Developing a Brand Style Guide for Consistency
Let's talk about something that can make or break your business's professional image: consistency.
If you want your business to look polished and create strong brand recognition, having a comprehensive brand style guide is essential.
In Chapter 1 of The Far Beyond Marketing Guidebook, I emphasize the importance of “promoting your brand consistently” and making sure anyone representing your business follows “your approved brand standard guide.”
So, what exactly is a brand style guide?
It’s a document that outlines the core visual elements that make up your company’s brand identity. This includes your logo design, color palette, typography, photography styles, visual layouts, and more. The guide specifies how to use these brand assets to ensure consistency across all your marketing channels and customer touchpoints.
Why is this consistency so critical?
It creates clear brand recognition and reinforces professionalism. Imagine if every time you saw McDonald’s branding, the colors, fonts, and logos were different. It would erode the brand equity and trust they’ve built over decades. The same principles apply to your local business.
As I like to say, “Consistency is key! Demand consistency of your branding across your trucks, website, business cards, digital collateral, and printed materials.”
So, how can you develop an effective brand style guide for your company? Here are some tips from the Guidebook:
- Define Your Core Brand Elements Early
Don’t wait until your brand identity becomes inconsistent across materials. Develop a brand standard guide early on to stay ahead of the curve.
- Be Specific with Your Guidance
Your style guide should provide clear rules and visual examples for every aspect of your brand assets, leaving no room for unintended interpretation or inconsistencies.
- Create Master Files
Establish official master files for your core logo files, brand colors, font files, etc., that can be referenced and distributed to anyone creating materials for your brand.
- Get Buy-In from Your Team/Vendors
Require anyone who promotes your business to follow your approved brand standard guide. Make it a documented requirement.
- Apply It Consistently Everywhere
Demand consistency of your branding across your trucks, website, business cards, digital collateral, and printed materials. Let your brand guide inform everything you produce.
A solid brand style guide that’s properly enforced and followed allows you to present a cohesive, professional brand image no matter how customers interact with your business. It’s a critical investment that will reinforce your credibility and set you apart from competitors. Get started on documenting your guide today!
Ready to take your branding to the next level?
Contact us at Far Beyond Marketing to help you develop a comprehensive brand style guide tailored to your business. Let’s ensure your brand shines consistently across all platforms!
Amber Gaige
A second-generation entrepreneur, a certified StoryBrand Guide, and an outside of the box marketing strategist.
Contact us today and let’s build a strong, cohesive brand together!
