Are you looking for a name for your Edmonton company?
Whether you are starting a brand new business or renaming your old one, coming up with a name can be difficult. (We have been there! )
Choosing the name of your company is a big deal, it is the foundation of your brand and can impact your success. It needs to resonate with your niche market.
Here are a few things that you will want to consider before you start designing your logo or ordering business cards.
Write Them Out!
Start a list, write out every name you can think of for your company. This should be a brain dump where you are starting off, this is not yet permanent and should be fun! Think of what you do, how you do it, what makes you special. Things you like, puns, using your name or initials. Start writing!
SEO – Searchability of your new name
Of course as an SEO expert, this is the first thing that jumps to mind when choosing a new name. Do a search for its availability and uniqueness. Before you get attached to a name, check if it’s already in use. Do your research so it doesn’t hurt later when you have to buy out a domain for thousands.
- Domain name availability
- Social Media Handles
- Trademark Registrations in Alberta, Canada, and worldwide
- Tags
How simple and memorable is your new name?
Does your new name explain what you do? How many people use “Services” when searching? Make sure your new company name explains what you do. A name that’s easy to pronounce, spell, and remember can make a big difference. Complicated or generic names can get lost in the crowd, while catchy and clear ones tend to stick.
- Try using what you do in your name – your best selling product line, or your most popular service
- Try making it rhyme or use a pun
- Try using your initials or name
- Do you love a certain animal or sport? Use that as the basis.
- Is there a location for your target demographic? Try using that location in your name.
- What about a symbol or spiritual influence, could that offer new name ideas?
- Nicknames or commonly used phrases but with a twist to make them unique.
- Your unique selling proposition (USP) try using what makes you different from your competition.
- Personal story or values – how could those come into play with a new name?
- Try a name that sparks interest or emotion.
- Evocative imagery, are you trying to be a luxury brand? What is luxurious to you?
- Is your target market b2b? What would be a friendly name for a business to business sale?
- What is your industry or niche? How do you explain what you do? Can a name come from that?
Future Growth
What are your plans for your business? Could limiting it to one specific product hinder future growth? By using Alberta or YEG will that impede you when you want to expand across Canada next year?
Consider whether the name will still make sense as your business evolves. Is it sellable? Sometimes naming your company after yourself makes it hard to sell without staying on as an employee to help with the transition. Think of people calling Wendy’s asking to speak with Wendy.
Cultural Impact
Words carry different meanings in different languages and cultures. Make sure your name doesn’t have unintended negative connotations that could hurt your brand’s reputation. Take a look at translations to other languages to make sure it isn’t rude or inappropriate.
Conclusion
Once you’ve settled on a strong business name, test it out! Say it out loud, get feedback from friends and family, and envision it on your stationary and website. Once you have decided on your new name and done your research, you can register for a BN (Business Number) with the Government of Canada.
Fortunately, it is pretty easy to register your new business.
Register your business with CRA
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/registering-your-business/register.html
Trademark your new name here:
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/cipo/trademark-search/srch
Buy your new domain here:
https://www.highlevelyeg.ca/whc
Need help with your new business?
High Level Marketing helps Edmonton businesses with Website Design.
We welcome the opportunity to help with yours.
