STYLE GUIDES
WHAT IS A STYLE GUIDE?
A style guide is a set of guidelines and rules that define how written or visual content should be presented. It serves as a reference for writers, editors, and designers to ensure consistency in language, formatting, and branding.
WHY DO I NEED A STYLE GUIDE?
A style guide is necessary because it helps to maintain a consistent and professional image for a company or organization. By adhering to a set of guidelines, all communications will have a unified voice and tone that reflects the brand’s values and goals.
HOW DO I MAKE A STYLE GUIDE?
To create a style guide, you should follow these simple steps:
- Determine the purpose and audience of the style guide – what kind of content are you creating, and who will be using it?
- Identify the key elements to be covered in the style guide, such as grammar, punctuation, voice, tone, formatting, and branding.
- Research and compile examples of good and bad writing and design practices, and use them to create a set of guidelines that reflect the company’s values and goals.
- Organize the guidelines into a document that is easy to navigate, with clear headings and subheadings.
- Include examples and visual aids where appropriate to help illustrate your points and make the guidelines more accessible.
- Share the style guide with relevant stakeholders, such as writers, editors, designers, and other members of the communications team.
- Update the style guide regularly as needed to reflect changes in the company’s brand or communication goals.
By following these simple steps, you can create a style guide that will help ensure consistency and professionalism in all of your written and visual content.
