Whether you’re creating a new brand identity or revising an existing one, creating branding guidelines is an important step. Not only will they help your organization stay consistent, but they’ll also help keep your brand integrity intact. The guidelines should provide enough definition and detail to guide any content you create, but be short and sweet enough to be easily understood.
A brand’s guidelines are a set of rules describing the look and feel of the firm’s identity. These rules are like detailed instructions for designers, writers, and others who are involved in the branding process. The guidelines can help companies tailor their approach and understand how to communicate to customers effectively. A branding guideline can be created by a company itself, or it can be written by experienced professionals.
Branding guidelines also outline the colors that should be used for the different elements of the brand. These guidelines include the primary brand color and other colors that should be used to accentuate it, including icons. They should also include the size of the lettering and the spacing between letters. Colors are often the first visual cues people have about a brand, so they should be used consistently.
Branding guidelines are essential for every company’s overall image and identity. Brands that are consistent are more likely to generate revenue. Brand consistency increases revenue by 23 percent. The guidelines should be followed when creating new products or services. A brand’s guidelines should not only address the look of the company’s products, but also how employees are allowed to express themselves.
Branding guidelines should be written carefully to define the elements that represent the company. These elements include colors, fonts, and logos. In addition, brand guidelines should explain what the brand believes and what their ideal customer is. In some cases, they can be printed or prepared digitally, depending on the company’s needs.
The first step in creating a brand’s visual identity is to determine the logo’s color scheme. The primary color should be the most prominent shade in the logo, and should be consistent across all designs. The typeface should be consistent throughout all the elements of the brand. This is because color is the most memorable element. It should be used throughout the brand and on all headers.
In addition to logos and fonts, brand guidelines should include photos. Images can be original or stock photography, but they should be sized properly. Branding guidelines should include information on how to use images on social media. Images should be used to highlight key elements and provide a unified visual identity. For example, you might choose to use photographs of employees or the office itself.
Branding guidelines also provide the framework for determining the tone and voice of a company’s communications. The tone and voice of a brand’s communication is important because it shows the personality of the organization. If your brand’s tone and voice are in balance, it will help the company become human and more relatable.
