What’s your certified home inspector business name? Does it roll off the tongue and look great on a business card? If you’re just getting started or thinking about re-branding, it’s one of the most important decisions that you can make.
Here’s how to find the right name to help set your business apart in a good way.
Say the Name Out Loud
The way your business name sounds can resonate with potential customers or turn them off. Say it aloud and see if it’s too complicated, confusing or if it conveys what your business does. Remember that puns can be a great way to stand out, but sometimes they’re just awful.
Search Your Name Online
Have you ever tried to open a new account, such as email or on social media, only to be told that the name was already taken? If your preferred home inspector business name is already spread across the Internet, a quick search will quickly show if you’re on the right track. That way, you won’t have to settle for inspections-by-bob-12345 when you all you really wanted was Inspections by Bob.
Check for Trademarked and Incorporated Names
Avoid trademarked names and those that are incorporated. The U.S Patent Office lets you search a business name to learn if it’s trademarked. If it is, think of something that’s not just different, but very different. If it’s too similar to a trademarked name, you could still be in violation of trademark laws. The suit brought against Pillar Home Inspections LLC. by Pillar to Post Inc., mentioned at the Florida Record, is a scary example. If you’ll incorporate, the SBA says your Secretary of State can tell you if the name is in use.
Many customers may find you through a general search, but a simple name helps them remember it next time.
Check Web Domain Availability
If, after all that work, the domain name you want isn’t available, you could be stuck with “inspections-by-bob12345.com” as the address for your website. Probably, no one would ever search for that on purpose. Worse, few people would remember it. The Network Solutions WHOIS tool can tell you if the domain you want is available.
Scroll Through Social Media
Not all professional home inspection business names are trademarked, but duplicates on social media can add confusion that you don’t want or need. Inspections by Bob in Idaho isn’t a competitor for another of the similar name in Georgia, so competition wouldn’t be an issue if you claimed it for your social media business page. However, the more unique the name, the more likely you’ll stand out when people search social media for home inspectors. And they do.
You’ve Found it, Now Register It!
Before you know it, you could spend the better part of a Saturday nailing the best name for your home inspection business. Once you do, there’s no time to waste, at least if the name is different from your personal name. The SBA explains that a DBA or “Doing Business As” registration lets your state government know that you’re operating a business under a different name. This SBA article explains how it’s done in each state as well as which states don’t require a DBA.
Thinking of a name isn’t especially difficult, but choosing the right one can be. You can start off on the right foot with a great name. Or, if you aren’t happy with the one you’ve got, maybe it’s time for a new name and re-branding campaign. With so many different factors, not to mention the ways that you could step on another home inspector’s toes, the legwork is worth it.
For the easy part of home inspecting, look no further than Report Form Pro. Our straightforward, easy-to-use mobile app makes great looking inspection reports. You can even put your new name at the top. Download our home inspection app for Android today, or get it at the Apple App Store.