A brand style guide, also known as a brand guide, is a document that outlines the visual and written elements that make up a brand's identity. It includes guidelines for logo usage, color palette, typography, and tone of voice to ensure consistency across all brand communications.
A brand style guide is essential because it helps maintain a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. Clear guidelines for brand elements ensure that all marketing materials, advertising, and communications are consistent and aligned with the brand's values and messaging.
There are many resources available online where you can find brand guide templates. Websites like Canva, Adobe Spark, and Venngage offer customizable templates that you can use to create your brand style guide. You can also hire a graphic designer or branding agency to create a custom brand guide template for your needs.
Some well-known brands with strong brand style guides include Apple, Nike, and Coca-Cola. These brands have detailed guidelines for how to use their logos, colors, and typography in various applications. You can find examples of brand style guides on these companies' websites and design inspiration websites like Behance and Dribble.
Reviewing and updating your brand style guide at least once a year is recommended to ensure that it remains relevant and reflects any changes in your brand's identity or messaging. Additionally, any time you introduce new brand elements or significantly update your visual identity, you should update your brand style guide to reflect these changes.
