Who needs Brand Guidelines?
Have you spent time and money crafting the perfect logo, website and marketing collateral for your brand? Do your efforts appear to have become diluted over time and your messaging has gotten a little lost?
Or are you simply considering whether or not your business needs them? Let’s unpack what Brand Guidelines are and why your business, big, small, or just starting out, will undoubtedly benefit from them.
Consistency is key!
Having a set of rules and standards to adhere to ensures and reinforces the consistency of your brand. A consistent brand becomes more recognisable and trusted. We call these rule books ‘Brand Guidelines’, often referred to as a ‘Brand Bible’.
Unique like a fingerprint.
Like a fingerprint, your guidelines are uniquely yours. They contain the elements that make up your visual and brand identity and will, at the very least, include your logo, colour palette, typography and imagery, plus the many ‘considered’ ways in which to use them. Some guidelines may be short and concise, while others really do embody their nickname ‘Brand Bible’.
Who, why, when?
As your business grows and develops, staff may change, meaning your communication is at risk of going a little off-key. Brand guidelines will be utilised by designers, writers, consultants and anyone else representing your brand and its communications. Your guidelines will streamline workflow, remove the guesswork and ultimately safeguard your brand.
Going ‘off-brand’ with your marketing communications can quickly confuse customers and erode trust. Being consistent will boost loyalty by encouraging your target market to connect emotionally with your business.
Brand guidelines set boundaries, not to stifle creativity but to protect and strengthen your brand. If you want to build trust and recognition, lay the foundations and give your business the best possible start.
If your existing guidelines need a little refresh or you’d like to hear more – Let’s talk!
