| Choosing a name for your new business can be an | | | | your business? How will they find you? A good tool to |
| exciting but stressful task. There are so many factors | | | | use is Google's free keyword tool - you can see the |
| in selecting an appropriate name for your new | | | | search value of phrases to help you narrow down |
| company. While you can change the name down the | | | | your selections. |
| line if you want/need it, it can be a cumbersome task. | | | | 5. Is your business name difficult to spell? Keeping your |
| So you want to make a decision that will be | | | | business name (and domain name) easy to spell will |
| comfortable for you to live with. | | | | help potential clients to find you easily. If you start to |
| Here are my suggestions on points to consider when | | | | get creative with the spelling, you run the risk of people |
| selecting a name for your VA business: | | | | not finding you, or potentially finding a competitors |
| 1. How do you want to brand your company? Do you | | | | website. |
| want people to know your business based on what | | | | 6. What do others think of the name? Posting some |
| you do or, do you want them to know your business | | | | suggestions to friends, family and colleagues on the |
| based on your name? Deciding to brand your business | | | | social networks can help you get some great |
| or yourself is an important first step in creating your | | | | feedback -- quickly. People will give you feedback on |
| business name. | | | | how the name sounds, how easy it is to spell, and if |
| 2. What image are you trying to convey? When an | | | | they "like" it or not. They may even give you some |
| ideal prospect hears the name of your company what | | | | suggestions on other business names to consider. |
| thoughts do you want to come to mind? When they | | | | One important note about soliciting feedback: make |
| see your company name how to you want them to | | | | sure you provide some background information on |
| feel? Remember you're a solutions provider, a problem | | | | your business, the purpose and even the tag line. This |
| solver. You want to convey the benefits and results | | | | will help respondents give you constructive feedback |
| that clients experience in working with you in every | | | | that you can use right away, without having to ask too |
| part of your brand, including your business name. Let | | | | many follow-up questions. |
| this guide you toward selecting a name that fits. | | | | This is a short list of things to consider when naming |
| 3. Is your business name available as a domain name? | | | | your business and the first steps to help you get |
| The first and obvious choice is name. While you prefer | | | | started on the process. Depending on where you live |
| to capture your entire business name as a domain | | | | and register your company, there are other |
| name, you can also consider offering a variation. Be | | | | considerations as well. Be sure to check with the |
| sure to consider what you might use as a domain | | | | appropriate government agencies before you proceed. |
| name based on your company name. | | | | The name you select for your company can serve |
| 4. Does your business name have good Search | | | | you well for years to come and support you in |
| Engine Optimization value? If you select your business | | | | consistently attracting ideal clients to your door. So |
| name based on what you do, you might want to | | | | choose wisely! |
| consider the SEO value. How are people searching for | | | | |