Create Your Brand Style Guide in 5 Easy Steps (No Design Skills Required!)

As a small business owner, you know your brand is important. But how do you keep it consistent? Quick fix: A brand style guide. Don't worry - you don't need to hire a designer or buy expensive software. Here's how to create a simple one using free tools:

1. Choose Your Tool
   There are several out there, but I can’t recommend Canva enough (http://canva.com ) as it offers free brand kit features and templates. Sign up for a free account to get started.

2. Define your colours
   In Canva's brand kit section, add your main brand colour and 2-3 complementary colours. Use the colour picker to match existing brand elements.

3. Select Your Fonts
   Choose 2-3 fonts: one for headings, one for body text, and optionally one for accents. Stick to web-safe fonts for consistency across platforms.

4. Upload Your Logo
   Add your logo to your brand kit. If you have variations (e.g., different colours, with/without tagline), upload those too.

5. Create a One-Page Guide
   Search for “Brand Board” - pick a template that best reflects your brand, to create a simple one-page document. Customise it with:

   • Your logo and its usage rules

   • Your colour palette with hex codes

   • Your chosen fonts and how to use them

   • A brief description of your brand voice (e.g., friendly, professional, quirky)

Screenshot from Canva dashboard

Once complete, save your guide as a PDF and share it with your team, suppliers, or anyone that is involved in publishing your brand. You now have a basic brand style guide to keep your business looking professional and consistent.

Remember: Consistency is key in branding. Even a simple guide like this can make a big difference in how your business is perceived.

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