There are various ways to add credibility to your home business and one of them is through the name you choose to represent your operation. Of course, it will depend on what type of business you are in as to how “official” you will want to make your business sound, but the name of the business does convey a mission and mode to your customers and prospects.
For example, if there are two beauty shops with two different names: “Cookie’s Cut and Curl” and “Style, Inc.” do you have an image of the salons as being two very different places? Even if the offerings, prices, talents, and skills of the two different establishments are identical—one name conveys a more casual atmosphere while the other sounds more “stylish” and current. What is your business name saying about your business and about how YOU do business?
Look at the way other businesses in your field, market and area identify themselves and consider how your business name can help you to either set yourself apart, or “run with the big dogs” and be considered one of them. Additionally, the way your company is organized can help to boost your reputation and image as well. A corporation or LLC sends a more professional image in most cases than does a sole proprietorship named after the sole owner.
Your business name can say a great deal about you and about how you do business before you ever shake hands with a single prospective customer. Put thought into your name and consider how it will be used and marketed to help you promote your business to the individuals you hope to turn into customers or clients. Whether you go fun, professional, or creative is up to you—but it will either help or hinder your other marketing efforts.