Small Business Names: 3 Tips for Founders

Coming up with a good name for your small business can be a frustrating experience, even for creative writers. The fact that it's your business whets your appetite for perfection, making every idea seem like it's just not good enough.

When it comes to choosing a name for your new small business or brand, some elements are more important than others. Refocusing on the essentials will help bring you back to earth, pick a name, and move on.

1. Do a trademark search. Just because you think your name is unique doesn't mean someone hasn't beaten you to the punch. Do a basic word mark search via USPTO to make sure.
2. Vet it via search engines for SEO potential and undesirable associations. Even if your name is trademark-free, it could be associated with another company, a famous person, or a really gross yeast goo popular in other countries.
3. Run it by someone else. You may pronounce it "Bahm-wurd-ess," but others may see it as "Bum Warts." Ask a pal.