Hey, aspiring entrepreneur! Are you thinking about the perfect company name? Are you considering using your own name? We, the Google Ads specialist team at Adaptoo.nl, have put together this guide for you. We take you into the world of coming up with a company name, with extra attention to the use of your own name. Whether you opt for an original company name or decide to use your own name, we have everything you need to know.
Own name as company name
Would you like to use your own name as a company name? That's as old as the road to Rome! From small local shops to large multinationals, many companies proudly bear the name of their founder. Just think of Ford, Disney, Dell or Chanel. It gives your company a personal touch, but is it also the right choice for you? Let's see!
Why do entrepreneurs choose to use their own name as a trade name?
Why would you put your own name on your company? Well, there are a few good reasons for that:
- You build your personal brand. Your name becomes synonymous with your expertise.
- It radiates authenticity. People appreciate sincerity.
- You inspire confidence. Customers feel a direct connection with the person behind the company.
- It's simple. Don't come up with complicated names.
- You stand out. Especially if you have a unique name.
Jeff Bezos once said, “Your personal brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room.” There's something in that, right?
Benefits of using your own name for your business
Using your own name has its advantages:
- You immediately have a unique identity. Your name is already distinctive.
- People remember you more easily. Personal names stick better than abstract company names.
- Customers feel a stronger bond. They do business with you, not with an anonymous company.
- You are not tied to one product or service. You can expand more easily.
Just look at Ralph Lauren. He started selling ties and grew into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. All under his own name. Smart, right?
Disadvantages of using your own name for your business
But beware, there are also snags:
- Selling your company is becoming more difficult. After all, it is your name.
- Your privacy is under pressure. Your reputation is closely linked to your business reputation.
- Growing can be challenging. How do you let the company become bigger than yourself?
- Branding can be more complicated. How do you create a distinctive visual identity?
Are there any possible risks?
Of course there are risks. We have to be honest about this:
- If your business flops, it can damage your personal reputation.
- Confusion can arise about personal and business liability.
- Do you have a common name? Then you can be confused with other companies or people.
Should you use your own name as a company name or not?
The big question: should you do it or not? That depends on a few things:
- What industry are you in? It is more common in consultancy or creative services.
- What are your future plans? Do you want to grow or sell your company someday?
- How does it make you feel? Are you comfortable with that close relationship between you and your company?
Take a look at this table. It can help you decide:
| Factor | Pro own name | Contra own name |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Consultancy, freelance, creative | Technology, retail |
| Growth ambitions | Limited, personal service | Fast growth, possible sale |
| Privacy preference | Public, personal brand | Separation of work and private life |
| Name uniqueness | Very unique name | Common name |
Is it legally allowed to use my own name as a company name?
Good news! In most cases you can simply use your own name. But pay attention to a few things:
- Check with the Chamber of Commerce whether a company with the same or a similar name already exists.
- Do you want to register your name as a trademark? Then see if someone else hasn't already done that.
- Do you have international plans? Then you have to check the rules in other countries.
Pro tip: Always ask a lawyer for advice before officially registering your company name. Prevention is better than cure!
How can I build my personal brand around my own name as a business name?
Building your personal brand is an art in itself. Here are some tips:
- Have a professional website and active social media accounts.
- Share valuable content regularly. Show what you've got!
- Network away. Build relationships within your industry.
- Develop a strong visual identity that suits you and your company.
Here's a handy checklist for you:
- Create a cool website
- Pimp your LinkedIn profile
- Start a blog or vlog
- Be active on social media
- Speak at events in your field
- Write articles or a book
- [Design a recognizable logo and corporate identity
The basics of coming up with a company name with your own name
Okay, you want to use your own name. But how do you go about that? Here are some ideas:
- Use your full name: “John Smith Consulting”
- Choose your first or last name: “Smith Solutions” or “John's Design Studio”
- Go for initials: “JS Enterprises”
- Combine your name with descriptive words: “Smith Digital Marketing”
Be creative! Try alliteration (“Peter's Perfect Plumbing”), puns (“Wright Construction” for someone with the last name Wright), or inflections (“Smithsonian Services”).
Practical tips for choosing the perfect company name with your own name
Are you looking for the ideal company name? Follow these steps:
- Brainstorm away. Make a long list of possible variations.
- Check if the name is still available. Look at company names, domain names and social media.
- Ask for feedback. Submit your favorites to friends, family and potential customers.
- Do a meaning check. Doesn't your name have a strange meaning in other languages?
- Think about the future. Choose a name that grows with your company.
There is an old proverb that says, “A good name is better than great wealth.” You've got a point!
Branding aspects of a company name with its own name
Even if you use your own name, a strong visual identity is crucial:
- Design a unique logo that displays your name in a cool way.
- Choose colors that suit you and your company.
- Select fonts that match your branding.
- Be consistent. Use your visual elements the same way everywhere.
SEO considerations when choosing a business name with your own name
Do you want to be found online? Then pay attention to this:
- Add your location to your business name for better local search results.
- Consider adding a relevant keyword to your name for better SEO.
- Make sure your information is the same everywhere online (Google My Business, social media, etc.).
- Produce top content to show your expertise and be found better.
Future-proofing of a company name with its own name
Also think about the long term:
- Choose a name that leaves room for expanding your services.
- Figure out how to transfer the business name if you ever want to sell.
- Check whether your name also works in other languages and cultures.
Success stories and case studies
Let's take a look at Giorgio Armani. He used his own name to build a global luxury brand. By consistently delivering top quality and staying true to its vision, the Armani name became synonymous with style and quality.
What can we learn from this?
- Stay consistent in quality and vision.
- A personal name can grow into a strong international brand.
- You can diversify under one name (clothing, accessories, watches, etc.).
Common mistakes when coming up with a business name with your own name
Beware of these pitfalls:
- Too long or complicated names. Keep it simple!
- Lack of distinctiveness. Add something unique if you have a common name.
- Ignore online aspects. Always check whether domain names and social media handles are available.
- Too narrow focus. Avoid names that lock you in to one product or service.
- Insufficient legal research. Check thoroughly whether you are not infringing on existing trademarks.
Tools and resources
Here are some helpful resources:
- Name generators:
- Domain name checkers:
- Logo design tools:
- Legal advice:
International aspects
Do you have international plans? Then please note:
- Check that your name doesn't have strange meanings in other cultures.
- Make sure your name is easy to pronounce in different languages.
- If your name has a meaning, check how it translates into other languages.
Psychological impact
Using your own name as a company name can have a major influence on you:
- It can motivate you to work harder and maintain your reputation.
- Customers can feel a stronger connection with a company that has a personal name.
- A personal name can inspire more trust, especially in service industries.
Alternatives to using your own name
Are you in doubt? There are alternatives:
- Descriptive names: Names that immediately tell what you do (e.g. “Fast Delivery Service”).
- Compound names: Combine parts of words (e.g. “TechSmart”).
- Acronyms: Use the first letters of a longer name (e.g. “IBM”).
- Made up words: Come up with a completely new name (e.g. “Kodak”, “Google”).
The future of personal brands as business names
Your own name as a business name remains popular, especially in the growing gig economy and for personal brands. People increasingly value authenticity and personal connections.
Remember these points:
- Tailor your name choice to your long-term goals.
- Be aware of the pros and cons.
- Ensure a strong online and offline branding strategy.
- Stay flexible and open to change.
So that was our guide on how to come up with a business name using your own name. Did it help you? We hope so! Do you have any questions? Do not hesitate to contact us. We from the Google Ads specialist team at Adaptoo.nl are always there for you!
