Brand Identity Checklist for Startups: Everything You Need in 2026

Unique, memorable, available as a .com (or relevant TLD). Check trademark databases (USPTO, EUIPO). Verify social media handle availability on all platforms you'll use.

Simple, recognizable at small sizes, works in black and white. You need: full logo, icon-only version, horizontal and stacked variations. SVG + PNG formats minimum. AI tools like Looka or Brandmark can generate initial options quickly.

Primary color (your main brand color), secondary color (complement), accent color (CTAs and highlights), neutral colors (backgrounds, text). Record hex codes, RGB values, and CMYK for print. 3–5 colors total.

Heading font (display or serif for personality), body font (sans-serif for readability), and optional monospace for code/data. Choose from Google Fonts for web compatibility. Maximum 2–3 font families.

The small icon in browser tabs and bookmarks. Sizes needed: 16×16, 32×32, 180×180 (Apple Touch), 512×512 (PWA). Use your logo icon or a simplified version. BrandSnap generates all favicon sizes automatically.

1200×630px image that appears when your homepage link is shared on social media. This is your brand's first impression for most people. Use BrandSnap to generate one in seconds, or design manually with Figma/Canva.

Profile photo (400×400), header banner (1500×500), bio (160 chars max with relevant keywords), website link, and location. Your banner should communicate your value proposition instantly.

Company logo (300×300), cover photo (1128×191), about section with keywords, and website link. Critical for B2B startups — often the first place prospects check.

Profile photo (170×170), cover photo (820×312). Even if you don't plan to be active on Facebook, claim your page for brand protection and SEO.

Channel icon (800×800), banner art (2560×1440 with 1546×423 safe zone). Even if you haven't created videos yet, set up the channel with your branding.

Profile photo (320×320), bio with relevant keywords and link. Story highlights with branded covers if applicable.

For developer-focused startups: organization avatar, profile README, social preview images for repositories. Often overlooked but important for developer trust.

Every important page should have its own OG image — not just the homepage default. Product pages, blog posts, pricing page, documentation. BrandSnap can generate these programmatically via API.

Branded email header, consistent footer with social links, and standard email signature. Use your brand colors and typography. Keep it simple — most emails are read on mobile.

Standard featured image style/size, consistent author bio format, branded code blocks and callout boxes if applicable. Consistency across blog posts strengthens brand recognition.

Google Slides or Keynote template with your brand colors, fonts, and logo placement. You'll use this for investor decks, team presentations, and partner meetings.

Branded templates for announcements, product updates, quotes, and data visualizations. Maintain visual consistency across all social content.

Define your brand's personality in 3–5 adjectives (e.g., 'confident, helpful, technically precise'). Include examples of how you write versus how you don't write. Cover social media tone, support communication, and marketing copy.

Document logo usage rules (minimum size, clear space, acceptable backgrounds), color codes (hex, RGB, CMYK), typography scale and hierarchy, image style (photography vs illustration vs abstract), and icon style.

Minimum display sizes, required clear space, acceptable color variations (color, white, black), backgrounds where your logo works (and doesn't), and common misuse examples to avoid.

Organized folder structure with all brand files in correct formats. Logo (SVG, PNG, EPS), favicons (all sizes), social banners (all platforms), OG images, color palette file, font files.