What To Include In Your Brand Guidelines

Brand guidelines are a set of rules that outline how a brand should be used and represented. They typically include the following elements:

Brand guidelines are important because they help to ensure that a brand is consistently represented across all touchpoints and marketing materials. Consistency is key when it comes to building brand recognition and awareness, as it helps to establish a strong visual and emotional connection with consumers.

Having clear brand guidelines in place also helps to protect the integrity of the brand. It ensures that all materials produced on behalf of the brand are of a high quality and accurately reflect the brand's values and personality.

In addition, brand guidelines can be a useful tool for internal communication, helping to educate employees and stakeholders about the brand and how it should be represented. This can be especially important in large organizations where there may be many different teams and individuals working on brand-related materials.

1. Brand name: The correct way to spell and use the brand name, including any approved variations or abbreviations.
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2. Logo: The official logo of the brand, including any approved variations or lockups.
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3. Colour palette: The primary and secondary colours used by the brand, along with their hex codes.
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4. Typography: The fonts used by the brand, including the typefaces and sizes for headings, body copy, and other elements.
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5. Imagery: The types of images that are appropriate to use in connection with the brand, such as photography styles and illustration styles.
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6. Tone of voice: The language and tone that should be used when communicating on behalf of the brand, including the use of slang, humour, and other elements.
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7. Messaging: The key messages and values that should be communicated by the brand, along with any approved taglines or slogans.
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8. Social media: Guidelines for how the brand should be represented on social media platforms, including approved hashtags and tone of voice.
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9. Usage: Guidelines for how the brand should be used in different contexts, such as print materials, websites, and product packaging.
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10. Legal: Any legal considerations that must be taken into account when using the brand, such as trademark or copyright issues.

Do you know what to include in brand guidelines? Speak to one of our specialists at The Discovery Agency.