How to Create a Branding Manual for Your Business
A branding manual, known by various names such as a brand style guide or brand identity manual, is an all-encompassing document that outlines the guidelines and specifications for how a brand should be presented to the world. It details how to communicate a brand consistently across different platforms and touchpoints.
But it’s not just a set of rules: A branding manual is also strategic, helping businesses define their brand identities in the first place—and then maintain them, creating unity across visual elements, messaging and tone of voice.
Consider Nike, the global sports apparel and footwear company: Its branding manual outlines its core values (athleticism, innovation, empowerment) so that these can be reflected in imagery and language, too. This consistency permeates marketing channels and touchpoints.
With consumers bombarded with brands and messages—many from direct competitors—standing out from the crowd has never been more critical. A robust and consistent brand identity will help you …