Make sure the name is easy to read and pronounce.

Make sure the name is easy to read and pronounce.

Making up a word or using a foreign phase as part of the business name might seem like a cool idea, but if people can’t read, pronounce, and repeat your business name, that’s not good for marketing.

Check to see if the domain and business names are available.

Check to see if the domain and business names are available.

Go to www.iwantmyname.com to see if your business name .com is available. Then, click to make sure no one else in your region has already snatched up the business name. You may want to register your business, for example as an LLc, at some point.

Make it clear.

Make it clear.

Something straightfroward like “Your Name Here Photography” might be appropriate. Or, something even more specific could do wonders for your marketing. For example, what kind of services do you think “Polly’s Portraits” offers? An obvious business name is an effective business name! You can also opt for a play on words, like “Visionspire” did, but make sure it’s easy to pick up on.

Choose something timeless and versatile.

Choose something timeless and versatile.

Changing your domain name, business registration, and logo would be a headache, so make sure you choose a business name you’ll want to keep for a long time. In addition, pick a name that accounts for services you may want to offer in the future.

Ask for feedback.

Ask for feedback.

Present the name to various people without telling them its a potential name for your photography business. Then, see if they automatically know it’s a photography business name. Ask them how the name makes them feel and whether or not they’d hire you based on the name alone.

How did you name your photography business?