Social Media Branding Checklist: Set Up Your Profiles Right

First Impressions Happen on Social Media

Before visiting your website, potential customers often check your social media profiles. An incomplete or inconsistent profile raises doubts about your legitimacy. A polished, consistent presence builds instant credibility.

Use this checklist to set up every platform correctly.

Pre-Launch Checklist

Brand Name Verification

[ ] Brand name is available as a domain
[ ] Brand name is available on all target social platforms
[ ] Brand name doesn't conflict with existing trademarks
[ ] Brand name is consistent across all platforms (no variations)

Use BrandScout to verify all of the above in one search.

Visual Assets Prepared

[ ] Logo in square format (1:1 ratio) for profile pictures — minimum 400x400px
[ ] Banner/header images for each platform (sizes vary)
[ ] Brand colors defined (hex codes)
[ ] Profile picture looks clear at small sizes (mobile thumbnails)

Bio/Description Written

[ ] One-line brand description (under 150 characters for Instagram)
[ ] Longer description for platforms that allow it (LinkedIn, YouTube)
[ ] Consistent tone and messaging across platforms
[ ] Primary keyword included naturally

Platform-by-Platform Setup

Instagram

[ ] Username claimed (@brandname)
[ ] Profile picture uploaded (your logo)
[ ] Bio written (150 characters max)
[ ] Website link added
[ ] Business account enabled (for analytics)
[ ] Category selected
[ ] Contact buttons configured
[ ] One initial post published (prevents the account from looking abandoned)

X (Twitter)

[ ] Handle claimed (@brandname)
[ ] Profile picture uploaded
[ ] Header image uploaded (1500x500px)
[ ] Bio written (160 characters max)
[ ] Website link added
[ ] Location set
[ ] Pinned tweet published
[ ] Professional account enabled (if applicable)

TikTok

[ ] Username claimed (@brandname)
[ ] Profile picture uploaded
[ ] Bio written (80 characters max)
[ ] Website link added (requires 1,000+ followers or business account)
[ ] Business account enabled
[ ] One initial video published

[ ] Company page created
[ ] Custom URL claimed (/company/brandname)
[ ] Logo uploaded
[ ] Cover image uploaded (1128x191px)
[ ] About section written (comprehensive company description)
[ ] Industry selected
[ ] Company size indicated
[ ] Website linked
[ ] First update posted

YouTube

[ ] Channel created
[ ] Handle claimed (@brandname)
[ ] Profile picture uploaded
[ ] Banner image uploaded (2560x1440px)
[ ] Channel description written
[ ] Links added (website + social)
[ ] Channel trailer uploaded (optional but recommended)

Facebook

[ ] Business page created
[ ] Custom URL claimed (facebook.com/brandname)
[ ] Profile picture uploaded
[ ] Cover photo uploaded (820x312px)
[ ] About section completed
[ ] Category selected
[ ] Contact information added
[ ] CTA button configured

Threads

[ ] Account created (uses Instagram credentials)
[ ] Bio written
[ ] Profile picture verified (syncs from Instagram)
[ ] Introductory post published

Post-Launch Checklist

Consistency Audit

[ ] All profile pictures are identical across platforms
[ ] All bios convey the same core message
[ ] All usernames match (or use the same modifier)
[ ] All accounts link back to your website
[ ] Brand voice is consistent

Security Setup

[ ] Two-factor authentication enabled on every platform
[ ] Strong, unique passwords for each account (stored in a password manager)
[ ] Recovery email/phone configured
[ ] Admin access properly managed (don't give everyone the password)

Monitoring Setup

[ ] Brand mention alerts configured
[ ] Competitor accounts identified for monitoring
[ ] Impersonation monitoring enabled
[ ] Response protocol established (who responds to what)

Ongoing Maintenance

Monthly

[ ] Review all profiles for accuracy
[ ] Update seasonal or time-sensitive information
[ ] Check for impersonator accounts
[ ] Review analytics for each platform

Quarterly

[ ] Update profile pictures if branding has evolved
[ ] Refresh bios with current messaging
[ ] Audit follower quality (remove bots if possible)
[ ] Evaluate which platforms are worth continued investment

Start With the Right Name

Every item on this checklist is easier when your brand name is available everywhere from the start. Run your brand name through BrandScout before setting up any profiles — one search covers domains, social handles, and trademarks.