Philip Bacon, founder of Bacon Marketing knows the importance of finding the perfect name for your business.

Here he shares the 10 steps you should follow to find that all-important business name that will make you stand out.

WHO ARE YOU?

Start by writing down exactly what you do and who you do this for, i.e. product and clients. It’s much easier to write the strapline and your one-line business explainer before naming your business as this helps to define who you are as a business.

MOVE THINGS AROUND

Take what you've written down and move the words around, looking at any single or short word combinations that nail down who you are. Not feeling anything? Go abstract, keeping relevant to what you do but with words or phrases slightly further afield.

FEEDBACK TIME

Once you’ve established a few potential names, get feedback from people you know, trust and respect. 

DOES IT MATCH?

While a fun name may make you stand out, make sure that your business name matches your business personality i.e. if you are fun and lively, don’t go for something super corporate and vice versa.

CHECK IT

Using your list of potential names check to see if the following are available:

The .com and .co.uk domain names

The whole company name as a hashtag

The company name or a shortened version of it, in the same format on all social channels

THINK TIMELESS

Pick a name that is likely to remain timeless - you don’t want to be renaming and rebranding every couple of years, think Virgin Voyages, not Bouji Cruises.

BE MEMORABLE

You should pick a name that is memorable, but for the right reasons! You have to consider hashtags, domain names and local or global factors that could take your name from respectful to laughing stock.

BE SENSITIVE

Always check if there could be any religious or cultural issues with your name, especially if global. Make sure that you are not inadvertently using a word or phrase that could be seen as insensitive and cause you or a client embarrassment.

AVOID LEGAL ISSUES

Before committing to a name check for any potential for trademark infringement. If your name or words within it have already been used or have copyright protection you may end up in a sticky legal situation, such as in 2020 when Hugo Boss forced a Welsh Brewery to change its name.

APPLY TO PRODUCTS

This process also applies to naming a product or service, just keep your business name in mind throughout the steps to ensure that they remain cohesive.

Though it can be difficult, picking a name for your business is a crucial first step in creating your brand. It provides a positive initial image of your company and defines who and what your business will eventually become.