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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Matthew Jenkin

Is the name of your company important to success?

Google
Google's unique name has become a verb. Photograph: Jacques Brinon/AP

What do Google, Lick, Starbucks and Pane in the Glass have in common? They're all businesses with names you're unlikely to forget in a hurry and which in some way convey the uniqueness of the product or service they have developed.

While clever marketing plays its part, choosing the right name for your company should be an essential part of your business plan and not an afterthought.

"While the right name can make your business popular within a short time, the wrong one can doom your prospects," writes Richard White for Small Business Trends.

"The right name can create a unique business identity, but the wrong one can mar it, along with your chances of success."

With most businesses now requiring an online presence, it's also important to consider the availability of domain names which stand out and reflect clearly what your business is offering.

How important is your company's name to the business's success? How did you come up with it and what should you consider when choosing it? Is a creative name better than a descriptive one? And how can you check your firm's name is a springboard to success or an omen of doom? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Sign up to become a member of the Guardian Small Business Network here for more advice, insight and best practice direct to your inbox.

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