10 Tips For Naming Your Startup Business or Nonprofit

10 Tips for Naming Your Startup

Trying to find the right name for your startup business or nonprofit organization can be a daunting, but rewarding task. In today’s blog post, I want to share ten tips for naming your startup business or nonprofit organization. To learn additional tips, strategies, and effective tools make sure to subscribe (use the form below) to the Journal Squad, an informative email group, and connect with me as we venture this business planning journey together. 

Table of Contents hide
1- Don’t choose a name that has the potential to limit your business growth.
2- Choose a name that is marketable and is not difficult to spell.
3- Choose a name that you are truly passionate about and happy with.
4- Create a name that uniquely describes the quality of your business.
5-Choose a name that is simple but catchy.
6- Use internet resources for brainstorming.
7- Check the availability of a potential name for your company’s internet presence.
8- Conduct a search with your Secretary of State office.
9- Conduct a trademark search.
10- Get feedback from trusted sources.
Next Steps
Questions to Consider

The following are ten tips on how to create a name for your startup.

1- Don’t choose a name that has the potential to limit your business growth.

Choosing a name that is too narrow can cause future limitations for your business or nonprofit. In doing so, you may find yourself with an inappropriate name in the years to come. Therefore, make sure your name allows your company to grow and evolve. So, you don’t want to limit your business to a particular product or a specific location. For example, don’t choose a business name that can be limiting if you decide to expand your business into a franchise in another city or state. Or, if you even decide to take on a larger/different focus later on.

2- Choose a name that is marketable and is not difficult to spell.

You want to choose a name that draws the attention of your target market. Your business name should be catchy and would work well with your branding (logo, website, etc). It should tell people what your company is about.

3- Choose a name that you are truly passionate about and happy with.

Choose a name that will resonate with your customers and convey something meaningful because the name of your business can be the driving force for everything else. So, don’t take it lightly.

4- Create a name that uniquely describes the quality of your business.

Figure out what you want people to recognize in your business’ brand and try to reflect that specific quality in the name.

5-Choose a name that is simple but catchy.

What do you want people to think of when they hear or see your business name? A catchy business name can communicate purpose and capture the attention of your target audience.

6- Use internet resources for brainstorming.

The following are websites that may help you brainstorm names for your startup:

  • Business Name Generator– provides a name generator for cool and catchy business names.
  • NameSnack– a business name generator that lets you choose a brandable domain name for free
  • Zyro– provides a startup company name generator.
  • Naminum– allows you to generate names based on a theme.
  • Visual Thesaurus– an online thesaurus and dictionary of over 145000 words that you explore using an interactive map. It’s a tool for people who think visually.

7- Check the availability of a potential name for your company’s internet presence.

When choosing a name for your business, make sure to verify its availability on the popular social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.). You also should Search to see if the potential business name would be available as a domain name for your website. Check it out on Bluehost: https://www.bluehost.com/track/michellebbolden/. Note: use this referral link when making a purchase to receive a discount.

8- Conduct a search with your Secretary of State office.

Most states allow you to search registered business names on their website and you may also call and request information. If you select a name that already exists, you may not be allowed to register your business. Therefore, you should conduct a search in the state where you plan to establish your business.

9- Conduct a trademark search.

In order to determine if your business name would be eligible for a trademark or service mark, complete a search with the United States Patent and Trademark Office at https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search.

10- Get feedback from trusted sources.

After you brainstorm and establish a few names of interest, get feedback from trusted sources including a mentor, coach, colleagues, friends, and family members. 

Next Steps

There are currently two product options available to help you create a name for your business and write your overall business plan. Download your copy of The Ultimate Journal Planner for Starting Your Nonprofit if you are looking to start a nonprofit organization or get a copy of The Ultimate Journal Planner to Start Your Business.

Questions to Consider

What are your thoughts? Please share your answers to the following two questions in the comments section below. Thanks!

1- How do you plan to use the information from this blog post?

2- What additional questions or informational tips would be helpful to you in starting your profitable business or nonprofit organization?