What are the best business names?

Choosing a business name is probably one of the most important decisions you will have to take when starting a new business. You will be asked for your business name when you register a business. So, it is important to devote some thought to find a business name that fits your business before forming a company.

What are the best business names?

Easy to remember
Good business names are easy to remember and often related to your trade or to yourself. This is because you don't want to lose potential customers who cannot really remember who you are, or confuse you with a totally different company. New business names that are related to the niche they belong have an easier time associating themselves with what they sell on the customer's mind, making it easier to promote. Suitable for your customers
Some companies can get away with silly or outrageous names, and even make them work for their benefit. However, most often than not a serious and businesslike name will work better in terms of giving your new company credibility. Good impression
Your business name is the first thing your audience will know about your company, and it pays to remove from your business names ideas list those that could give the wrong impression. Be also aware of words that have second meanings or a different meaning on a foreign language you plan on targeting. Unique
The name registry often has strict rules that prevent naming companies the same or a very close name to their competitors. This means that before setting up a new business you will need to take a look at the list of existing business names, and check that your potential name or a very close match isn't already there. Look also at the meaning of your name. If there's already a competitor with a similar sounding name or one that means the same, you may end up losing customers that don't remember exactly your name.

Practical concerns

Easy to spell
If your business name is difficult to understand when somebody is spelling it out on the phone, you may lose quite a few sales. Try spelling the name or saying it aloud in front of a few people, and ask them to write down what they hear. If your name is too long, it may also be a problem.
If all fails, use a trading name
In many countries, it's legally acceptable to have an official business name, and a different trading name, if you don't think your current company name is a good business name.