In this post, we’ll discuss what a brand style guide is, why your business needs one, and how to create your own.
What is a Brand Style Guide?
A brand style guide is a document that outlines the specific elements of your brand, including your logo, color palette, typography, and tone of voice. It’s essentially a roadmap for how your brand should be presented across all channels, from your website to your social media accounts.
Why Your Business Needs a Brand Style Guide
A brand style guide is an essential tool for any business, small or large. It helps to ensure that your brand is consistent and recognizable, no matter where it’s seen. This is important for building trust with your customers and creating a strong overall impression of your business.
What is Brand Identity?
Before we dive into how to create a brand style guide, it’s important to understand what brand identity is. Your brand identity is the visual representation of your brand. It’s what makes your business unique and recognizable. Your brand identity includes elements like your logo, colors, typography, and more.
How to Create a Brand Style Guide
Creating a brand style guide can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some essential elements to include in your guide:
1. Brand Logo
Your brand logo is the most important element of your identity. It should be included in your style guide with clear specifications on how it should be used. This includes things like the minimum size, color requirements, and file types.
2. Color Palette
Your color palette should be a set of colors that are consistent with your brand. These colors should be used across all channels, from your website to your social media accounts. Include the hex codes for each color in your style guide so that everyone is using the same colors.
3. Brand Typography
Your brand typography is the fonts that you use for your logo and other marketing materials. Include the specific fonts that you use in your style guide, as well as how they should be used. For example, you may want to specify that body copy should be in a sans-serif font.
4. Tone of Voice
Your tone of voice is how you communicate with your audience. It should be consistent across all channels, from your website to your social media accounts. Include specific examples of the tone of voice that you want to use in your style guide.
5. Imagery
Imagery is an important part of your brand identity. Include guidelines on the type of images that you want to use, as well as how they should be used. For example, you may want to use lifestyle images on your website and product photos on your social media accounts.
6. Social Media
Social media is a great way to connect with your audience and promote your brand. Include guidelines on how you want your social media accounts to be used, as well as what type of content should be shared.
7. Shapes and Patterns
Shapes and patterns are often used in branding, from logos to website design. Include any shapes or patterns that are part of your brand identity in your style guide.
8. Examples
Examples are a great way to show how your brand should be used. Include screenshots, photos, or other examples in your style guide to illustrate how the elements should be used.
9. Brand Story
Your brand story is the narrative that you want to tell about your business. It should be included in your style guide to help everyone understand your brand and what it stands for.
10. Guidelines
Last but not least, your style guide should include guidelines on how the elements should be used. This will ensure that everyone is using the same standards when representing your brand.
Conclusion
Creating a brand style guide may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it to have a consistent and recognizable brand. By including these essential elements in your guide, you’ll be on your way to building a strong brand identity.
If you don’t know where to start, we’re here for you. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you create a brand style guide that meets your needs.
