5 Reasons Why: Every business can benefit from Brand Guidelines.

There's great value in a strong and consistent brand identity, but building such takes time and effort. Here are 5 Reasons Why a set of brand guidelines will speed up and simplify the process...

#1. Brand Guidelines ensure brand consistency. Take a look at your website, business card and a recent sales brochure or presentation. If you've fallen into the trap of changing logos, typefaces and colours from one item to the next, you need a simple and easy-to-follow set of brand guidelines to help set you free. By introducing consistency and standards, brand guidelines will help you to produce more effective and more memorable marketing that will help to keep you top of mind when your customers need you most.

#2. Brand Guidelines define the rules. Brand guidelines don't just list which logo, typeface and colours to use in your marketing, they provide rules on their use, too. So, for example, they might stipulate a specific clearance zone around your logo to ensure it always appears separate from other graphical elements, or that a certain typeface is to be used for small, pull out pieces of text only and never for full body copy. And they set out what not to do, too, so as to eliminate confusion and the possibility of mistakes.

#3. Brand Guidelines sharpen your focus. Brand guidelines can also provide a single point of reference for your purpose, vision and values, tone of voice, messaging style and overall brand personality. This can help to ensure that everyone within the business fully understands what your brand is and what it stands for, further protecting against misinterpretation, misunderstanding and inconsistency.

#4. Brand Guidelines help everyone. Whether your business comprises a team of two or two-hundred, a set of brand guidelines will ensure everyone remains on the same page. And when we say everyone, we really do mean it. Brand guidelines aren't just a marketing tool; they should be easily accessible to everyone within the business, as well as outside suppliers and partners that you might work with.

#5. Brand Guidelines add value. Studies show that brands with a cohesive and consistent brand identity have a greater perceived value than those that continually chop and change. That's because they look more professional, reliable and trustworthy, whereas inconsistent branding can be seen as a sign of sloppiness or a general lack of care. So, consistent and trustworthy versus flighty and unreliable; it's not hard to figure out what most customers will gravitate towards!

To sum up, brand guidelines are an essential tool for building brand recognition and developing trust among your customers. They avoid confusion and build understanding, and will help you to deliver a stronger, more cohesive and more valuable brand identity. If you're interested in learning more or need help creating a set of brand guidelines for your business, please get in touch using the form below.