September 10, 2024

How to Buy Business Names for your Startup Success

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

How to Buy Business Names for your Startup Success

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Last updated: 18 October, 2025

Choosing a great business name for your brand comes with a catch: you also need a matching web address that will work for you. Domain name expert Joe Uddeme shares his tips for securing brand names that resonate – and for making sure your online presence is unbeatable, too.

Are you looking to buy business domain names for your startup? In this article, we’ll explore where to buy them, the steps to secure the ideal name, and why a good business name can make all the difference for a startup with big ambitions.

In many instances, the domain name for a startup business name you have settled on simply won’t be available. Or at least at face value, that appears to be the case.

However, dealing with a domain name broker can make a world of difference: a skilled broker can often snap up the name you need at a price that works for everyone. We’re here to make the impossible possible!

If you’re new to buying business names, why not check out our post about domain name valuations – or get in touch to find out how we can help.

Key Takeaways

  • A strong business name enhances brand identity, recognition, and customer loyalty, playing a crucial role in a startup’s success.
  • Legal protection through trademark registration safeguards a business name, preventing infringement and ensuring exclusive rights.
  • Choosing a unique, memorable business name that reflects company values and accommodates future growth is vital for long-term success.

 

Why Buying a Business Name Matters

AI generated image of a man in deep contemplation. He is surrounded by a huge variety of icons depicting ideas, such as lightbulbs. This is to illustrate an article about coming up with a perfect domain name for a startup business.

A strong business name is far more than just a moniker; it embodies the essence and values of your brand, influences customer engagement, and sets you apart from competitors.

It really does! Look at Tripadvisor or Etsy. Their names are unforgettable.

From establishing brand identity and recognition to offering legal protection and market differentiation, a thoughtful and strategic business name can be a game-changer.

Choose a business name for brand identity and recognition

A unique business name is a critical element of brand identity and recognition. It not only enhances visibility but also builds customer trust and loyalty. Think of your business name as a powerful marketing tool that attracts customers and differentiates you from competitors, directly influencing your brand’s trajectory.

Choose badly, and you’ll be forgotten. But a name that mirrors your brand’s identity aligns it with your products or services, boosting recall and recognition.

It acts as a branding blueprint, and should evolve with your vision.

Quite simply, investing in a business name is an investment in your brand! It also contributes to your future growth.

Some companies opt for names that connect to their founders or team members, adding a personal touch to their branding – think of Ben and Jerry’s. This personal connection can further enhance customer loyalty and brand integrity.

Legal protection and trademarking for your business name

Securing your business name legally is crucial to prevent others from using it – it provides legal protection and ensures you have exclusive rights. This legal ownership helps prevent potential infringement issue, and safeguards your brand’s integrity.

A trademark secures your business name, goods, and services nationwide or even globally, preventing others from using similar names in your industry. This reinforces recognition and reduces the risk of legal disputes and market confusion. You can apply online to register a brand name.

Register a business name that ensures market differentiation

In a crowded market, a distinct business name will help set your company apart from the competition. Choosing a unique business name can significantly enhance your brand recognition and ensure that your business stands out in the industry.

This isn’t a black and white rule: booking.com and hotels.com chose highly appropriate and generic names that define their industry. Others, however, have taken originality to the next level – think Reddit and Canva.

Distinct names make it easier for customers to recall your brand and differentiate it from others. This differentiation is particularly important for small businesses looking to carve out a niche in a competitive landscape.

Steps to Buy a Business Name

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Before you begin: Purchasing a business name involves several important steps to ensure it aligns with your brand and legal requirements. From initial research and brainstorming to checking name availability to purchasing a premium domain name and registering it, each step needs your full attention.

Business naming checklist for startups:

  1. Initial research and brainstorming
  2. Checking name availability
  3. Purchasing a domain
  4. Registering the name

Let’s break down these steps to guide you through the process of buying and securing a business name.

Research and brainstorming

Research and brainstorming are the fun part – it’s a great way to get a feel for your fledgling brand and how you want to come across through your business name.  Take your time, and gather feedback from friends and trusted business colleagues.

We recommend trying online tools like BrandRoot, which provides unique business name suggestions tailored to your preferences. These platforms can help generate ideas that are both creative and aligned with your brand’s identity. Remember, the goal is to create a name that resonates with your target audience and stands out in the market.

Checking brand name availability

Once you have a list of potential names, the next step is to check their availability. First type the name into Googler and see what results come up – if any,

Next, you need to check if your desired domain is already registered. The reality is that it probably is. But not always – if you’re a swimming pool company and think laterally (‘Splashify’ or ‘Dipily’, for example), you may get lucky.

