Choosing a name for your LLC is more than just picking something that sounds good and sticking with it. If you’re adopting a new name, you should consider it seriously to ensure that it conveys both your individuality and your professional stature. Taking stock of your identity, goals, and team members is the first step toward getting there. Before you begin your search, here are some things to consider: If there is a company, who will be in charge of it? If it’s just you, consider branding yourself.
Consider including your partners’ names in the brand if you work with others. What sets this company apart from the competition? Are there any terms or phrases you want to see associated with your brand? How do you imagine it will sound? Finally, remember that a company’s name should convey the essence of its mission. Here are some suggestions that should make things simpler.
Make Sure the Name is Available
It’s essential to consider the name you choose for your limited liability company. Before settling on a name for your LLC with complete certainty, there are certain things to consider. Check to see whether the name you want is already in use. The last thing you want to do is go through the process of forming an LLC only to discover that another company with the same name has already done so in your state. Determine whether it is listed in the state’s online business registration. When the desired name is taken, you may still be able to discover something suitable.
If the name is accessible in some other state but not in yours, you could choose to register your business there. If the name is already taken in your state, you might want to add something to it (for instance, “Awesome LLC” might become “Awesome Game LLC”) to make it stand out from the crowd. Having established that the desired moniker is not already in use, you may use the following criteria to narrow down your options.
Keep the Name for Your LLC Simple
As many would-be business owners know, one of the most challenging parts of starting a company is getting it off the ground. This includes acquiring the necessary permits and registrations, establishing a financial structure, and advertising your wares or services. To prevent other people from using your company name, you must have it trademarked immediately.
There are two common structures for new businesses: the limited liability company (LLC) and the doing business as (DBA) (doing business as). Each has its own pros and cons; nevertheless, the most crucial consideration is that the option you choose is clear and straightforward to remember. If prospective clients can’t discover you, it’s probably because they don’t know your real name.
A limited liability company (LLC) presents a particular challenge since its abbreviated form sounds formal and professional but is also easier to remember. Having a short name also facilitates a smooth transition if you decide to reorganize your company.
Avoid Common Words and Phrases
You don’t want the name of your LLC to be so similar to that of an existing business that you’ll have trouble registering a trademark for it. If you work in the banking sector, you may want to steer clear of the term “bank.” On the other hand, if you work in the insurance industry, you should make sure that your company name doesn’t seem too similar to the name of another prominent insurance provider.
In addition, you should change any terms or phrases in your name that can give the impression that you are involved in illicit activity. If you are considering starting a business engaged in distributing or selling illegal substances, you should certainly steer clear of adopting a name like “Drugs R Us.”
Check with Your State’s LLC Naming Requirements
Get the ball moving on your new company by first checking your state’s regulations and then registering it with the appropriate agency. Your limited liability company’s name must be distinct from all other LLC names and not be too similar to existing ones. This means no double entendres or intelligent play on words; you don’t want someone else to register your concept first (which is where those double entendres could come back to bite you).
Look for other businesses with identical names on the state registry (either physically or virtually). Since domain extensions (.com, .net, .org, etc.) will be included in people’s electronic and web addresses, you should also check their availability. A wrong turn in business inquiry routing is the last thing you need.
Choosing a name for your LLC might seem simple, but there are many factors to consider when choosing a name. You want to be sure that your business name is available and that it is not too similar to the name of another business. Check the availability of your preferred LLC name on the Corporation Center website today at (800) 580-4870.
