with other companies.
11. Using a DBA (doing business as) name
Sometimes, as a business owner, you may want to use a name other than your official LLC name to operate and conduct business. You may also want to use a different name in the event that your first choice isn’t accessible. A fictional name, or DBA (Doing Business As) name, can be a very useful tool for your company in these kinds of circumstances. A DBA name gives your company the freedom and adaptability to legally operate under a different name.
To use a DBA entity name, you have to adhere to certain rules and regulations, like submitting the right paperwork and paying any applicable fees to your state or local government. You can explore new branding ideas while keeping your legal LLC name intact by employing a DBA name.
Some advice on using business name generators and brainstorming
Though it can be difficult to come up with the ideal LLC name for a limited company, business name generators and brainstorming methods can inspire originality. To come up with a distinctive and evocative business name for your venture, try using strategies like word association, synonym research, or thesaurus consultation.
Furthermore, based on your input and interests, online company name generators might offer a lot of ideas. To make sure your chosen name fits with your brand and offers, take into account elements like the target market, length, and type of business when using a business name generator.
FAQs
How do you know if a name is good?
The ideal name for an LLC is one that is memorable, combines a common word, and accurately describes the nature of the company. Examples of such names are Rose Petal Café and Dandelion Consulting.
What is a creative way to name an LLC?
Inventiveness is essential in creating a memorable LLC name. Think about personifying your product and use wordplay, alliterations, acronyms, rhymes, puns, and symbolism. You can get ideas from resources like WordHippo and VisualThesaurus, and you can give your company the distinctive personality it needs by using well-known phrases, books, movie names, and idioms.
Does LLC have a comma before it?
It’s not necessary, but most business owners choose to put a comma before LLC in their company name. The business owner ultimately decides what grammar to use and whether it complements their own company name. States do not need commas to be used in business names.
Is ‘LLC’ required to appear in my domain name?
Including “LLC” in your domain name is not required.
Can I have the same name as a company in another state?
Unless the LLC is protected by a federal trademark, you may use the same name in another state.
Summary
Picking the ideal LLC name is essential to starting a profitable company. You may establish the groundwork for a successful brand by being aware of the legal requirements, making sure the name is distinctive, and coming up with a catchy and descriptive name. Additionally, you can more readily manage the intricacies of the naming process by taking into account elements like state-specific naming rules, long-term vision, and domain names.
Now that you have the information and resources necessary to choose the ideal LLC name for your company, it’s time to start your entrepreneurial adventure. Recall that a well-chosen name is essential to the success of your business since it conveys the essence of your brand.
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