Picking a business name

[John Burtle]

What are some do's and don'ts when picking a business name?

The long term goal is to build a good online presence. 

Should the online presence/name be different than the actual business name?

is using initials a bad idea? "JDK properties" etc..

or should it be more of a catchy name?

The name/brand will be used to buy and hold properties, flip houses, and rent properties. 

I'd appreciate any advice. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Do not use a personal name because you may want to sell it one day. The Buyer may not want your name/initials tied to the business and you may not want your name tied to the new Owner's performance.

Make it easy to spell and pronounce

Make it easy for your domain/email name. Nobody wants to type "[email protected]" 

The name should have some meaning, to you and the public, and it should convey some sense of what you do.

Search the Secretary of State website to ensure the name is not already used. Also do a Google search to see what comes up with that name search. You don't want to lock in a name and then find out a Google search brings up an adult diaper manufacturer or something else that will confuse people.

Search Google for "business name generator" and maybe you'll get some more tips and ideas.