Crafting an LLC Name That Reflects Your Company’s Values and Identity
The right LLC name can help you stand out, catch clients’ attention, and tell them what you do. However, you can’t include words that suggest your business is a government agency, bank, insurance company or other type of entity that requires licensed professionals, unless the state office has allowed it.
Think About Your Company’s Purpose
Names are one of the most important aspects of starting a business. They set the tone for how a brand will be perceived and remembered, and help potential customers decide whether or not your products or services are right for them.
To craft an LLC name that’s memorable and relevant, it’s helpful to think about what your company does and why you do it. This will allow you to come up with a name that illuminates your purpose and sets you apart from the competition.
For example, you aren’t allowed to use words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “police” in your LLC name unless your company is in that industry (and some states require that you get approval from a state agency before using those words). You also can’t use words that imply a certain structure of the business.
You can also consider using alliteration or combining different words in a unique way (like Tim’s Toolbox). However, it’s important to remember that your LLC entity and business name don’t have to match.
Make It Memorable
If you want your company to be successful, the name is a big part of getting there. You should try to make your business name memorable, so that it stands out from the competition and sticks in people’s minds. This can be achieved by using interesting word play like rhymes, alliteration (putting words together that start with the same letter, such as Tim’s Coffee Shop or Amtrak), and puns.
Incorporating your company values into the name is another great way to make it more memorable. This is especially true if your company values align with something that will resonate with customers, such as being environmentally friendly or helping the community.
Once you have a final name, be sure to check its availability online and grab a matching domain, if possible. This will ensure that your business’s website and social media are easy to find, and can also help you avoid the hassle of having to change your name down the road.
Make It Internet-Optimized
If your company has a strong value or ideal, you may want to incorporate it into the name. While it’s generally best to steer away from values such as politics or religion (unless those are a major part of your business model), values such as environmental sustainability and community support can be good features to include in your name.
In addition to incorporating your company values into your name, you’ll also want to make sure that your name is internet-optimized. This means that your company name will be easy to search for in Google, and it will rank highly for searches related to your business.
Your LLC business name must end with “Limited Liability Company” or its abbreviation, “LLC.” It cannot contain words that imply it is a governmental entity, such as the word “city,” or a licensed professional, like the word “lawyer” or “doctor.” Many states also have lists of restricted words that you can’t use in your company name without permission from the Department of Banking or the Department of Insurance.
Think About Your Competition
A business name is more than just a catchy slogan or an easy-to-remember word. It also tells customers what you do and how your company is different from others. If you’re a party planner, for example, it might be wise to include the word “fun” in your LLC name to set yourself apart from funeral homes (although that may not be the best idea if people misunderstand your intentions).
When choosing an LLC name, remember that it must be distinct from any other names already on record with your state and internationally. Likewise, you can’t include terms that falsely imply that your company is a bank or insurance agency unless you file additional paperwork and get permission from the appropriate government agencies.
Before settling on a name, make sure to search for it on social media and with any available domain name availability checkers. You can also ask for help from legal professionals specializing in business law or an online business name generator.