Serving business owners since 2007
Renaming your business is not an easy task either. It takes creativity, time and money, but if you do it right, it could really benefit your business in the long run. Here are a few suggestions to think about as you rename your business:
#1. Give yourself plenty of time
Brainstorm a list of 5 or 6 names and give yourself time to really think about each one. Draw up some mock logos or website designs to add the visual components to your decision-making process. Don’t rush the naming process or you could end up with an embarrassing name on your letterhead, business cards, stationary, bank account, website, social media, front sign… you get the picture.
#2. Get feedback
Remember that you’re not alone in the decision-making process. Involve other people in your company like board members, the C-suite, and shareholders as well as employees or people who understand the mission and vision of your business.
#3. Check availability
Once you’ve decided on a name, it’s important to check the availability of that name for your website domain and trademark registration. If someone is already selling related products or services under a similar name, you could run into legal issues. You can search available website domains at a domain name registrar like register.com or a search trademark at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.
You may also consider checking with a business incorporation service. Here at MaxFilings, for instance, we can use our extensive resources to make sure your business name idea or trademark is available before you spend too much time developing your branding.
#4. Notification
After checking availability, it’s important (and exciting!) to let people know about the name change. Send out an email or letter to all your loyal customers notifying them of changes that are happening at your company. In order to make the name transition a seamless process and without much confusion, attach “formerly old name” to your new name for a couple months so costumers can continue to connect both names to your business.
Depending on what type of business you have and how drastic your changes, you may want to register your new business name on the state and federal level. Check out these 6 steps to help determine the people and places you may need to notify.
At MaxFilings, we’re here to serve you in any way we can. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you and your business.
