Choosing my LLC name: 3 Options

I did it. My business is officially named Cochran Language Services. I decided to form an LLC for tax purposes and for distinguishing personal from professional. When choosing an LLC name for my translation business, I narrowed it down to 3 options, 3 different directions I could take with different benefits.

1. I could get creative, clever even. I’ve seen people use a play on words for their translation company name. And/or they mix their source and target languages in a brilliant way. This can be memorable and display my skills as a wordsmith.
2. I could use my name and the services I provide. The benefits with this are that it makes my name visible and clearly says what my business does.
3. Or, I could use an acronym. For example, I almost went with CLS, short for Cochran Language Services. This is a good choice because acronyms are easy to remember, quick to write down, and roll off the tongue.

Ultimately, I went with flexible and safe. Cochran Language Services. I can abbreviate it on business materials (CLS). I can even come up with a creative “trade name” later, and use that for marketing.

On a final note, I used the internet, a translator's best friend, to look for advice on the topic of choosing an LLC name. One fun article by entrepreneur.com caught my attention. It’s lists mistakes to avoid in naming your business. I enjoyed the light-hearted approach the author took. Maybe you will, too.