Blog>Trade>Day 3 - Naming your business
Last updated: 10 November 2022
Day 3 - Naming your business
Day 3 of 7 to becoming the boss - naming your business. Strap yourself in because today you're being creative. Get your thinking cap on and pick a name for your newborn business.
What’s in a name?
Well, everything actually. It’s the first introduction potential customers have to your business. It might go on award trophies one day, so you know, you better make it good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aGJM4-gHms
Some say naming your business is as important as naming your child – perhaps more so. All we know is your business needs a name worth remembering.
Now you’re overthinking it, aren’t you? Don’t overthink it. Just follow the below steps.
Throw a naming ceremony for your business
Read on for the best way to give your business the gift of identity:
Brainstorm business names - there are no limits at this stage. Write any and every name down that comes to mind; the weird, the wonderful, the outright crazy. Play around with words. Think words that match your USPs from the business plan. Could you do something with your own name?
Try to dwindle down the list of names to your top 3 - 5
Ask family, friends, neighbours, and even fellow trades what they think of your top names
Check your new name is authentic and doesn’t break the sole trader naming rules. For example, you can’t add Ltd. unless you’re actually Ltd
Check if the business name you want is available. Check Ltd names, social media, websites and domain names (e.g. businessname.co.uk) for your website. The first domain name search is free, but many sites ramp up their prices to almost £1k for subsequent searches. Read how to safely search for a domain here
For authenticity, use your new business name everywhere you go.
Useful info: You can trade under your own name without registering it, but you’ll need to use your official name on paperwork like invoices and professional letters.
Whatever you do, make sure it's a good name. Ideally, you want a name that represents you and your business's values.
Want to know more about coming up with a business name?
This is a useful read to get you clued up:
Registering a business name: How to do it
Starting a business is a bold and positive move, which can dramatically change your life. You might have all of the necessary equipment and have an existing, loyal customer base. But when you’re first starting, you’ll need to check for available company names beforehand. Don’t worry, we’ve got you
Disclaimer: This article is for financial information and education purposes only. It is not financial advice. It is not a recommendation. Always do your own research and seek independent advice where required. Read the full disclaimer here.
