Consistency is key. And no truer words were spoken when it comes to brand identity.
Creating a consistent and cohesive brand image that stands out from the crowd takes time, and for many business owners, money.
Developing a brand guide is a helpful way to protect that investment.
So, what are brand guidelines?
Brand (or style) guidelines vary in content and complexity, but it’s essentially a document that outlines your brand logo, colour scheme, font, voice and tone.
It’s as equally important to know what’s right, and wrong when it comes to your brand elements.
Not only will the guide contain things like your brands primary and secondary colour use, but it will include examples of how not to use colours. This is just as important as knowing spacing rules or logo variations.
You have a brand guideline. Now how to use it.
Your brand guidelines are a reference for all marketing material and communication to ensure you maintain a consistent brand appearance.
The guideline isn’t in place to restrict creativity, rather it can ensure your business looks, feels and sounds the same across all channels.
It arms you and your team, designers, printers and any other parties with the right tools to keep your communication on brand.
Ensure anyone who is communicating your brand message has a strong understanding of your brand identity. The guideline isn’t in place to restrict creativity, rather ensure your business looks, feels and sounds the same across all channels.
A well-executed brand image, used correctly and consistently, will build credibility and familiarity with your audience.
How do I create a brand guideline?
At a minimum, your brand guideline should include:
- Logo: variations and how it should be used
- Colour Scheme (including primary and secondary colour uses)
- Font: brand font and spacing rules
- Brand voice and tone
Whether you have an established brand or are new to the market, keeping your brand identity consistent is easy with a brand guideline.
Need help establishing your brand identity or brand guide?
Let’s talk.
See you next week,
Darnelle
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