The One-Person Startup's Guide to DIY Branding

You don't need a branding agency to get a name, a domain, and a consistent handle set locked down before launch. Here's the version that fits in a single weekend.

Saturday: naming

1. Generate 20+ candidates using the two-session method — brainstorm one day, judge the next

2. Narrow to a shortlist of 5 based on how they sound out loud

3. Run availability checks across domains, the 4-5 platforms you'll actually use, and a basic trademark search

Sunday: locking it down

1. Buy the domain and any close variants worth defending

2. Reserve handles immediately — check Instagram's help center if a desired handle looks squatted

3. Set up email on the new domain before you tell anyone the name

What to skip for now

Trademark registration, a full brand guide, and a custom logo can all wait until you have revenue. Availability and ownership of the name itself cannot — those are the two things that get harder, not easier, to fix later.

Perfect branding is a distraction in week one. Owned branding is not.