Tools like GoDaddy or Namecheap make it easy to check domain availability.

If your name isn’t available, try again until something fits. Alternatively, consider working with an experienced domain broker who may be able to secure the exact name you want.

Confirm name availability in your state before registration, as each state has specific rules and requirements for business name registration. Remember, the domain name does not need to be the same as the legal business name, offering you some flexibility.

After a domain is registered, it is reserved for the entity that registered it. Other entities cannot use the domain until it becomes available again. This underscores the importance of securing your desired domain name as soon as possible to avoid any future complications.

Purchasing the Domain Name

Once availability is confirmed, purchase the domain name – probably with the intention of keeping it as long as you are in business. Choose a registrar with competitive pricing and reliable customer support for a better experience. Domain registrars provide a platform for users to purchase domain names, often bundled with hosting services.

The cost of a domain can range from $10 to $45 annually, influenced by various factors. Securing a domain name is crucial for establishing your business’s online presence, so consider this an essential investment in your brand’s future.

Registering Your Business Name

To legally begin your business, you must register your business name with the appropriate agencies. This process typically involves submitting paperwork to relevant state agencies, including details about your business structure. Entities such as LLCs, partnerships, and corporations are typically required to register their business names.

Additionally, businesses may need to acquire permits or licenses depending on their location and type of business. It’s crucial to designate a registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents when registering your business. Factors like your business location and structure may influence the registration process.

A trade name, or DBA (Doing Business As), lets you operate under a different name from your legal business name. Check with local government for filing requirements and fees. Regulations vary based on business structure and location, so verify to ensure compliance.

Where to Buy Business Names

AI generated image of dozens of commercial premises drawn in a cartoon style.

There are several platforms and services where you can purchase business names. From online marketplaces to domain registrars and specialized business naming services, each option offers unique benefits.

Explore these options to find the perfect business name.

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like BrandBucket and BrandRoot specialize in offering a variety of brand names for purchase. BrandBucket, for example, is an online marketplace with over 100,000 creative business names available. It provides curated names and smart search features, catering to lean, quick-to-market startups.

BrandRoot generates available business names ready for purchase, eliminating frustration. These platforms have no recurring fees and grant full rights to the domain name, making them convenient for new businesses.

Domain Registrars

Domain registrars are another viable option for purchasing a business name. When choosing a registrar, consider the price and customer service. If the name transfer fails, reputable registrars guarantee a full refund. The typical timeframe for completing a domain name transfer is 2-5 business days.

After you register your domain name, it is exclusively yours. No one else can utilize it while you maintain ownership. This exclusivity is crucial for maintaining your brand’s online presence and credibility.

Business Naming Services

Specialized business naming services offer tailored solutions to help startups create powerful brand identities. Utilizing these services can save time and provide expertise, ensuring businesses select memorable and impactful names. These services often employ professional naming experts who generate creative business names that resonate with target audiences.

In addition to naming, many of these services offer comprehensive branding packages that include logo creation and marketing strategies. This holistic approach ensures that your business name and brand identity are cohesive and compelling.

Evaluating the Cost of Business Names

Drawing of the scales of justice with a pile of dollars to one side. The scales are measuring coins to denote pricing during the acquisition of a domain name.

Evaluating the cost of business names involves considering both initial and ongoing expenses. From the upfront costs of premium domains and registration fees to the recurring expenses of maintaining domain names and trademarks, budgeting effectively is crucial.

Let’s break down these costs to help you plan accordingly.

Initial Purchase Costs

The initial purchase costs of a business name can vary significantly. Premium domains, due to their popularity and memorability, can be substantially more expensive than standard domains. This perceived value and market demand can drive up the costs, making premium business names a significant upfront investment.

Additionally, the costs to register a business name can vary depending on the state and the type of business entity being formed. Together, these costs contribute to the overall financial commitment when establishing your business.

Planning for these initial expenses is essential for setting up a solid foundation for your brand’s online presence.

Ongoing Expenses

Maintaining a domain name requires annual renewal fees, which can vary based on the registrar and the type of domain. Renewal fees are often higher than the initial registration costs, so it’s important to budget for these ongoing expenses.

Besides initial registration, domain owners must consider renewal fees and potential transfer costs when changing registrars. Ongoing expenses related to a business name also include fees for maintaining trademarks, ensuring continuous legal protection for your brand.

