How To Find Your Company Name Using Namelix Business Name Generator
Choosing the right business name and domain is an important branding decision when starting a business. It sets the foundation for your brand’s identity. A well-chosen name not only captures the essence of your business but also resonates with your target audience, making it memorable and easy to find.
1. Tips on choosing the right domain name
Choose an appropriate domain name extension: The domain name extension is crucial. .com, .org, .net or your country extension are the most trusted domain names to purchase. I would aim to find a web address with one of these extensions. A .com domain name is usually the goal.
Websites with more obscure extensions like .biz, .us, etc., tend to be less trustworthy. People are more suspicious of sharing them, and email spam filters often warn users that the email address shouldn’t be trusted. It’s just a best practice to stay away from them.
• Keep it reasonably short – shorter domain names tend to work better. Ideally, try to keep it under 15 characters.
• Make sure the name is memorable and easy to spell so people can find you online. Avoid complicated words, special characters, hyphens or odd spellings that people may struggle to remember.
• Share name ideas with other entrepreneurs and ideal clients. Get their impressions and see if they understand what you immediately offer.
• Make sure the words are appropriate. Look at how the name appears when compressed in a URL and ensure it remains easily readable.
Bored Panda has a great list of unintentionally inappropriate domain names if you want to see some examples. For instance, “Therapist Finder” becomes “TherapistFinder”, which can be read as “TheRapistFinder” (# awkward). Another example is “Who Represents “which becomes “WhorePresents” (# yikes).
Your main goal is to ensure your target audience can easily find you. Keep it simple.
2. Define Your Brand’s Core Values
Before you buy a domain name, it’s worthwhile to define what your brand is all about.
- What are your core values? Core values represent the fundamental beliefs and principles that steer every action and decision in a business. Defining these early on can help a business stand out from its competitors!
- Who are you trying to attract to your business? Knowing the audience you’re targeting is crucial for reaching the right customers online. If you need help with this, we’ve published a post called, Who Is Your Ideal Client + FREE Ideal Client Worksheet. This is an excellent resource when starting a new business from scratch.
- What problems are you trying to solve? Your business should exist to help people research or buy solutions to their problems. It would help to define which issues are most important to your brand.
- Who are your competitors? It’s crucial to understand the competition in your industry or niche. What sets you apart from others offering similar solutions to your clients’ problems? What opportunities in the market can your business address?
Strategically defining your brand from the start helps you make an informed decision when purchasing a domain name.”
3. Brainstorm a list of ideas
• Don’t just go with the very first domain available.
• Ensure the name matches across your email, website, and social media for consistency.
• Choose something scalable in case you expand your services down the line.
• Consider the impression your domain gives people. Avoid anything too cryptic.
• If including your location, only use the city or state rather than the full address.
Take the time and care when naming and locking in your domain, as changing names later on can be disruptive. Be creative but also practical in assessing options. Your brand name is a foundational business investment.
Use Namelix Business Name Generator to generate ideas
I use a business name generator called Namelix. To generate business names based on your business description and keywords, it also lets you know if the domain name is available.
Learn how to find business name ideas using https://namelix.com. Watch the tutorial video below.
4. Check For Availability
You can use Namelix Business Name Generator to check domain availability. Use a domain registration site like NameCheap to check that the domain is available for purchase at a price you’re willing to pay.
If the exact name is taken or is way too expensive, the domain registration websites often suggest variations. This is your chance to get creative and explore those additional ideas. Feel free to go back to one of the previous steps to explore other name ideas or stick with the variations suggested. The choice is yours.
Once you find a domain that you want to purchase, add it to your cart, but hold off on completing the purchase. Research to ensure you can legally use the brandable domain without infringing on another business is essential.
5. Ensure The Name Isn’t In Use
It’s essential to avoid creating a brand or website that closely resembles others online to prevent potential legal issues. Choosing a name that’s already in use could lead to trouble, so it’s crucial to take these essential steps:
Step 1: Check Trademarks
This is not legal advice, but if I were you, I’d make sure your business or domain isn’t already protected under trademark law.
Do a quick search to see if the name is already in use by another business. These databases let you enter a word, phrase or logo to see if the same or very similar trademarks exist. Review registration details and status to assess infringement risk. Also, search for common misspellings. Consult an IP lawyer regarding any concerns
United States
Use the USPTO TESS database to search federally registered trademarks:
https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search
Canada
Search the Canadian Trademarks Database run by the Canadian Intellectual Property.
Office: https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/trdmrks
United Kingdom
Use the Intellectual Property Office’s free trademark search tool:
https://www.gov.uk/search-for-trademark
Australia
IP Australia allows you to search Australian trademark registrations:
https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search/quick
New Zealand
Search the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand database:
https://www.iponz.govt.nz
European Union
Search the eSearch Plus database for EU trademark registrations:
https://euipo.europa.eu
Global Brand Database
Search for IP in a specific country? Find information by country compiled from many databases:
https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/
Image search engines
Use image search engines like TinEye.com or https://images.google.com/ to uncover similar logos and graphic marks already in use.
Search for exact and similar names, assess potential conflicts, and Consult a trademark attorney who can provide an expert infringement risk assessment if uncertain. Keep detailed, dated records of all searches performed, databases used and results. May help show due diligence later
Staying aware of existing trademarks in your industry and monitoring new applications
helps avoid headaches down the road!
Step 2: Do A Quick Google Search
Do a quick Google search to see if your brand name shows up. If your brand name shows up, you don’t want it to show up alongside some of the other search results.
Also, consider if the name might trigger spam filters when emailing people. If you’re using a foreign word, check if it might offend anyone.
When you do a Google search, try using variations in your keywords. For example:
- If your brand name is “AvaWilsonCoaching” and the domain is available, you need to search “AvaWilsonCoaching”, and “Ava Wilson Coaching” to see what businesses use this name.
- If you want to name your business “Ava Wilson Coaching” and someone else already has a brand called “Ava Wilson Coaching Services”, consider another name as this is too similar.
If you think you’ve found a good brand name even after searching on Google, you must check social media next.
Step 3: Social Media Availability
Choosing a brand name that is available and unique on social media channels can significantly impact your business. I recommend checking the name’s availability using a social media name checker like Namecheckr.com
Many people will own an Instagram account with a similar brand name even though they have not purchased the domain. If some usernames are taken, you can also find variations of the name that are easy to spell and remember, such as adding a location or a relevant keyword.
Once you have chosen your domain name, the next step is to purchase it. Securing your domain name is a crucial part of establishing your online presence, as it becomes the unique address where users can find your website.
Now that you know how to find your company name using the Namelix Business Name Generator, implement these steps and Good luck with your business.
About The Author
Avis Williams is a digital product creator, WordPress designer, and coach. She is the founder and writer of Start Build Launch. With over ten years of graphic/web design and digital marketing experience, she aims to help entrepreneurs set up and launch their businesses.
