Consistency is the cornerstone of a memorable and trustworthy personal brand. From your website to your social media profiles and email signature, every touchpoint should feel cohesive and professional. But how do you maintain that consistency, especially as your brand grows? The answer is a personal brand style guide.
This guide is not just for large corporations. It’s a simple, powerful document that acts as your brand’s North Star, ensuring every piece of communication you put out is a true reflection of you. In this article, we’ll demystify the process and walk you through creating a practical one-page style guide to keep your brand clear, confident, and consistent.
What is a Personal Brand Style Guide? (And Why You Need One)
A personal brand style guide is a document that outlines all the key elements of your brand’s identity. It’s a reference tool that ensures you (and anyone you work with, like a virtual assistant or web designer) use your brand elements correctly and consistently. It saves you time, eliminates guesswork, and builds powerful brand recognition over time.
The Essential Components of Your Style Guide
Part 1: Brand Strategy (The Foundation)
Before you get to visuals, you must codify your brand’s core message.
- Mission/Purpose: In one sentence, what is the core purpose of your brand?
- Target Audience: Who are you speaking to? Describe them in 2-3 sentences.
- Brand Voice & Tone: List 3-5 adjectives that describe how your brand should sound (e.g., “Professional, witty, and insightful,” or “Warm, encouraging, and clear”).
Part 2: Visual Identity (The Look and Feel)
- Logo: Include your primary logo and any variations (e.g., a secondary mark or submark). Specify clear space rules and how not to use it.
- Colour Palette: Define your primary, secondary, and accent colours. Include the HEX, RGB, and CMYK codes for each so they are perfectly replicated everywhere.
- Typography: Choose a primary headline font and a secondary body copy font. Specify the font names and weights to be used. This ensures your text is always readable and on-brand.
- Photography Style: Include 3-4 sample images that represent the style and mood of your brand photography. Should photos be bright and airy, or dark and moody? Candid or posed?
How to Build Your One-Page Style Guide
You don’t need complex software. You can create a simple, effective style guide using tools like Canva or even a well-formatted Google Doc. Organise it with clear headings for each section listed above. Once it’s created, save it as a PDF and keep it easily accessible.
A personal brand style guide is one of the most valuable assets you can create for yourself. It’s a living document that brings clarity to your vision and empowers you to show up with unwavering consistency. Take an afternoon to create yours—your future self will thank you.
Building a powerful visual identity is at the heart of what we do. If you’re ready for a professional look and feel that truly represents your value, explore our services. Learn more here.
