If you’ve checked out my branding packages, or have done your own research into brand development, then you may have seen the term style guide thrown around.
If not, here's a quick rundown for you. A style guide is a document outlining your brands standards for colours, fonts, tone of voice and logo usage.
Sure it sounds nice, but what good will it actually do for you and your business once it’s in your hands? That's a goooood question! Let's take a look shall we...
Creates brand consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to branding as it ensures your business is recognisable to your audience, allowing you to create a look and feel that is authentically you!
Provides a quick reference for colour codes
While I’m sure MS Paint still has its place in the world, using it to find out your brand’s colour palette isn’t one of them.
Your style guide will define all of your brand colours, and provide the CMYK, RGB and HEX colour codes for each. This is super helpful when creating social media content, or using design programs such as Canva.
Gives guidance on the fonts you should use
Do you love the typography used within your logo but you don’t know what it’s called?
Depending on how detailed it is, your style guide should outline each font, their use (i.e. body text, header) and alternative system fonts.
Is a point of reference for any future collaborations
So your business is really taking off and it's now time to hire an agency to take control of your marketing. Or perhaps you’re creating some fliers to promote an EOFY sale, and have partnered with a new graphic designer to create them.
Rather than having to explain the in’s and out’s of your branding, your style guide can do some of the work for you! This will ensure designers / marketers / anyone else who is helping to develop your brand is on the same page.
Eliminates the back and forth
Need I say more?
Having a style guide ensures that everything to do with your brand is captured in one document, which will save time going back and forth via email trying to explain the look and feel of your brand.
Comments