Budgeting for Your Business Name

Budgeting for a business name should include initial costs, ongoing renewal fees, and additional services like privacy protection. Effective budgeting accounts for both initial and recurring expenses to avoid financial surprises.

It’s essential to account for potential additional fees, such as privacy protection and transfer costs, when budgeting for a business name. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared for the financial commitments associated with maintaining your brand’s identity.

Legal Considerations When Buying a Business Name

Securing a business name legally helps prevent competitors from using a similar or identical name, thus protecting your brand. Understanding the legal implications related to trademark and copyright issues is crucial for avoiding potential disputes.

Let’s delve into the key legal considerations when buying a business name.

Conducting a Trademark Search

Conducting a trademark search is essential to avoid potential legal disputes and ensure brand protection. A trademark search can reveal if a business name is already in use or too similar to an existing trademark. To search for registered trademarks in the United States, you can access the USPTO’s tools.

The USPTO provides the TESS database, which is a tool specifically for conducting trademark searches. Before using a business name, check its availability against the official trademark database maintained by the USPTO to avoid legal issues.

Filing for Trademark Protection

The steps to trademark a business name include determining your need for a trademark, searching existing trademarks, preparing your application, and filing with the USPTO. A trademark application usually takes several months to process. In some cases, it may take over a year for approval.

Filing for trademark protection helps legally secure your business name and prevents others from using it without permission. This step is crucial for establishing long-term brand recognition and legal security.

Understanding Intellectual Property Laws

Understanding intellectual property laws is crucial for business owners, as it dictates trademark handling and protection. Most states require registration for a DBA (Doing Business As) name. Registering an entity name protects it at the state level.

Entity name registration prevents others from using the same name, with some exceptions based on state and business structure. Businesses outside the US should check local registration and trademark databases relevant to their country to ensure compliance.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Business Name

Colourful AI generated image showing an artist palette, drawing materials, and lightbulbs to denote coming up with a great idea for a business domain name

Choosing a prospective business name is a strategic investment essential for future growth and market presence. Reflecting your brand’s values, ensuring memorability, and considering future growth are key factors.

Let’s explore some essential tips for making this critical decision.

Reflecting Your Brand’s Values

More businesses are selecting names that align with their values and mission. This trend also highlights their focus on societal impact. The name of a business serves as a representation of its core values and mission. A name aligned with your business’s purpose can enhance customer connection and loyalty.

Names that are catchy and easy to pronounce improve customer recall and word-of-mouth marketing. For example, names related to sustainability, like Renewables Co. or EcoImpact Solutions can attract customers who share similar values.

Ensuring Memorability and Uniqueness

A good business name must be memorable. It should also be easy to find. Aim for a unique name that differentiates you from others. It should help you stand out in the competitive landscape. Memorable names should be catchy, easy to remember, and roll off the tongue.

Avoid generic names that blend in with the crowd, as they reduce your brand’s visibility. Distinctive business names not only improve memory recall but also foster a stronger emotional connection with customers.

Considering Future Growth

Selecting a flexible business name can accommodate expansion into new markets or product lines. To ensure relevance to your target audience and business goals, it is essential to choose a name that aligns with your brand’s niche and industry.

Choosing a name that allows for future growth ensures that your brand remains relevant and adaptable as your business evolves. This foresight can significantly contribute to your long-term success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Business Name

When buying a business name, it’s easy to make mistakes that can have long-term consequences. From ignoring trademark issues to overlooking domain name availability and choosing trendy over timeless names, these common pitfalls can hinder your brand’s success.

Let’s explore these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Ignoring Trademark Issues

A thorough trademark search avoids legal conflicts and ensures your business name is unique. Trademark protection legally secures your name and prevents unauthorized use by the trademark office.

Understanding intellectual property laws is essential for business owners, as it dictates how trademarks are handled and protected. Ignoring these issues can lead to significant legal risks and potential conflicts over brand ownership.

Overlooking Domain Name Availability

Securing the matching domain name is critical to establishing a strong online presence for your business. Failure to secure the corresponding domain name can lead to customer confusion, resulting in lost traffic and revenue. Not having a consistent domain can erode customer trust, as consumers may question the legitimacy of your brand.

Ensuring domain name availability is a crucial step in maintaining brand consistency and credibility. This is something that turned out to be a sticking point for Tesla when they wanted to buy tesla.com – only to find that the name was taken by somebody else. While the official amount that exchanged hands was never publicly announced, it is thought to have been $11 million.

Choosing Trendy Over Timeless

Choosing a trendy name can lead to a rapid decline in relevance and customer attraction as trends change. Trendy names may not resonate with consumers in the long term, resulting in brand confusion and diminished loyalty.

