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Choosing the right business name is a big deal. Once you’ve found a name that feels right, it’s time to make sure it’s available and legally protected. Trust me, you don’t want to skip these steps—I’ve seen firsthand what can happen if you do. Here’s a simple guide to help you secure your business name so you can move forward with confidence.
1. Select a Name
If you’re still in the process of choosing a name, I’ve got you covered. Check out my blog post, How to Find the Perfect Business Name: A Step-by-Step Guide, where I walk you through brainstorming and finding a name that resonates with you.
2. Check Domain Availability
Once you’ve got your name, it’s time to see if the domain is available. A domain is your online address, and securing the right one is key for your brand’s online presence.
I’m a big Wix fan and use it for my own business. I’ve seen the benefits firsthand—Wix makes it super easy to manage everything from domain registration to website design in one place. If you’re looking for a reliable and straightforward way to check domain availability, I highly recommend using Wix’s Domain Name Search.
.com and Local Domains: For global reach, checking the availability of a .com domain is a good start. But don’t overlook local domain extensions like .co.uk for the UK, .de for Germany, or .pt for Portugal. Sometimes, using a local domain can actually add value, especially if you’re offering consulting services and want to highlight your local expertise.
Alternative Domain Extensions: If your first choice isn’t available, consider alternatives like .coaching, .design, .yoga, or .studio. These can make your business stand out and immediately convey what you’re all about.
Example: If you’re thinking of “ZenWay,” check if zenway.com, zenway.co.uk, or zenway.yoga is available.
Other Domain Checkers: While Wix is my go-to, other domain checkers like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains are also good options to explore.
3. Check Social Media Availability
Your business name needs to be available on social media too. Consistency across platforms is important for building recognition.
Tools to Use: Services like Namecheckr, BrandSnag, or KnowEm let you check if your desired name is available across multiple platforms at once.
If your exact name isn’t available, try adding a relevant keyword or using your country code, like “ZenWayUK” or “ZenWayGlobal.”
4. Look into Trademark Protection
This is where it gets real. Before you get too attached to a name, you need to check if it’s already trademarked. A quick trademark search can save you from a lot of headaches down the road.
A Cautionary Tale: I had a friend who didn’t do this step and ended up receiving a cease-and-desist letter two years into her business. She had to rebrand, which involved legal fees, redoing her marketing materials, and the stress of informing her clients. It took her months to recover, and it really affected her business. Six years in, she’s back on track and doing great, but it’s a lesson she wishes she’d avoided.
When Using a Personal Name: If your business name is just your name, like “Jane Doe Consulting,” you might not need as much protection as a unique brand name. But if your name is distinctive, or if you plan to grow your brand, it’s worth considering trademark protection.
Free Search Options: You can do a basic trademark search for free using the WIPO Global Brand Database for international coverage, or local databases like UKIPO for the UK, DPMA for Germany, and INPI for Portugal.
Registering Yourself: If you decide to register a trademark on your own, the fees you’ll pay are to the official trademark office for processing your application. In the UK, this typically starts around £200, and in the EU, it’s about €300. These costs are for doing it yourself, without hiring a lawyer. If you choose to get legal help, you’ll need to factor in additional fees for the attorney’s services. Registering yourself can be a cost-effective way to protect your brand, but it’s important to weigh this against the complexity of your situation.
Tip: If you’re offering services like consulting, you’ll likely need to register under specific classes, like Class 35 for business consulting.
5. Register Your Domain and Social Media Handles
Once you’re sure your name is available and not trademarked, lock it down by registering your domain and social media handles. This keeps your brand consistent and protected.
Tip: If you’re using Wix to build your website, you can register your domain directly through them. It makes the whole process seamless.
6. Consider Consulting a Trademark Attorney
If your business name is a key part of your brand identity or if you’re planning to expand globally, it might be worth talking to a trademark attorney. They can help you navigate any legal complexities, especially across multiple countries. That said, if your name is personal or not particularly unique, you might decide to skip this step. It’s all about weighing the costs and benefits for your specific situation.
In a Nutshell
Securing your business name is an important step that involves checking domain and social media availability, making sure your name isn’t already trademarked, and locking it down online. To avoid the stress and costs of rebranding, take the time to get it right from the start. For more tips on choosing the perfect name, check out my earlier blog post here.
Ready to lock down your business name? Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to building a strong, protected brand.
Your Brand Guardian,
Heléne Brink
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