How to Create a Brand Style Guide: Keep Your Brand Consistent!

Hey there, fellow business owner! If you’re running a business, you know how important it is to keep things looking sharp and consistent. That’s where a brand style guide comes in. Think of it like a playbook for your brand—keeping everyone on the same page, so your business looks professional no matter where people see you. Let’s break down how to create a brand style guide that works for you.

Step 1: Define Your Brand's Mission and Values

First things first, let’s talk about what your brand stands for. Your mission and values are the heart of your brand. Are you all about helping people get fit? Do you want to make life easier with your products? Write down a clear mission statement that explains why your brand exists. Then, list out a few core values—these are the things your brand believes in.

Example: “We believe in making healthy living easy and affordable.” Simple, right? But this sets the tone for everything else.

Step 2: Pick Your Brand Colors

Colors are more than just decoration; they set the mood and feel of your brand. Pick a main color and a few supporting colors that match your vibe. Make sure to write down the exact color codes (those are called HEX codes) so you get the exact same shade every time. I like to use a service called Coolors to help generate color palettes. You can store them there but I like to create a brand sheet in a note program for each website.

Tip: Stick to 3-5 colors max. Too many colors can confuse your audience. And remember, consistency is key!

Step 3: Choose Your Fonts

Fonts are like the voice of your brand in writing. Choose one or two fonts—one for your headings and one for body text. Keep them easy to read and consistent with your brand’s personality. If you’re fun and playful, go for something that matches that vibe. If you’re more professional, stick with something clean and classic.

Example: Use a bold font for titles and a simple, easy-to-read font for paragraphs. Make sure to list the exact names of the fonts in your guide.

Resources: Dafont.com; Google Fonts; Adobe Fonts

Step 4: Create Rules for Your Logo

Your logo is the face of your business, so it’s gotta look good everywhere. Include versions of your logo in your style guide: full color, black and white, and any other variations you use. Write down the do’s and don’ts, like how much space should be around it and where it should never go (like on a busy background where it’s hard to see). I like to create a wide version like in the header, and then a stacked version like in my footer for tighter areas or maybe to be used on a t-shirt or hat. My main logo, I had printed on stickers so that I can brand things I use out in public. Such as my laptop, water bottle, phone case, and camera bag. This is an easy way to get your brand noticed.

Tip: Keep your logo simple and make sure it’s easy to recognize at any size!

Step 5: Set the Tone of Voice

This is how your brand “talks.” Is your tone friendly, professional, funny, or serious? Write a few sample sentences that show how your brand should sound in writing. It’s like giving your brand a personality. This helps anyone writing for your brand stay on the same page.

Example: If you’re a coffee shop, your tone might be casual and inviting: “Grab a cup, kick back, and let’s chat!”

Step 6: Use Photos and Graphics That Fit Your Style

Images are a big part of your brand. Decide what kind of photos or graphics match your brand style. Are you using bright, happy pictures or something more moody and serious? Include a few sample images to show what fits and what doesn’t.

Tip: Make sure your images are always high-quality. Blurry pictures can make your brand look unprofessional.

Step 7: Put It All Together in One Document

Now that you’ve got all the parts, put them together in one easy-to-access document. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just clear and straightforward. This guide will be your go-to whenever you or your team are creating content, designing ads, or posting on social media.

Final Thoughts

A brand style guide keeps your brand looking sharp and professional. It’s like your secret weapon for building trust with your audience. And remember, keep it simple. Your guide is meant to help, not complicate things. So, get your brand style guide set up, and you’ll be rocking a consistent, professional look that your customers will recognize and love!

Keep it consistent, keep it branded, and keep pushing forward!

Hope this helps you get started on creating a killer brand style guide! If you’ve got any questions or need a little extra guidance, you know where to find me. Keep building that brand!