Are you starting a business but want to know what to call it? How should you pick the right one so your business can grow and thrive? What is a business name search, and how can it help?
Importance of doing a business name search
There are many good reasons why you should perform a business name search to help you choose a name for your business. The following are some examples:
To know if there is another business with the same name.
Choosing a business name already taken by another is not a good idea. It can be a hindrance to building your brand and achieving your goals. It would help if you chose a unique name that people will link only to you whenever they hear it. Even similar names with minor modifications, such as changing the spelling, making the noun plural/singular, or adding/removing an article, can lead to confusion and cause your business to need help with its brand identity.
To complete the necessary legal paperwork
Depending on your location, the rules of registering a business name can vary. Usually, once a business name has been written and used, it is no longer available for others to use in most situations. If you are in a state that has this restriction in place, you will not be able to complete your business registration successfully. You will have to think of a unique name before you can register your business and comply with the legal regulations set by the government.
To not confuse your clients and customers
Sharing the same or similar name with another business entity can stop you from growing your base. If your clients and customers try to search for you online, the results will include you and the other business with the same name. It can lead to confusion, costing your clients and customers more time than it should. Especially if they want to know how to contact you via phone or email, they might come across the other business contact details and send their queries there. Because they reached the wrong business, we must address their concerns appropriately. They might think you need better customer service and decide to take their business elsewhere.
Ways to do a business name search
If you want to do a business name search, the internet is a fantastic tool. To start, you can visit the website of your state’s business filing agency and use the available entity name check tool. Another way is to utilize online name search tools by looking up relevant keywords. So, if you are in New Jersey, you can look up search terms such as “NJ name search tool” or “NJ LLC name search tools.” Your query of “NJ name search tool” or “NJ LLC name search tools” should show you the online name search tools available.
Tips for selecting a business name
Because of how crucial having a unique business name is to the success of your business, you have to know the best practices for choosing one. Below are some essential tips:
Research the business naming guidelines of your location. – Different countries, states, and cities will have different laws regarding how people can name businesses in their jurisdiction. For this reason, you should find as much information as possible about the rules and regulations to make a good start and avoid wasting your time later on.
Avoid choosing a name that is similar to your competitor’s. If the name you want to use for your business sounds identical to another company or competitor, it’s best to choose a different name. Suppose, for instance, you are fond of the word “Happy Puppy Pet Supplies,” but there is already a business in your area named “Happy Puppies Pet Store.” In that case, it is advisable to choose a different name to establish a unique and separate brand and prevent confusion among your clients and customers.
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