First 30 days: Look and act like a businessStep 12 of 25
Create your brand basics
A consistent name, logo and look make you memorable and easier to trust.
- Get a simple logo and pick two or three brand colors.
- Order business cards and an email signature that match.
- Search the USPTO trademark database before you invest heavily in a name.
- If you do business under a different name than your LLC, you may need to register a DBA ("doing business as") with your state or county.
CheckUSPTO trademark search
This playbook is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so confirm details with a licensed professional. Last reviewed September 2026.