| Support Center
  • Benoît Jacquelin
  • November 18, 2024
  • 3 min read

Want to Rename Your Business to Get Found Online? Here’s Where to Start And How to Choose the Best DBA

Thinking about giving your business a new name without changing the official one? That’s exactly what a DBA (Doing Business As) is for. A well-chosen DBA can help you grow, reach new markets, or create a more memorable business name. But it’s not just about picking any name—you need to be strategic to make sure it really works for you. Here’s how you can choose the right one.

What Is a DBA and How Can It Be Useful to You?

A DBA (Doing Business As) allows you to operate your business under a different name than its legal one. Here’s a quick example to clarify.

Imagine this: You run a local plumbing service, but your business is officially registered as “Smith & Sons Services, LLC.” The problem? Your customers have no clue what services you actually offer from your name alone. 

If you want more than just word of mouth to work, you need something clearer, something that represents your work and is easy to find online—something like “Smith & Sons Plumbing.” That’s where a DBA (Doing Business As) comes in.

Why Should You Choose a DBA Name Carefully?

Your DBA name WILL influence how people see your business, so picking the right one matters a good deal. Not convinced? Here’s why you should choose carefully:

  • Clarity: If you go through the process of filling for a DBA, you want a name that leaves no doubt about what you do. A clear name like “Buzz-Off Pest Control” instantly tells people what to expect.
  • Visibility: Including keywords (e.g., “roofing” or “pest control”) in your DBA helps search engines like Google show your business to people searching for exactly those services.
  • Flexibility: A well-thought DBA allows you to expand into new services and/or markets without going through the legal headache of changing your original business name.

The Benefits of a Well-Chosen DBA Name

Here’s how picking the right DBA can pay off:

  1. Better rankings: Using keywords in your DBA (like “Smith Electrical”) makes it easier for people to find you online because it’s clear what your business does.
  2. People remembering your business: A memorable, descriptive name like “Wes-Tex Remodeling” will definitely help customers remember you.
  3. Growth opportunities: Want to test out the solar niche as a roofer? Try a DBA, like “Smith & Sons Solar Solutions” instead of committing to a legal rebrand.

Sounds like something that could benefit you? Then, it’s time to take the next step: choosing and filing the right DBA name for your business.

Steps to Choose and File a DBA Name

1. Choose Your DBA Name

First, you want to come up with a name that fits your business goals and what you want to be known for. Keep it clear, memorable and include keywords that customers are likely to search for (Olly Olly can help with that!).

Pro Tip: Choose a name that’s both easy to remember and clearly describes what you do.

2. Check If the Name Is Available

Before you file, confirm that your chosen name isn’t already taken in your state. You can typically do this by searching the state’s Secretary of State website.

Pro tip: Not sure where to look? You can use a resource like this site that lists all the Secretary of State websites in the US.

3. File Your DBA

Each state has different rules, but the filing process is pretty straightforward:

  • Find the right office: Some states allow online filing, while others may require you to visit your local county clerk’s office.
  • Fill out the form: Provide your business info and the DBA name you’ve chosen.
  • Pay the fee: Fees range from $10 to $50, depending on your state.
  • Publish your DBA (if required): Some states require you to publish your DBA in a local newspaper.

4. Start Using Your New DBA Name

Once your DBA is approved, you can start using it for marketing, signing contracts, and setting up bank accounts. For your DBA to have a real impact, It’s important to keep things consistent across the board though

Whether it’s your website, business cards, or Google Business Profile (GBP), using the same name everywhere helps build trust and avoids confusion. If Google sees different names for your business in different places, you could even risk your GBP being suspended—so consistency is the name of the game!

If you’re an Olly Olly client and you’ve just filed for a DBA, make sure to notify your account manager immediately. This way, we can update your campaign and make sure all your business details stay consistent across all platforms. Schedule a call today!

A DBA Can Help Your Business Grow

The right DBA name can make a big difference in helping your business get noticed, trusted and remembered.

Still unsure about which name to pick or how to file? No worries—we’re here to help. Just give your account manager a call and they’ll guide you through choosing a DBA that’s effective and SEO-friendly.

Found this interesting but not an SEO Services client yet? If you’re ready to finally get found online by the whopping 82% of consumers who went on Google to find local businesses last year*, reach out today at 877-Olly-Olly.

Our Commitment to You

At Olly Olly, we pride ourselves on making complex processes simple for small business owners like you. Whether it’s helping you choose the perfect DBA or helping beef up your online presence, our team provides personalized support that fits your specific needs. We know your business is unique and we’re here to help you find the name and strategy that reflect that.

Let’s make your business name work as hard as you do.

* Source: BrightLocal 2023 Local Consumer Review Survey

Benoît Jacquelin

Content Marketing Strategist & Coordinator

Born in France and based in Poland, Benoît Jacquelin is Olly Olly’s Content Marketing Strategist. With over a decade of experience in journalism and marketing, his passion for storytelling has driven him to work with the media, large corporations, agencies and startups. The common thread? Crafting content that empowers people with knowledge and telling compelling stories with data. Outside of work, Benoît is a proud father of two daughters, an avid runner and a language geek.