Why you need a Style Guide for your business.

This is not just to ensure white space all the way around your logo! It is to ensure your brand is consistent through every communication. It's a litmus test of sorts…It's something you can have at your back as reference as you build materials to promote your business—from email or letter to your google my business page. This is especially important if you have team members all sending out information on your business's behalf.

Common Elements of a Style Guide – All Visual!

• Spacing around your logo
• Font ID/Recommendation,
  • Headline
  • Body Copy
  • Subheads, Emphasis
• Color Palette
• Color Usage
• Image Framing, Organization, Presentation
• Textures / Patterns

" The Brand isyour Business " ~Bud Adams

Style Guide VS Brand Book

Brand Book is based upon a full brand architecture which includes much more than just your look (though that is the first thing most of us think of)

A brand book defines you. It goes beyond an introduction and takes you all the way through the customer journey. Everything in a style guide PLUS:

• Essence
• Mission
• Vision
• Core Values
• Brand Pillars
• Language, Voice, Tone, Mood, Messaging

"It helps you not only define, but also refineyour image." ~Jeffri-Lynn

Uses for a Style Guide

Reference for visual promotion of your brand

• Social media posts
• Internal documents
• Advertising
• Print collateral
• Signage
• Sponsorship representation
• Guidelines for team and external partners

Onboarding

• A style guide vs being a multiple page document as in the days of corporate protection though it is important to have enough information to protect your brand. This makes onboarding important!
• Anyone who is designing, creating, building, sending anything out on behalf of your company should have a full and thorough understanding of both your brand and its style before you "set them loose" to represent you and your brand.

Resources:Color Picker