Core Components of Killer Brand Guidelines

Today, we’re diving into a vital tool, something fundamental yet often overlooked – Brand Guidelines

Building your brand without brand guidelines is like sailing the ocean without a map. Sure, you might find land, but it’ll be a hell of a lot easier if you just follow the freakin map. It’s a vital tool to grow your business consistently while building brand recognition and connecting with your audience.

Why Brand Guidelines Matter

Your brand guidelines are the blueprint for your brand’s visual and verbal identity. They keep you consistent and help you build trust with your target tribe. Think of them as your brand's cookbook for success, making sure everyone from your team  to your partners knows exactly how to represent you.

Core Components of Killer Brand Guidelines

Here’s what you need to create a set of brand guidelines that set you up for success -

FOUNDATION

I’ll say it again - it all starts with foundation… Define your Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values

LOGO SUITE

Define how your logo should be used, including logo suite variations and any do’s and don’ts

COLOR PALETTE

Outline the exact colors that represent your brand - I’m talkin’ HEX, CMYK, & RGB codes included

TYPOGRAPHY

Specify which fonts to use for different purposes - headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and beyond

IMAGERY

Describe or show examples of any specific images your brand should use, including photography, illustrations, and icons

BRAND VOICE

Define how your brand speaks to your audience – are you professional, casual, humorous, serious, etc?

BRAND STORY

Include a narrative that captures your brand’s history, mission, and values

USAGE - Your Brand in Action

Add in some clear examples of your brand in action, including mockups of social, advertising, or merch - whatever makes sense to the business you do!

These are some core components, but every brand is different! The best part about brand guides is they give you an opportunity to dive in and get to know your brand and its goals. You can make them as wild or as tame as you want to - as long or as short as you need. But you do need them.

The Power of Consistency

Consistency is key to building a strong, memorable brand. By defining the above and laying it out in a beautifully designed brand guide, you’re making sure your brand remains recognizable. This is the key to connecting with the right people.

In branding, it really is about laying a strong foundation. A perfected brand guide is the cement block that you’ll build your brand’s stairway to Heaven (your vision) on. Simply put, it’s a lot of up front work, but you’ll be building a tool that will make your life and path to success a whole lot easier.