This fall we’re focusing on Online Basics for Business Success. Over the next few months, we’ll dive deep into the online tools that are essential for any new (or existing!) business, how to set them up for maximum success, and how to make them WORK for your business.
Step 1: Claim Your Business Names
This is where all my clients with new businesses begin- your business needs a name!
Whenever possible, you’ll want to use the same company/brand name across all your marketing initiatives- email, website, social media, etc. I recommend using https://www.namecheckr.com/ to test out your names; you can do a simple search of your business name idea(s) and see what online platforms are available (website, facebook, YouTube, etc.) There are tons of options listed, but the key ones are right in the top row. We’ll get into the nitty gritty of each tool later in the series, but for Day 1- let’s start off with something easy, but necessary!
Step 2: Trademark Research
You did it- you came up with a great name AND the domain & social media tools are available.YAY YOU! The next step is to make sure no one else has “dibs” (not the legal term, but you get it) on your name. This can be done with a simple trademark search.
In Canada, visit https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/trdmrks/srch/home
In US, visit https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/search-trademark-database
Both of these sites provide a basic, but extensive, search of names that have been registered for trademark.
NEXT STEPS
The next step is to secure the names & tools you need to start building your online presence. Check out the tutorial next week to get you all set up!
Preparing an online presence for your business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s one step on an amazing journey in being a business owner.
If you’re feeling stuck, or want help in building your website, check out the affordable freelancer services available on Fiverr.com; it’s a long-time favourite of mine when I have little projects that need attention.
Setting up the foundations early on helps you create process, structure and set your biz up for success!
