Choosing a Business Name
There’s a lot to think about when naming and branding your business. And believe it or not, I see many get stuck here. I want to assure you, you can change your name and rebrand anytime you want or feel the need too. Many big brands rebrand all the time and so can your handmade business. So to help you get started, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for a business name.
Business Name Do’s:
- Be original – buyers remember originality. For example, a phrase that is meaningful to you and your history or location.
- Show your style – Are you country, love urban life, quirky, have a love of glitter and glam? If your wreaths are elegant, have an elegant name. If they are rustic, have a country name.
- Make sure it is easy to spell – If you mean wreaths, don’t use wreathz. If you mean doors don’t use doorz. This will only confuse your buyers later who are trying to find you on Etsy and can’t remember the exact spelling of your name. I really feel that adding your name is a good tactic to hinder others from also using your name; however, I would never use the name JulieSiomaccoWreaths because buyers can’t remember how to spell my last name but I could use WreathsByJulie.
- Make sure it’s not already taken on social media sites like Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. Use the free app http://www.knowem.com to instantly see where your name is available on social media sites.
- Keep in mind character lengths. For example, Etsy only allows 20 characters.
- Make sure it’s available on Etsy by conducting a quick Etsy search.
- Make sure it’s a name you can grow with and doesn’t keep you stuck in one industry. For example, Julie’s Wreaths, because what if I decide to pivot into another niche such as fake bakes.
- Make it easy for people to remember.
- Words like designs, creations, and boutique will fit a variety of industries.
Business Name Don’ts
- Don’t use special characters or numbers
- Don’t use a spin on something to be cute (i.e., dooz, wreathz, trendz,)
- Don’t use words that no one can spell (i.e., town or city)
- Don’t use words misspelled on purpose (i.e., adoorable)
- Don’t use a name based on your location (what if you move)
- Don’t use words that lock you into ONE insdustry
- Don’t use a name others use – search trademarked names here http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics/searching-marks-uspto-database
I’m sure with a little bit of time you’ll come up with a great name but I stress to you not to drag out this process too long because it’s time to get to work!
Julie
Hello, So I am trying to understand what I need to do about my business name. I choose one and checked with the knowem link that was suggested and no other names came up. I registered my business with my state ($50) and got my EIN number as well under the name I selected. I set up my Etsy shop, with no name problems. Now I notice that there is a FB name the same as mine (my problem for not catching this much earlier.) There is also a web page linked to the name I have. So the Knowem site says my name is available for Trademark at a the cost of $483. Is a trademark really necessary? Do I need to make changes, not sure what I should do? Your help will be MUCH appreciated!
No I would not trademark at this stage. There can be two pages with the same name. There are two southern Charm Wreaths FB Pages. Since you’ve paid money already for this name, I would continue to use it.
Do you have to register your brand name with knower.com before I can use it?
No, just use it as a reference.
I’m thinking of using “Jillshandiworks as my business name.
Except for people will type Jills Handy Works and won’t find you. Remember do not use a play on words or it confuses your customers.
I am using SmithouseWreaths. There are too many “Sara’s” out there. What do you think? I hope it’s okay because I’ve really struggled with it.
I have registered my name. Timeless Accents and Beyond. I have an EIN #.
I am working with GoDaddy to create a website.
Know is the scary part. How to create a business plan. How to market?
Need your help!
I have been a member with learning to make wreaths on and off for 5 yrs.
Toni
Hey Toni – This is something that Julie helps with in her Business Success Circle. You can learn more about her group here: https://southerncharmwreaths.com/success-circle
Hi Julie!
Im trying to think of a name for my Easy shop and business How about
Wreaths&MoreByPennie
The more because i am going to have some pottery later on along with arrangements etc. your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Pennie Foreman
Sounds good.
Hi. I want to use “Meshing Up Adoor”. Should I add “designs”?