5 Fatal Errors to Avoid When Naming Your Startup

Choosing the name of your future company is a decisive moment. It's the first impression you'll give to your clients and investors. A bad choice can cost you in marketing and credibility. Here are the 5 most common mistakes and how to avoid them.


1. Choosing a name that's impossible to spell (The radio test)

If you have to spell your domain name every time you mention it on the phone, it's too complex. Avoid alternative spellings ("Kool" instead of "Cool"), unnecessary numbers, or repeated hyphens. A good name is instantly understood and spelled after hearing it just once.


2. Locking yourself into a niche that's too specific

Don't call yourself "PCRepair-Paris.com" if you plan to eventually develop software or expand nationwide. Favor an abstract and evocative brand name (a "brandable" name) that will allow you to pivot your business model in the future without having to start over.


3. Neglecting the importance of .com

Even though hundreds of new extensions exist today, .com remains the absolute standard and the natural reflex in consumers' minds. If the .com of your ideal name is already taken by a competitor, it's often better to change the name to avoid confusion. That's why on OneClickName, we exclusively offer names with their .com domain available.


4. Forgetting to check trademarks

An available domain name doesn't mean the brand is legally free! Before betting everything on a name, check official databases (like the USPTO or EUIPO) to ensure you aren't violating the intellectual property of another company in your industry.


5. Making naming a democratic process

Naming is not a vote. If you ask 20 people around you for their opinion on an original name, the majority will always prefer a descriptive and bland name out of pure habit. Trust your entrepreneurial vision and choose a name that stands out.


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