When starting a business, it is vital you choose the right name for your firm. With a memorable name, your business can distinguish itself from competitors and develop a robust brand identity, presenting itself as a trusted provider of goods and services to your target market. In order to help you develop a strong name, Turner Little examines four of the key considerations of naming your business.
Consider your options. Start-ups explains that there are three options for business names. Made up ones e.g. Accenture, surname and surname/place names e.g. Johnson & Johnson and everyday object names e.g. Apple. Which option reflects your core business principles? Consider the names of your competitors and how you can use your name to build a trusted brand identity, so you can draw up a shortlist of options.
Check Companies House
If you are creating a limited company, an option which lends extra protections to your finances, you are required to register your firm with Companies House. This government agency also maintains a list of business names already in use, as well as types of restricted names. As part of our corporate services, Turner Little can perform a name check for just £12, helping you narrow down your shortlist.
Find domain names
Consumers use the internet to research and engage with businesses, so you need a company website. It is critical that you can register a domain which features your firm’s name in some form, so consumers can find you online. If you are trading largely in the UK, prioritise .co.uk domains, as this is what your consumers will expect. Also defensively register variants of your name to safeguard your brand identity. Turner Little can provide you with advice on domain name registration matters.
Search names online
As a final safeguard, type your chosen name into search engines like Google and Bing. This will ensure that no competitors, domestically or globally, appear in searches for your name and that it cannot be associated with unsavoury brands, products or services. Also test the name with your target audience via market research to ensure it resonates with those you wish to buy your goods and services.
Comprehensive services
It is wise to enlist professional aid, to ensure you choose the most appropriate name for your new business. Turner Little provides a range of critical services in this area, such as domain name registration. We also supply name change services so that if you expand and wish to reposition your firm’s brand identity later down the line, to appeal to new consumers, you can do so easily.
Turner Little
Turner Little was founded in 1998 and it has since become a well-established UK based professional Company Registration Agent, Registered Bank Intermediaries and Business Consultants, as well as Trust provider. You can receive our monthly newsletter by signing up using the form below.
