It will probably take you years to build up a widely-recognized brand - the sooner you start the better. Here are the primary steps you would like to take:
Try to think of a memorable and meaningful trade name that sums up what you do, making sure it does not conflict with any existing names in your field.
List the brand attributes you want to convey.
Commission an appropriate logo. When you have the right design, make sure it appears everywhere.
Develop a corporate image and color scheme that can be used on your website, on stationery, vans, signs, staff clothing, and adverts.
Ensure that all your products and services are reliable, compatible, and of a good standard. A single weak link will bear down the worth of the brand.
The time it takes to create a brand is that the time it takes your customers to simply accept your brand values. These may include the assumption, for instance, that your product or service will give better value or be more reliable than competing ones. They may also start to believe that they will be happier with your product or service than any others and that your product or service is the most suitable for people like them.
Clearly, these values are based on customers' perceptions of your company and its authority and reputation in its particular field, combined with the particular benefits provided by your product. Your customers' good opinion will be based on substance; continuing to deliver on your promises will ensure your brand is successful.
This kind of authority and reputation isn't easily won, so building a real brand is probably going to require time, some money, and other resources.
