Business name search: 4 key steps

You’re cooking up a new business idea, but don’t know what to call it? Fellow entrepreneurs, this one’s for you: it’s time to dive into your name search!

Choosing the right business name is a crucial first step in establishing a strong market presence. A well-chosen name can leave a lasting first impression and set the tone for how clients perceive your brand and what it represents. It can communicate your company’s values, culture, and personality—and help you stand out from the competition. A strong name can even influence customer behavior, encouraging brand loyalty and supporting purchase decisions. Not to mention, a unique and searchable name can do wonders for your online presence, making it easier for your audience to discover your business. Long story short: investing time and thought into your name can pay off big.

This week, Bang shares a simple 4-step process to help you find the perfect corporate name.

1. Define your business identity

Before anything else, clarify your company’s personality, products, and services. Ask yourself some foundational questions:

• What is the purpose of your business?
• What are your core products or services?
• How are you positioning yourself in your industry?
• And so on.

If your field is complex and challenging to explain, opt for a strong, descriptive name that features a key term highlighting your area of expertise. Want something more original? Try inventing a new word altogether.

2. Take action

During the brainstorm phase, keep an open mind: every idea counts.

Gather 5 to 8 colleagues who also have open minds, sharp judgment, and rich vocabularies. Make sure everyone involved understands the essence of your future business.

3. Use the proper techniques

Arm your brainstormers with pens and paper; that’s all you need to get started! With a timer in hand and a keyword list in mind, aim to generate as many names as possible in a short period.

Then, share and compare. Ensure everyone can see the names—use a traditional blackboard if necessary. Discuss pros and cons. Finally, narrow it down to a top 3. A quick internal poll is a great way to help pick your finalists!

4. Validate the potential of your name

That top 3 may sound promising, but take time to check pronunciation, relevance, and availability before moving forward. Imagine discovering that another company already uses your name—something to avoid! Be sure to check for availability in your local business registry database.

Here are a few signs of a strong name:

• It sounds good when spoken aloud
• It’s specific to your area of expertise
• It avoids unnecessary abbreviations, cheesy puns, or overly corporate initials (ex: IBM, despite its fame, doesn’t reveal what it does or which industry it’s in)
• It passes the domain name test and shows promise on Google Ads

Name hunting isn’t always easy, but it’s the key to drawing attention to your business. Your name will complete your branding and become inseparable from what you do.

Take the time to sit with it, and don’t hesitate to restart the process if something doesn’t feel right.

Need branding support? Our team’s here to help!