Your LLC name must be unique. It can’t be the same as another business registered in your state or a trademarked phrase.
You also want it to be a name that will allow you to grow and avoid being pigeonholed if you decide to expand your business in the future. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with legal and branding experts before choosing your name.
1. Think About Your Target Market
Your LLC name should tell potential customers about your business. It should be descriptive, determine your brand, and be unique. It also has to be different from the names of existing businesses in your state.
You can check this by searching your state’s business name database or checking with a domain registrar. You should also be sure to avoid words that are reserved for licensed professionals (like attorneys, engineers, or doctors) or banks or similar regulated entities.
Naming your LLC after yourself might seem like a good idea, but it could create confusion when you add staff or branch out beyond your local area. For example, “Boise in the Hood Custom Sweatshirts” might make sense for a small silk screening company but might not work well if you expand your business to other cities and states.
2. Keep It Short and Simple
The name of your business needs to be legally distinguishable, meaning that it isn’t too similar to another company’s registered name in your state. It also should not infringe on trademarks. You can check the availability of your desired LLC name by searching with a domain registrar or with the state agency that handles business name registration.
Many small businesses opt to include the city or town they are located in, which can be a great way to set themselves apart from other companies. But this can limit your future possibilities if you decide to expand beyond your local area. Adding a word that conveys the type of product or service you offer can also be helpful. For example, adding “Fun” to the name of your party planning business would make it easy for clients to find your website.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative
A good business name is the foundation for your company’s brand. A creative name can help distinguish your company from competitors while also conveying a certain vibe to potential customers. It is important to remember, however, that your LLC name should reflect what you do. A descriptive name may work for a local silk screening company, but it can be problematic when you expand into other cities and states.
Try to use a play on words or alliteration to make your company name more memorable. This will be beneficial when it comes time to trademark your business. Also, try to grab a domain and social media handles that are available for your company’s name as soon as possible to avoid someone else getting them.
4. Make It Memorable
If your LLC name is memorable, it can help clients recall your company the next time they need the type of service or product you offer. Try using alliteration or rhyming schemes to make your LLC name more unique and catchy.
Remember, you may need to choose a domain name for your website and other online platforms. So before choosing a business name, be sure to run a quick domain name search to see if any other businesses in your area have already reserved that name.
The last thing you want is to pick a business name that will limit your growth opportunities down the road. Think about where you see your business five years from now and choose a name that reflects that vision.
5. Check It Out Online
Choosing the perfect LLC name can be one of the most fun parts of starting a new business. It’s also an important step to making sure your company’s legal name is unique and doesn’t infringe on someone else’s trademark.
You can check a potential business name’s availability online by searching your state’s database of business names. However, remember that this only shows whether the name is available in your state; it does not show if someone already has a trademarked version of the same name.
Many states require businesses to include certain words and abbreviations in their legal name to indicate they are an LLC. In addition, some states have restrictions on how long a legal business name can be and do not allow different designators that create distinguishability such as “Inc.” or “Corp.” and “LLC.” or “Ltd.” or “LC.”.
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