Timeless names remain relevant and adaptable, allowing for better brand recognition and ongoing customer engagement. A business name built on timelessness fosters a stable brand identity that can evolve while maintaining core values.

Summary

Choosing the right business name is a critical step in your startup journey. From establishing brand identity and legal protection to ensuring market differentiation and planning for future growth, each aspect plays a vital role in your business’s success. By following the steps outlined in this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can secure a business name that resonates with your target audience and stands the test of time.

Remember, your business name is more than just a label; it’s an investment in your brand’s future. Take the time to choose wisely, and it will pay dividends in customer recognition, loyalty, and market presence. Here’s to your startup success!

Frequently Asked Questions about Startup Domain Names

Why is choosing a business name so important?

Choosing a business name is important because it embodies your brand’s essence and values, influences customer perceptions, and differentiates you from competitors. A well-chosen name can significantly impact your business’s success.

What are the steps to buying a business name?

To buy a business name, start by researching and brainstorming options, then check the name’s availability, purchase the corresponding domain, and finally, register the name with the relevant authorities. Following these steps ensures proper ownership and legal protection of your business identity.

How do I ensure my business name is legally protected?

To ensure your business name is legally protected, conduct a thorough trademark search and file for trademark protection with the USPTO. This will help safeguard your brand and prevent potential legal issues.

What are the costs involved in buying a business name?

When buying a business name, you should anticipate initial purchase costs for domain registration and potential trademarks, along with ongoing expenses like annual renewal fees. It’s essential to budget for both immediate and long-term financial commitments.

How can I avoid common mistakes when buying a business name?

To avoid common mistakes when buying a business name, ensure you conduct thorough trademark searches and check for domain name availability. Additionally, opt for timeless names rather than trendy ones to maintain relevance. To simplify and speed things up, consider hiring an experienced domain name brokerage company who can help you secure the startup business name you need.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of NameExperts.com, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. He has many years of experience in helping startups secure the right names for their business. Contact us at: [email protected]

