From incorporating an entity type to Googling possible business names first, here are the 14 answers to the question, “What are some helpful tips for naming an LLC?”
- Include the Entity Type
- Pick a Company Name With an Available Domain Name
- Find a Name That Conveys the Purpose or Mission
- Consider Using Keywords
- Keep It Simple to Pronounce
- Use an AI Company Name Generator
- Test It Out Over a Phone Conversation
- Know Your Restrictions
- Make It Social Media-Friendly
- Craft Something Unique
- Don’t Overcomplicate It
- Pick a Flexible Name
- Look Into Whether the Name You Want Is Available
- Google Potential Business Names
Include the Entity Type
When naming an LLC, it is important to remember the name must include the entity type, such as LLC or Limited Liability Company. Selecting a name that reflects your company or services is a good idea.
It is also practical to ensure that your chosen LLP name is not similar to other businesses operating in the same industry. It may take some time to research names, so don’t rush the process, but always check for existing trademarks and registered business names with your registrar before settling on a final selection.
Antreas Koutis, Administrative Manager, Financer
Pick a Company Name With an Available Domain Name
If you’re thinking of naming a new LLC, then start with a domain name search. Try to find a name for your company where there is an available dot-com variant. This has become increasingly more difficult every year, as the best dot-coms are scooped up daily.
This can leave you with fewer choices and longer names unless you’re willing to invest thousands of dollars or more into a domain name that’s on auction. If you find a good name that’s available as a dot-com, then lease it for a year.
When the time comes to renew the name, you will have a sense of how much effort you put into building the business. If everything looks good, then you can renew it for a longer period.
Dennis Consorte, Digital Marketing & Leadership Consultant, Snackable Solutions
Find a Name That Conveys the Purpose or Mission
An LLC is a type of business that requires the owner to create a unique name. Naming an LLC can be tricky, so when choosing your business title, it is important to keep several considerations in mind.
It’s wise to choose a name that conveys the purpose or mission of your company. Avoid using embarrassing words or numbers in the title and make sure you don’t come too close to imitating other businesses with similar products or services.
Additionally, be sure to check with local and federal organizations to ensure there isn’t already another existing business that carries your desired name. Last, register your chosen LLC name with the state prior to completing any marketing efforts using the new company name. Using these tips as guidelines will help you choose the perfect title for your business!
Jim Campbell, CEO, Campbell Online Media
Consider Using Keywords
One tip for naming an LLC is to choose a name that is unique and memorable. This will help to differentiate your business from others and make it easier for customers to remember and identify.
It’s also a good idea to consider using keywords that apply to your business or industry in the name, as this can help to show the services or products you offer. It’s important to make sure that the name you choose is not already in use by another business and does not violate any trademark laws. You can do this by conducting a thorough search of existing business names before choosing your own.
Lukasz Zelezny, SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London
Keep It Simple to Pronounce
LLCs are still businesses and will be referred to in daily business conversations. You don’t want to have a tough name to pronounce, as it will make it more challenging to remember.
Don’t use punctuation. It may sound cute or creative, but it will be harder for others to remember. Keep it simple and straight to the point.
Luciano Colos, Founder & CEO, PitchGrade
Use an AI Company Name Generator
A great way to get a super cool and unique name for your LLC is to use an AI company name generator. There are a handful of these tools available with a simple Google search. They help you generate a name for your business by typing in a few things about the company. The results are a list of unique, great, interesting names for your business or LLC.
Scott Krager, Founder, TubeSplit.com
Test It Out Over a Phone Conversation
Well, here it is: don’t make it too complicated! Sure, you want to come up with something catchy and memorable, but if your name takes a Ph.D. in linguistics to pronounce or spell, then you can bet that it will turn potential customers off.
Keep things simple and easy to remember—even if that means going with a more generic name. My rule of thumb is to make sure you can pronounce it over the phone without spelling it out.
Another great tip when coming up with an LLC name is to try not to limit yourself geographically. While we all love our hometowns and local businesses need support too—there are plenty of reasons using a broader scope might be beneficial down the road (especially once you expand into other markets!).
So go ahead—think bigger than just your own backyard when trying to decide on an appropriate moniker for your business.
Jamie Irwin, Director, Straight Up Search
Know Your Restrictions
There may be some naming restrictions for naming your LLC. Some may be federal, but the majority are likely to vary on a state-by-state basis.
Most often, these rules prevent deception or confusion among the populations your business serves. For example, many states restrict to words Bank, Banker, or Trust without explicit permission to do so.
You’ll want to be sure to do your research and make sure that the name of your company complies with the laws of your location. This information is readily available online, but if you’re not completely sure, you can always check with the Secretary of State’s office for the most up-to-date information. This problem is one you can easily avoid with a bit of effort on your part.
Neel Shah, Founder, EZ Newswire
Make It Social Media-Friendly
Making the name social media-friendly is one best practice when naming an LLC. Virtually every social media platform requires a business username, vanity URL, etc. and each form is different.
Making the name somewhat flexible, or easy to vary up depending on the format, is critical for brand recognition, omnichannel marketing, and reaching new customers on social media.
Annu Daniel, CEO, Elohim Company
Craft Something Unique
It is essential to name an LLC after something unique to your brand, so it can’t be confused with an established business. It should also be memorable to easily associate it with your work. You want to craft something that stands out.
Mary Kay Bitton, Head of Product Innovation, FLO Vitamins
Don’t Overcomplicate It
One tip for naming an LLC is to not spend too much time worrying about it. It is important to choose a name that is meaningful to you and reflects the mission of your business, but it is unnecessary to spend a lot of time brainstorming and trying to come up with the perfect name.
In fact, some of the most successful companies have names that may not seem relevant to their business. For example, Apple is not a good name for a technology company, but that has not stopped the company from becoming one of the most successful in the world.
Pick a Flexible Name
When choosing a business name, it’s important to pick one that is flexible to accommodate if the LLC’s business model expands.
A specific name could limit the LLC’s ability to pivot or expand in the future. For example, a personal training service may want to open a full-service gym. In that case, a word like “fitness,” “core,” or “spark” would fit better in the name than a word like “training” or “coaching.”
Axel DeAngelis, Founder, Jumpcoast
Look Into Whether the Name You Want Is Available
Check if the names you like are actually available. You’re not allowed to name an LLC anything that’s identical or too similar to the name of an existing LLC in your state, so doing a thorough search is important.
If you’re working with a lawyer on creating your company, they will help you research availability. Otherwise, you can look in a business name database that’s typically found on your state secretary’s website. Before you file anything to create your company, make sure the name you want is actually available.
Carrie Shaltz Haslup, Founder & CEO, Tabeeze
Google Potential Business Names
Before you decide on the name of your new LLC, Google a few ideas.
You don’t want to name your new company something too similar to another company, use your name, or use an acronym that nobody understands. Equally, you want to make sure the website domain is available.
Heather Eason, Founder, President, & CEO, SELECT Power Systems
