Finding a Great Name For Your Business That Works For You & Not Against You

ByLaura Harvey
finding a great name for your business

Choosing the right name for your business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. A great business name can enhance brand recognition, attract the right audience, and set the tone for your entire business identity. On the other hand, a poorly chosen name can confuse customers, limit growth, or even result in legal complications. Here’s how to find a business name that works for you, not against you.

Why Does Your Business Name Matter?

  • First Impressions Count: Your business name is often the first thing potential customers encounter. It should be memorable, relevant, and convey the essence of your brand.
  • Brand Identity: A great name helps define your business’s identity and sets you apart from competitors.
  • Marketing & SEO: The right name can improve online visibility and make it easier for customers to find you.
  • Legal Considerations: Choosing a unique and legally available name helps avoid trademark issues and conflicts.
  • Future Growth: A flexible name allows your business to expand into new markets or product lines without feeling limited.

Key Tips for Choosing a Business Name That Works for You

Reflect Your Brand Values

Consider what you want your business to represent. Should the name convey trust, creativity, innovation, or tradition? Think about your target audience and the emotional response you want your name to evoke.

  • Promote What You Are Selling: Choose a name that clearly communicates what your business offers. This helps customers immediately understand your products or services and assures them they’ve found what they’re looking for.
  • Be Descriptive: A name should provide a descriptive element to your business. For example, a digital marketing company should consider including “Digital Marketing” within the business name to immediately convey its services.

Keep it Simple & Memorable

  • Easy to Pronounce & Spell: Avoid complicated names that are difficult for customers to remember or pronounce.
  • Short and Impactful: Short names are easier to remember and more effective in marketing.

Be Unique & Distinctive

  • Avoid Generic Terms: Common names may get lost in the crowd. Stand out by choosing something original.
  • Check for Conflicts: Use Ontario Business Central’s Instant Preliminary Search Tool to check for existing businesses with similar names.
  • Search Online: Look at domain availability and social media handles to ensure consistency across platforms.

Consider SEO & Online Presence

  • Keywords Matter: Incorporating keywords related to your business can help with online visibility.
  • Domain Name Availability: Ensure the domain name is available, and secure it as soon as possible.

Think About Longevity & Flexibility

  • Avoid Trends: Trendy names may quickly become outdated.
  • Plan for Growth: Choose a name that will still be relevant as your business expands into new products or markets.

Check Legal Requirements

  • Conduct a NUANS Name Search: Ensure your name is unique and doesn’t conflict with existing businesses.
  • Check Trademark Databases: Avoid names that could lead to legal disputes down the road.
  • Register Your Name: Once you’ve chosen, register it through Ontario Business Central to secure your business identity.
business name search

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Business

  • Being Too Vague: Names that don’t clearly communicate what your business offers can confuse potential customers.
  • Copying Competitors: Avoid names that are too similar to others in your industry.
  • Overcomplicating It: Long or complex names are harder for customers to remember and share.
  • Ignoring Cultural Sensitivities: Ensure the name is appropriate and positive in different languages and cultures if you plan to operate internationally.

Tools to Help You Find the Perfect Name

Ontario Business Central’s Instant Preliminary Search Tool: Quickly check name availability to avoid conflicts. Using Ontario Business Central, clients can check the proposed business name in both the NUANS database and domain registries for .ca and .com at the same time.

We are the only ones in our industry offering this, recognizing the importance for clients to not only search for business name availability but also domain availability. This ensures clients can lock down both their business name and corresponding domain, securing their business identity online and offline. When registering or incorporating with Ontario Business Central, these two options are available to search and to give you results before we begin processing your business. If either are not available, provide a new name at no additional cost.

Brainstorming Tools:

  • Business Name Generator by Shopify
    Shopify is a Canadian-founded company offering a free business name generator that can help spark ideas for your business.
  • BrandBucket
    Although global, BrandBucket includes Canadian-friendly filters for domain and business name selection.
  • Atom
    This platform allows for crowdsourced business name ideas and includes Canadian-centric options.

How Ontario Business Central Can Assist

Finding the right business name is just the first step. Ontario Business Central can assist with:

With over 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, we understand the importance of finding the perfect business name and setting a solid foundation for success.

Choosing the right business name is about more than creativity—it’s about strategy, legal clarity, and setting the tone for long-term success. Take the time to research, brainstorm, and choose wisely. The right name will work for you, build trust with customers, and grow alongside your business.

Ready to secure your business name? Ontario Business Central is here to assist with name searches, registration, and ongoing support for your entrepreneurial journey.

inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.

Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.

Laura Harvey
Laura Harvey

Laura Harvey stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial support and expertise, embodying the spirit and drive of the community she serves. As the proud owner of Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura's journey is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.

With over three decades of experience as a corporate specialist coupled with over 25 years of entrepreneurial ventures, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role. Her expertise is not just theoretical; it's built on the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating the business world. This unique blend of professional and personal experience positions Laura as a relatable and trusted guide for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond her role at Ontario Business Central, Laura has extended her outreach through the innovative YouTube series "Taking the Leap." This platform allows her to connect with new business owners, offering them a stage to share their stories and insights. "Taking the Leap" is more than just a series; it's a community where aspiring entrepreneurs can find inspiration, learn from the experiences of others, and gain practical advice on crucial corporate tasks like registering a business, updating business information, understanding tax account intricacies, and much more.

Laura's contributions extend into the digital world through her in-depth blogs for Ontario Business Central. Here, she delves into topics essential for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, manage, and grow their ventures. Her writing is a reflection of her passion for supporting entrepreneurial advancement and a testament to her deep understanding of the corporate sphere.

Laura Harvey is not just an entrepreneur; she's a mentor, guide, and fellow traveler on the path of business ownership. She embodies the ethos of "walking the walk," providing both the tools and the encouragement for others to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through her written words, her YouTube series, or her hands-on approach at Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura is dedicated to uplifting and assisting new and established business owners alike.

You can follow her on social media channels and professional profiles:

Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Records
Ontario Business Registry
Follow OBC on Twitter/X
Follow Laura on LinkedIn
Taking The Leap YouTube Series