We asked small business experts and members of the NNA community to offer tips on choosing a name that is just right for your small business. You should:
Choose a Notary business name that's easy to recognize.
Make sure your business name focuses on your strengths.
Make your Notary business name unique — but not too unique.
1. Choose a Notary business name that's easy to recognize.
Consider this: Your business name is going to be used in a lot of places, from your business cards and website to your email address and possible street marquee. If your personal name is challenging to spell or pronounce, it could actually hinder you from getting calls.
“My advice to new Notaries would be never to use only your name,” says Texas Notary Tonie L. Boaman, owner of Dash Notary. “Think outside of the box and have pride in your new business name.”
Consider using a name that indicates your service area, which has worked for California Notary Karen S. Flores. “My business West Coast Notary Pro has defined and branded me as a Notary professional,” says Flores.
Dave Holland, who launched his small business, CalCoastNotary, shortly after receiving his Notary commission, agrees.
“Name recognition is important in any business,” says Holland. “It lends comfort to people to do business with an actual company vs. ‘Bob down the street.’ It’s important for people to be comfortable with who they do business with, especially in our industry where everything we touch is important to someone.”
2. Make sure your Notary business name focuses on your strengths.
You can use your business name to emphasize a strength or competitive edge that you offer, such as availability, speed, convenience and confidentiality, or catering to niche markets, such as legal firms, healthcare facilities, prisons, or financial institutions.
California Notary Laura Biewer, owner of At Your Service Mobile Notary, focuses on quality customer service, while Kisha Smith focuses on availability and location when choosing her business name, AfterHoursVA. Reliability is a primary focus for David Harper, owner of A Dependable Notary. Maria Torres-Lopez’ Notary @ Your Door brand emphasizes convenient service that comes to you.
Herbert Willis, owner of Sunshine Signing Connection, went with warm and inviting branding, also creating a sun-shaped company logo and brightly colored website imagery.
3. Make your Notary business name unique — but not too unique.
The key to creative naming is to be original without being too strange or obscure. “Avoid using a name that is used by another company,” warns Forbes contributor Marianne Bickle. “A name that is even similar to another company can cause legal difficulties.”
Google names you’re considering to ensure your stroke of genius hasn’t already been used, and “test-drive” unusual names with friends or family.
“If a company name is too complex and puzzling, it will remain a mystery to your customers,” says Entrepreneur magazine contributor and business naming expert Phil Davis.
Final words of advice on Notary business names
If you do end up using a business name other than your own name, you need to file a “Doing Business As” name, or DBA (also referred to as a Fictitious Business Name or Assumed Business Name), generally at your county clerk office or with your state government.
Consult your state laws for DBA renewal information. You might also apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to use in place of your personal Social Security number.
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