Starting a business > Choosing a business name

Business Ideas - Choosing a business name

Choosing a business name can be a very difficult task. Here are a few ideas that may help you come to a decision.

1) Abstract business names
Amazon, Orange, Cahoot are examples of abstract business names.  Words that exist already, but not descriptive or restrictive in business types.  Great that you are not hemmed in to doing a certain type of business, but tough to do well in search engines, and likely to be expensive to build a brand.

2) Your name as a business
Dell, Boots, WH Smith are examples of business names using the name of the founders.  Be very wary of this, again its tough to do well in searches and calling your computer support business 'Fred Evans Computer Support' means that everyone will expect Fred Evans to come and fix their PCs.

3) Descriptive business names
Internet Book Shop, The DVD Player Refurbishment Co., Automotive Testing Services Ltd are great in that it tells people exactly what you do.  Unfortunately, fashions, technologies and businesses change.  These changes can render your business name inappropriate.  VHS Tape Rentals Ltd anyone?

4) Made up words as a business name
Moonpig, Nokia, Satcure, qube, kwikfit are business names made up of multiple words or initials.  Avoid words that you have to spell out. If you can say the name to someone and they can write it down correctly, that's a good one.  Will perform well in Google if its unique.

Don't forget that there are restrictions in place on certain words in limited company names.  Words like 'Royal' are frowned upon, and if there a similar business name already trading, you may not be able to use it.