Coming up with the right name for your music business is an important step. Many describe their names as cute, clever, stand-outish, catchy, and even strange.

The good thing is you can name your business whatever you want; however, the following are the things you should consider first:

1. Stay away from local names. Including your city or state name as part of your business name may work for you early on as your local patrons use your services, but when you begin to span outside your area, potential new clients will assume you only cater to those in your area… therefore you lose business.

2. If your name can’t reside on a roadside billboard without offending somebody… then you should consider something else. I use this as a model because I’ve seen names that include profanity and sexual verbiage. Think about what type of marketing and other business opportunities you are limited to. Also consider potential clients who will be turned off simply because of your name.

3. Consider your target audience or clientele. If your company is Rap Artists Entertainment, then I’m assuming you are selling Rap music, and I surely won’t think you have Pop or Rock Artists on your roster.

4. Consider a name that will allow you room to expand your business. Look well beyond the here and now. Lil Swagg Daddy Entertainment is not cute 15 years from now when you’re 40.

5. Think branding. Consider a name that looks good in several media outlets such as web, print magazines, mobile, newspapers, cd covers, billboards, electronic press kits, television, etc.

6. Be mindful of your competitor’s name and how it’s working for them. Because your competitor share the same market and are doing well in it… understand what makes their name stand out so you can choose a name that does the same thing for your business.

7. Check if your prospective name is available as a domain. If you plan to have an online presence, you will need a domain name to reflect your business name.