The absence of a clear style guide can lead to branding failures.
Brands should develop a concise style guide – around four to five pages long- keeping in mind their target audience. They should also ensure consistency in their messaging and their voice across the board.
Style guides should include a general overview, a mission statement and other similarly themed sections. Ensuring that small details like the usage of “&” or “and” are addressed, can go a long way in establishing the brand’s image.
Businesses can also leverage existing style guides – like the AP style guide – as a starting point. But, they should incorporate modifications that reflect their brand’s differences. Describing and explaining how the tone and voice are expected to work can further help in establishing consistency.
[6 minute read]