Starting a Business? Choosing the right name

Are you thinking about finally making it happen?

All these years of dreaming and planning, and now it’s finally here.

You may be filled with excitement and ambition, but that may not be the only emotion you’re feeling.

If you’re like many others, you’re probably also feeling a little afraid, maybe even anxious.

Fearful of the unknown.

Yes, starting a business can feel overwhelming.

For that reason, we’re breaking things down into a Starting a Business series to make the journey a little smoother.

Instead of trying to figure out everything at once, we’re going topic by topic.

First up:

Choose Your Business Name

The name of your business can determine whether or not people give you their attention.

Bad choice, and they may look the other way.

The right choice, and they may inquire and want to know more.

So what should you think about when choosing a name?

Check out a few questions you can ask yourself:

• Who am I trying to reach?

• What’s their age group?

• What am I trying to accomplish?

• What is my goal with this business?

• How will my business help others?

• What do I want people to think or feel when they hear the name?

• Is the name easy to remember?

• Is it easy to spell?

• Will the name still make sense if my business grows?

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These questions can help you think beyond just picking something that sounds good.

You want a name that actually makes sense for the business you’re trying to build.

Check Whether the Name Is Available

Once you figure your name out, you want to make sure it’s even available!

One thing we did was a simple Google search to see if anything else popped up.

Believe it or not, HatchStride was not the first name we chose.

The first names we really liked were either already taken, or there were businesses with names that were just a little too similar.

That’s why it helps to search around before you get too attached.

You also want to check with your state’s business registry to see if your business name is available.

This can help you avoid spending time and money building around a name you may not be able to use.

Check Domain Availability

After you settle on your name, you also want to make sure a good domain is available.

For us, once we decided on HatchStride, we also wanted to make sure we could get a domain that matched the business.

Can you imagine having a business name, but your website doesn’t match?

That can create confusion.

Ideally, you want your domain to be simple, easy to remember, and as close to your business name as possible.

Check Social Media Handles

This is another big one nowadays.

Will you be able to use a social media handle that is in line with your business?

Check the platforms you think you’ll actually use.

Instagram.

Facebook.

LinkedIn.

TikTok.

Threads.

You may not get the exact same handle everywhere, but you want them close enough that people can easily recognize your business.

Before Pulling the Trigger

Before you make the name official, try to check all of these things first.

Once you can confirm you’re good to go, then you can move forward.

You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on logos, websites, signs, business cards, or branding before realizing there is a problem with the name.

There may also be other factors to think about, such as trademarks or other legal considerations.

For those, you may want to speak with a legal consultant or attorney.

Remember, this is just a basic list.

HatchStride Tip

Do your research before you spend your money.

A little time checking the name, domain, social handles, and business registry can save you a lot of frustration later.