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<p><em>You now want to start a business. Whether it is on the spur of the moment or you thought about this for many months, there are a few elements to consider before beginning to look for your first clients. For example, what services do you want to offer? Do you want to work from home or in a coworking space? What will be your rates? And did you take the time to think about your business name?</em></p> <p></p> <p>Before we begin, it is important to mention that there are many possibilities regarding your business name when you are a freelancer, and many rules to follow. We will then take the time to explain to you what your options are.</p> <h3><strong>Taking your name as your business name</strong></h3> <p>Many freelancers who start their business use their name as their business name. You can also add a short description that describes what you offer. For example, if you choose this option, your business name could be something like Matthew Hope Photography or Helena Dwight Graphic Designer. Also, if you are located in Quebec, if you choose your name as a business name, you will not have to register your business to the Registraire des entreprises du Quebec (REQ).</p> <h3><strong>Create a business name</strong></h3> <p>It is also possible to use something other than your name. First, it will be critical to check if another company does not already use the wanted business name. Do some research and check if the domain name is available. You can verify on social media, Google, and official government registries. It is true that another freelancer has the same name and has decided to use it as its business name, but it is not very likely.</p> <p>Moreover, if you create a business name, you will have to register it to the register of enterprises of your province or state. The cost is $35 per year in Quebec, but it gives you an NEQ (an official enterprise number).</p> <h2>The rules to follow when creating your business name</h2> <p>If you decide to create a name for your business, please note that there are some rules to follow. Someone who does not respect those rules could see their name rejected.</p> <h3><strong>A unique name</strong></h3> <p>First, as we mentioned, you need to choose a unique business name that is not already taken by someone else. For this reason, it is essential to search its availability before creating social media pages or buying a domain name, for example. Also, if your business name is too similar to another existing name, people might be confused. If possible, choose something relevant that represents your company well.</p> <p>It is also important not to choose something associated with expressions or specific places. For example, it would not be possible to choose a business name called Time Square or Chinatown since they are places that already exist; however, you could choose something like Time Square Restaurant or Chinatown Photography. Please note that government officials will also reject all business names considered to be obscene.</p> <p>If your business is located in Quebec and you decided to register it to the Registraire des entreprises, please note that your company name must be in French, or at least have some French in it. It is the reason why many foreign businesses added a few words in French to their official name or changed their name for their stores located in the province (for example, Staples is called Bureau en Gros in Quebec). More precisely, you need to respect syntax, spelling, and phonetics.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please note that it is not mandatory to use a word of the dictionary for your business name. You can decide to invent a name by using different words or words from other languages. For example, <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/" target="_blank">Momenteo</a> is derived from the word moment.&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Finding your business name</strong></h3> <p>It can be challenging to find the perfect name for your business; therefore, stay alert. We never know when you can get an excellent idea. If needed, do some brainstorming. Note keywords related to your values or services, play with letters of your first name and look at random words in the dictionary or even translations. Did you know that Twitter found their name by looking in the dictionary? Or do you not the marketing agency called Sid Lee? At first, their business name was Diesel, but it was also the name of a clothing company. They then decided to change their business name by changing the order of the letters.</p> <p>And when you find the perfect business name, do not forget to check if another company does not already use it. You likely do not want to receive a formal notice from another business because you have the same name. It can be frustrating to discover that your perfect business name is already taken, but it is better to use something unique to represent your business well.</p> <p></p> <p>In conclusion, when <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/become-a-freelancer-7-things-to-know" target="_blank">you become a freelancer</a>, you can decide to use your personal name or create an original name for your business. However, it is essential to keep in mind that it must be unique and respect the rules of your province. If needed, do not hesitate to contact your local government offices or work with a business lawyer to ensure everything is fine. Good luck!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>