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Credibility with Investors and Partners Perception of Success: Having a .com domain is often seen as a sign that a brand is more established, successful, and serious about its online presence. Investors, acquisition partners, and other account stakeholders may view your brand more favorably if it has secured a .com domain, especially if you’re targeting a global audience or providing services or support. Domain as a Digital Asset: A .com domain purchase that you intend to hold onto can also become a valuable long-term equity play. Premium .com domains tend to appreciate over time, adding value to your organization if you decide to sell or expand services to maximize the best price for transfer. Register top keywords that identify with your services or product offerings or answer questions. Purchase a .org for your non-profit or a .net for your network platform. Alternative TLDs such as .net and .org may each hold value to the domain name owner and may be attractive to the buyer as a cheaper alternative, based on the availability of domains. SEO and Search Engine Benefits Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR): A .com domain will ensure greater click-value in search engine results. Since users trust .com websites more, search engines like Google may favor them in search rankings, especially for advanced searches. Even if a domain extension doesn’t directly impact SEO, user behavior (like click-through rates) does, and .com domains tend to perform better in this area. Backlink Value: When other sites link to you, they may be more willing to link to a .com site due to its perceived authority and security. High-quality backlinks are essential for SEO performance, and .com domains tend to naturally attract more of those links. International Appeal Global Acceptance: If your organization operates globally or plans to expand internationally, a .com domain is universally recognized and accepted across borders and everyday life. Country-specific domains (like .co.uk or .de) can limit your reach or cause confusion in markets outside that specific country. They can also cause transfer issues. Consistency in Branding: As your organization grows, maintaining a consistent identity across different regions is essential. A .com domain helps establish a unified web presence, making it easier for customers worldwide to find and recognize your branding and url. Competitive Advantage Competitor Safeguard: Owning the .com version of your entity name prevents competitors from using it. Even if you currently use a different extension for your account, a competitor could purchase the .com and use it to divert traffic, confuse clients, or dilute your message or image and hurt security. Always be sure to check out a .com’s history before buying, though – there could be some nasty surprises if it has been used before. Professionalism: Many well-established businesses, particularly in competitive industries, prefer .com domains. If a competitor has the .com version of a similar name, they may be seen as more professional or legitimate than a business name using a less common extension. Having a .com gives you an edge in appearing professional and trustworthy. Versatility to Ensure Growth Future-Proof: As your network grows, the .com extension is flexible enough to accommodate expansions into new products, services, or geographic markets. Unlike some niche TLDs, which may be associated with specific industries (like .tech or .store), a .com can grow with your entity and remain relevant in any market. Resale Value: Premium .com domains can become valuable assets if your organization is ever sold or merged. The high demand for .com domains, especially short, brandable ones, means they often increase in value over time and make them an easier sale for the seller in a reasonable range. Some names exceed all expectations, however, and command seven-figure price tags or higher.   What other TLDs Are Good Options? Clients ask regularly if there are decent top-level domain alternatives to the .com for transfer. There are many, including .org, .net,.co, .io, .ai, .xyz and .club domains that a degree of power and authority. Top Extensions: These extensions are popular for use in the crypto and web 3 space. There are many organizations that capitalize on the generic value such as the banking industry with the .bank top-level domain. With more than 2,500 new GTLD domain extensions, you can now register and transfer anything from .legal to .car for your business, which is worth knowing if you’re securing a unique domain name for a startup in particular. Here are a list of some top extensions and how they’re often used: .ai: artificial intelligence, machine learning support, reasonable renewal cost .net: internet infrastructure sites, more technical, fairly reasonable renewal cost .co: abbreviation for commerce, corporation and community .org: non-commercial org and non-profits .io: tech sites, business or commercial use support You definitely don’t need to use a website builder for every domain name you purchase. Make sure you forward any additional domain names you register to your primary site and add a secure server to protect your organization. The .com Domain Should Be Your First Choice When we talk about long-term investing and ROI, we think about the stock market, commercial or residential real estate investing, gold bullion and Forex – but domain investing is a legitimate business pursuit, too. Domain names hold value and add instant equity to the branding strategy and ownership in the purchase and sale of domain names. There are hundreds of thousands of prime opportunities to invest in the domain space – and as the last 30 years have shown, the .com is the most credible TLD on the market, both domestically and abroad. This holds true if you are buying your domain for your business or to hold and transfer at a later date. Whether this is your first domain or you own many, the .com creates easy accessibility for consumers and brands alike. Brand Protection: Companies work hard to protect their domain brands, accounts and marketing tactics. They invest millions of dollars and countless resources at building that beach-front real estate and maintaining their Internet presence in the world. As leaders in the domain space, the NameExperts.com team continues to recommend the .com as the superior domain with considerable upside and long-term equity potential. Case Study: Tesla.com domain acquisition Here’s a case study of a .com domain acquisition transfer that highlights the importance and benefits of acquiring a premium .com domain for a business. The study involves Tesla’s acquisition of Tesla.com. Background: For many years after its founding, Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, operated under the registered domain TeslaMotors.com. Despite its growing success, the entity didn’t own the highly sought-after Tesla.com domain. TeslaMotors.com was functional, but having Tesla.com would better align with the company’s image as it expanded beyond cars to include energy products like solar panels and batteries. The domain Tesla.com was originally owned by a man named Stuart Grossman, who had registered it long before the organization existed. Grossman wasn’t actively using the domain, but he also wasn’t interested in selling it easily, making the acquisition a challenging and lengthy process. The Acquisition Process: Need for Rebranding: As Tesla grew and became a household name, the organization realized that TeslaMotors.com was limiting its branding. The “Motors” in the domain name suggested a narrow focus on cars, whereas Tesla’s long-term vision encompassed energy solutions, solar products, and batteries. The organization needed a simpler, cleaner domain—Tesla.com—that reflected its image as a leader in the broader tech and energy sectors. Complex Negotiation: Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, revealed that acquiring Tesla.com was a difficult process, taking over 10 years of negotiations. The domain owner, Grossman, was reluctant to sell the name for many years, leading Tesla to offer a significant amount to finally secure it. Musk later hinted that they had paid $11 million to acquire the domain, though exact figures weren’t officially disclosed. Hands-on Approach: Tesla’s approach to acquiring the domain involved: Patience: Tesla waited until the domain owner was ready to sell, all while continuing to build their company. Persistence: Tesla remained in contact with the owner over a long period, signaling ongoing interest and ensuring the owner knew they were serious buyers. Strategic Timing: Tesla finally closed the deal when they were ready to reposition their entity from just a car line to a broader energy and technology company. Outcome: In 2016, Tesla successfully acquired and completed the transfer of the Tesla.com domain and immediately rebranded their website and digital assets. This acquisition allowed Tesla to secure its concept and image across all its product lines and simplify its online presence and customer support tools.     About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Joe’s specialty is helping clients secure .com domain names that appear unreachable – and at the right price, too. Contact Joe at: [email protected]

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