Unleashing the Potential: How LLC Names Shape Your Brand

Including "LLC" in your business name shows the public that you've made the effort to register your company as an LLC and thus maintain a separate legal entity from your personal assets. It also helps to build trust.

Remember that your LLC name can differ from your trademark, the name you use to market your business. You should always check for availability with your state.

Identifying Your Business

Names are one of the most important elements for a business. They create a brand that connects with customers and establishes authority. The best names are memorable, descriptive, and catchy. They are also a critical part of an LLC’s legal identity.

It’s essential that you make a list of potential names and check their availability with your state’s secretary of state or another office that maintains business name registrations in your state. This helps prevent someone snatching your ideal name before you are ready to register it as an LLC.

Your name must include words that imply that your company is a legal entity, like “LLC,” “corporation,” or “limited liability company.” It cannot suggest that you are a government agency, like “city,” “township,” or “state” or include words that mislead consumers, such as “bank,” “insurance,” or “medical.” Those words may require you to file additional paperwork and prove that you are a licensed professional in those industries.

Creating a Strong Online Presence

When someone searches for your product or service online, they want to be able to find you. If they can’t, they’ll likely go to your competitor instead. Choosing a name that tells them exactly what you offer gives them an easy path to your website or social media page, increasing their chances of becoming a customer.

It also helps if your business name is easy to type, pronounce, and understand—as long as it’s not so short that a potential customer will have to guess what you do. Using an abbreviation such as LLC can help keep your company name short and memorable.

Many states have rules about what you can and cannot say in your LLC name, such as words that suggest a type of entity or government agency (e.g., Bank or Insurance). Be sure to check with a domain name registrar to make sure your desired name is available for registration. Also, be sure to research whether the name you choose is being used as a trademark by another business.

Creating a Memorable Company Name

Keeping your business name memorable helps you stay top of mind for potential clients and customers. It will also make it easy for them to remember your brand the next time they are looking into your services or products.

When picking a company name, try to avoid words that imply it's a government entity, such as "bank," or insurance companies, unless legally authorized by your state. You can also register a DBA (doing business as) name to be used for marketing purposes only, and use the official LLC name when filing legal paperwork or opening business accounts.

If possible, craft a creative company name to help distinguish yourself from competitors. This will be helpful when it comes to creating social media and website accounts, as well as securing an available domain name. Incfile can help you create an LLC for $99 and guide you through the process of choosing a business name. Learn more today.

Establishing Authority

When you include an LLC at the end of your company name, it signals to clients, partners and vendors that your company is a separate legal entity. This can help you establish authority in the marketplace, as it will build trust that your business follows strict legal guidelines to protect its members from personal liability in the event of a lawsuit.

When choosing your LLC name, be sure to select a unique and memorable one. A name that is easy to pronounce and understand will increase the chances of your company's success. You should also consider using alliteration or rhyming schemes when naming your company.

Once you have a list of potential names, check to make sure they are available in your state. Some words are restricted, such as those that imply a government agency (like "bank" or "insurance"), or require approval from the relevant department. You should also check to see if the name you want is available for use as a domain or social media handle.