Want to Start a Business?
Don’t Make This Branding Mistake
Thinking of starting a business? Don’t make this branding mistake! Too many entrepreneurs rush to register their business name without checking if the domain name and social media handles are available. This small oversight can lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and an expensive rebrand. Before you take the plunge, here’s what you need to know!
When I launched my first online venture, I thought I had the perfect business name. I registered it, designed a logo, and was ready to dominate the market—until I realized that the .com domain was already taken and someone else was using the YouTube handle I wanted. I had two choices: start from scratch or settle for a mismatched online presence. Neither was ideal. After some trial and error, I learned the right way to secure my brand before making it official.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to avoid this branding blunder. You’ll learn how to:
✅ Check domain availability (before registering your business name).
✅ Secure your social media and YouTube channel names.
✅ Lock in your brand across platforms for seamless visibility.
If you’re serious about building a business the right way, read the full post now and make sure your branding is rock solid from the start! 🚀
So, you’re ready to start your business. You’ve got an idea, a vision, and maybe even a catchy name in mind. But before you rush off to register that business name, STOP—you might be making a big branding mistake that could cost you in the long run.
The Common Branding Mistake
Many new entrepreneurs fall into the trap of securing a business name before checking if the matching domain and social media handles are available. Imagine launching a brand, only to find out someone else already owns your perfect website URL or YouTube channel name.
That’s a recipe for confusion, missed opportunities, and costly rebranding.
How to Avoid This Mistake
1. Check the Domain Name First
Your website is your online home. Before you register a business name, make sure you can get a matching .comdomain. Use a domain search tool like:
• Squarespace Domains (Great if you’re using Squarespace for your website!)
• GoDaddy
If the exact name isn’t available, consider small modifications like:
• Adding “the” or “official” (e.g., TheBestBusiness.com)
• Using a different TLD like .co, .net, or .biz
• Adding a keyword (e.g., YourBrandOnline.com)
2. Secure Your Social Media Handles
Once you’ve found a domain, check if the name is free on social media platforms. Ideally, you want the same nameacross all major platforms for consistency. Try:
• YouTube
• TikTok
• X (Twitter)
Tools like Namechk or KnowEm can quickly scan for availability across platforms.
3. Lock In Your YouTube Channel Name
YouTube is a powerful marketing tool. If you plan to use video content (which you should!), claim your YouTube channel name ASAP. Even if you’re not ready to post, securing your name now prevents someone else from taking it.
4. Then Register Your Business Name
Now that you’ve confirmed your online presence, go ahead and register your business name with your local government. This ensures legal protection and credibility for your brand.
✅ Domain secured
✅ Social handles matched
✅ YouTube name locked
✅ Business registered
Final Thoughts
Branding starts before you register your business. Your name, domain, and social handles should match as closely as possible for a seamless brand identity.
🔹 Take action now—check your business name availability across all platforms before registering it. A little research upfront can save you from branding headaches later.
Got any branding stories or struggles? Drop them in the comments! Let’s help each other build smarter businesses. 🚀
