What are branding guidelines and why does my business need them?

A company branding guideline is a document which displays a number of items such as a businesses logo including any alternate versions and the colour codes that may be required for both print and digital applications.

Along with the logo, the document can show a range of complementary items that can co-exist with a logo through different mediums. These can include icons or patterns and a representation of the type of photographic images.

Branding Guidelines can then also display a range of different projects and how the logo is displayed throughout. These projects can be everyday items such as business cards and stationery, document covers, vehicle graphics, social media tiles and even shop signage, apparel or email signatures.

These mockups are not “ready to print” or use but are shown as an example of how a project could be displayed. Of course - if the mockup of the business card is exactly what a client would like to use, the time it will take to complete the design and prepare for print is reduced considerably when in the hands of a professional designer using industry standard software. Some things you may be able to accomplish yourself using non-professional software, but to get the highest standard, a graphic designer will always be the person to accomplish anything you desire.

Think of brand guidelines as a “style guide”

Similar to how an interior designer may create a mood board with examples of floor tiles, colours and fabric.

Want to see an example? We have one available via our logo page at the bottom under Resources.