Launching a business? Here’s everything your brand needs — and when.
From choosing a name to opening day and beyond, this timeline covers the branding, website, print, and marketing a new business needs, plus the questions to answer at each step. Use it as a checklist, or hand the whole thing to me.
- 1
12+ weeks out
Lay the foundation
Before anything gets designed, get clear on who you're for and make sure your name is actually available everywhere you'll need it.
What to do
- Digital + PrintDefine your ideal customer and what sets you apart
- Digital + PrintCheck your business name with your state and for trademarks
- DigitalCheck that the matching domain name is available
- DigitalCheck social media handles on the platforms your customers use
- Digital + PrintSet a rough marketing budget and a target launch date
Questions to answer
- Who is your ideal customer, and where do they look for businesses like yours?
- What do you want people to say about you after their first visit?
- Who are your closest competitors, and how will you look different from them?
- Is the .com (or a close match) available for your name?
- Is your launch date fixed — a lease, an event, a season — or flexible?
How I can help:A launch planning conversation — free, no obligation - 2
8–12 weeks out
Build your brand identity
Your logo, colors, and fonts will show up on everything from your website to your storefront, so they're worth getting right before anything else gets made.
What to do
- Digital + PrintLogo, with versions for light and dark backgrounds
- Digital + PrintBrand colors, with exact codes for screen and printScreens and printers mix color differently, so you need both.
- Digital + PrintFonts for headlines and body text
- Digital + PrintLogo files in every format: vector for print, PNG and SVG for web, a small icon for browser tabs
- Digital + PrintA one-page brand guide so anyone can use your brand correctly
- Digital + PrintYour voice: a short description, tagline, and how you talk to customers
Questions to answer
- What three words should people feel when they see your brand?
- Are there brands — in any industry — whose look you admire?
- Where will your logo appear most: a sign, a shirt, a phone screen, a van?
- Will anyone else (staff, printers, partners) need your logo files?
How I can help:Logo and brand identity design - 3
6–8 weeks out
Claim your online presence
Lock down the accounts and listings customers will use to find you, even before the website is finished.
What to do
- DigitalRegister your domain name
- DigitalBusiness email on your own domain (you@yourbusiness.com)
- DigitalCreate and verify your Google Business ProfileVerification can take a couple of weeks — start early.
- DigitalClaim your social media handles and add your logo and bio
- DigitalPlan your website: pages, content, photos, and whether you'll sell online
- Digital + PrintSchedule photos of your space, products, and team
Questions to answer
- Do customers need to book, buy, call, or visit? That decides what the site needs to do.
- Will you sell products online? How many, and how will you ship?
- Who will update the website after launch — you, your team, or someone else?
- Do you have photos, or do they need to be taken?
- 4
4–6 weeks out
Build your website
Design and build the site, ready for search engines and AI assistants from day one — not bolted on after launch.
What to do
- DigitalWebsite design and build
- DigitalOnline store setup, if you're selling (Shopify, BigCommerce, or Wix)
- DigitalTitles, descriptions, and structured data for search and AI
- DigitalContact or quote form that sends to your inbox
- DigitalPrivacy policy and any required legal pages
- DigitalTest on phones, tablets, and computers before launch
Questions to answer
- What's the one action you most want visitors to take?
- Which services or products should be easiest to find?
- Do you need online booking, payments, or a customer login?
- What questions do customers ask most? Those make great website content.
- 5
3–5 weeks out
Get your print essentials ready
Printing and shipping take time, so order these well before opening day. Most need a proof round before they go to press.
What to do
- PrintBusiness cards for you and your team
- PrintBrochures, menus, rate sheets, or one-pagers
- Digital + PrintInvoices, letterhead, and proposal or pitch templates
- PrintStorefront, window, and yard signs or bannersCheck sign rules with your landlord and city before ordering.
- PrintStaff shirts and branded apparel
- PrintStickers, labels, or packaging, if you sell products
Questions to answer
- Where will people first see your business in person — a storefront, an event, a job site?
- How many business cards do you realistically need to start?
- Do you need signs for a building, a vehicle, or events?
- Will your team wear anything branded?
- 6
2–4 weeks out
Plan your launch marketing
Let people know you're coming, so opening day isn't the first time they hear about you.
What to do
- PrintGrand-opening flyers, postcards, or posters
- DigitalLaunch graphics for social media
- DigitalAn announcement email to friends, family, and early customers
- Digital + PrintA grand-opening offer or event
- DigitalList your business in local directories and your chamber of commerce
- DigitalA plan for asking your first customers for reviews
Questions to answer
- Is there a grand-opening event, offer, or giveaway?
- Who already knows you're opening, and how will you reach them?
- Are there neighbors, partners, or local groups who could help spread the word?
- 7
Launch week
Open the doors
A final check that everything is live, printed, and in place.
What to do
- DigitalWebsite live, with forms tested
- DigitalGoogle Business Profile verified, with hours and photos
- PrintSigns up, business cards and brochures on hand
- DigitalSocial posts scheduled for launch day
- PrintStaff in branded shirts
Questions to answer
- If a customer searches for you today, what do they find?
- Does everything — sign, site, cards, profile — show the same name, hours, and phone number?
How I can help:A pre-launch check of your site and listings - 8
After launch
Keep the momentum going
The first few months set the tone. Consistent upkeep is what keeps new customers finding you.
What to do
- DigitalWebsite updates as your business grows
- DigitalOngoing search and AI visibility work
- DigitalAsk for reviews and respond to them
- Digital + PrintSeasonal promotions and corporate holiday cards
- PrintReorders of cards, brochures, and signage as details change
Questions to answer
- Who will keep your website, listings, and marketing current each month?
- What's working after 90 days, and what isn't?
Take this checklist with you
A printable PDF of every phase, with boxes to tick and space to jot answers under each question.
Ready to launch? Let’s build it together.
Tell me your launch date and what you already have, and I’ll put together a plan and quote for the branding, website, print, and marketing you still need — all from one person.
(312) 866-2762 · rmartincreative@gmail.com · usually replies within a day