7 tips for choosing the best name for your business [Video]

You probably have lots of creative ideas for your business name. You may even have chosen a favorite.

But naming your business involves far more than just thinking of a name you like. A good name will reflect your business’s identity and goals. It will help you market yourself. And it won’t get you into legal trouble.

Your business name will be with you for a long time, so it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you invest in starting a business entity, setting up a website, and creating signs and other promotional materials. Here are some tips from LegalZoom to get you started.

1. Follow your state’s naming guidelines

If you plan to form a business entitysuch as a corporation or limited liability company, your state’s laws will restrict you from using a name that another business entity in your state is already using. In some states, you also can’t use a name that is deceptively similar …