How to Register a Business Name Even if You’re a Beginner

There are currently 33.2 million small businesses in the US. And many are coming up every day. 

How do you set your business apart from the competition?

It’s by learning how to register a business name that’s short, unique, catchy, and relevant to your business.

Registering a business name in the US also protects your name from being used or misused by others. As well, it helps you avoid legal issues.

However, learning how to register a business name can be challenging.

That’s why we’ve prepared this simple guide to teach you how to do it.

Let’s get started. 

1. Choose The Right Business Structure

Depending on your type of business, the first step to learning how to register a business name is to choose your appropriate structure.

This is because when filing paperwork for your type of business structure, you will also be required to provide your business name.

There are four common types of business structures to choose from namely:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company
• Corporation

Remember that each of the structures above requires you to fill out some forms and other paperwork which can be difficult if you’re doing it for the first time. Thus, it’s a great idea to use the services of a business formation company. 

Here is a ZenBusiness vs LegalZoom comparison guide by GovDocFiling to help you choose the right company for your business formation process.

2. Register a Trademark

Trademarking is a great way to protect your business name against other people from using or registering it. 

Once you apply for a trademark, no one else can use your name and brand identity elements to conduct business operations both at a state and national level.

Ensure you check with the US official trademark database to ensure your chosen name isn’t already trademarked.

3. File a Doing Business As

Otherwise known as an assumed name, a ‘Doing Business As’ or DBA is a fictitious name other than the official business name that you can use to do business.

Registering a DBA is a perfect option for a sole proprietorship since you can simply use an aka or your real name.

4. Secure a Domain Name

Lastly, after registering your business name, purchase a domain name for it. This will help you create a website for your business and avail your products or services globally.
Keep your domain name short, sweet, and catchy.

Conclusion

The process for learning how to register a business may seem difficult for a beginner especially when it comes to filling out paperwork.

However, it doesn’t have to be.

Follow the steps above or use the business formation service mentioned above to register your business name fast and successfully.

Author Bio:

Brett Shapiro is a co-owner of GovDocFiling. He had an entrepreneurial spirit since he was young. He started GovDocFiling, a simple resource center that takes care of the mundane, yet critical, formation documentation for any new business entity.