What We Need and Why
Legal Business Name vs. DBA
Step 1: Legal Name This is your firm's official registered business name (e.g., "Smith & Associates, LLC"). We need this for:
- Business verification on advertising platforms
- Legal compliance and disclaimers
- Professional directory listings
- Tax and billing purposes
Step 2: DBA (Doing Business As) This is the name you use publicly (e.g., "Smith Law Firm"). We use this for:
- Marketing materials and branding
- Website and social media profiles
- Public-facing communications
- Local business listings
Business Formation Information
📅 Why We Need Formation Date
The date your business was formed helps us:
- Calculate years in business for marketing credibility
- Verify business legitimacy on platforms
- Create "established since" messaging
- Understand your firm's experience level
Where to Find This Information
Common Sources:
- Articles of Incorporation or Organization
- Business license documents
- State business registration records
- Tax documents and filings
- Business bank account documents
- Professional liability insurance policies
⚠️ Important Notes
- Use the exact legal name as registered with your state
- Include all punctuation and entity designations (LLC, PC, etc.)
- If you've changed your business name, provide the current legal name
- Some platforms are very strict about name matching
Need help finding your business registration? Search your state's business registry:
https://www.nass.org/business-services/business-corporations
