How to create a brand guidelines for my business

Vanakkam, Chennai entrepreneurs! Whether you’re running a tech startup in Tidel Park or a cozy café in Besant Nagar, having a strong brand identity is crucial in today’s competitive market. But how do you ensure your brand remains consistent across all platforms and touchpoints? The answer lies in creating comprehensive brand guidelines. Let’s dive into the process of developing these guidelines, Chennai-style! 

Why Brand Guidelines Matter 

Before we jump into the ‘how’, let’s talk about the ‘why’. Brand guidelines are like the secret recipe for your grandmother’s special sambar – they ensure that the taste remains consistently delicious no matter who’s cooking. Similarly, brand guidelines help maintain consistency in your business’s look, feel, and messaging, whether it’s your website, social media, or even how your staff interacts with customers. 

 Now, let’s break down the process of creating brand guidelines into manageable steps: 

 1. Define Your Brand’s Core 

 Start by asking yourself some fundamental questions: 

• What’s your brand’s mission? (Beyond making a profit, what drives your business?) 

• What are your core values? (Are you all about innovation, tradition, or maybe a mix of both?) 

• What’s your brand personality? (If your brand were a person at Marina Beach, would they be the energetic volleyball player or the relaxed book reader?) For example, run an eco-friendly packaging company in Chennai. Your mission might be “To provide sustainable packaging solutions that protect both products and our beautiful Bay of Bengal.” 

2. Craft Your Brand Story 

Every great brand has a compelling story. Maybe your idli stand has been a Mylapore landmark for generations, or perhaps your IT firm was born from a conversation at a Chennai Super Kings match. Whatever it is, articulate it clearly. Your brand story helps customers connect with you on a personal level. 

3. Design Your Visual Identity 

Now comes the fun part – creating your brand’s visual elements. This includes: 

• Logo: The face of your brand. Ensure it’s versatile enough to look good on everything from a tiny app icon to a giant billboard on Mount Road. 

• Color Palette: Choose colors that reflect your brand personality. Maybe the vibrant blues of Marina Beach inspire you, or perhaps you prefer the earthy tones of Chennai’s famous terracotta. 

• Typography: Select fonts that are both readable and aligned with your brand’s character. A classical Tamil font might work for a traditional textile brand, while a sleek sans-serif could suit a modern tech startup. 

• Imagery Style: Decide on the type of images you’ll use. Will they be colorful and lively like Pondy Bazaar, or minimalist and elegant like a high-end boutique in Nungambakkam? 

4. Develop Your Brand Voice 

Your brand voice is how you communicate with your audience. Are you formal and professional, or casual and friendly? Maybe you’re witty and use lots of Chennai-specific humor. Whatever it is, define it clearly and provide examples of do’s and don’ts. 

For instance, a local chai shop might have a brand voice that’s warm and colloquial, peppering its communication with Tamil phrases and local references. 

5. Set Guidelines for Different Platforms 

Your brand might appear differently across various platforms. Provide specific guidelines for: 

• Website 

• Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) 

• Print Materials (Business cards, brochures, etc.) 

• Signage 

• Email Communications 

6. Create a Style Guide 

This is where you get into the nitty-gritty. Your style guide should include: 

• Logo usage (minimum size, clear space, do’s and don’ts) 

• Color codes (RGB, CMYK, Pantone) 

• Font names and usage rules 

• Image guidelines (style, subject matter, editing processes) 

7. Establish Brand Messaging 

Define key messages and taglines that encapsulate your brand. Create a list of approved keywords and phrases that align with your brand voice and values. For example, run a software company in Chennai’s IT corridor. Your key message might be 

“Innovating for a smarter tomorrow,” with approved phrases like “cutting-edge 

technology,” “global solutions with a local touch,” etc. 

8. Set Customer Service Standards 

Your brand isn’t just about visuals – it’s also about how you interact with customers. Outline 

standards for customer service, including: 

• Greeting style 

• Email response times 

• Handling complaints 

• Social media interaction guidelines 

9. Create Templates 

To ensure consistency, create templates for commonly used items like: 

• Presentations 

• Social media posts 

• Email signatures 

• Business documents 

10. Make It Accessible 

Your brand guidelines won’t be useful if they’re tucked away in a dusty folder. Create a digital version that’s easily accessible to all team members. Consider using a platform like Google Drive or a dedicated brand management tool. 

11. Plan for Evolution 

Remember, like Chennai itself, your brand will evolve over time. Build in a process for reviewing and updating your guidelines periodically. Maybe do an annual review during Pongal to start the year fresh! 

12. Bring Your Team on Board 

Finally, ensure everyone in your organization understands and embraces the brand guidelines. Consider hosting a brand workshop – maybe over a team lunch of delicious 

Chennai biriyani – to get everyone excited about representing the brand. 

Conclusion: Your Brand, Your Chennai Story 

Creating brand guidelines is more than just a business exercise – it’s about defining who you are as a company and how you want to be perceived in the vibrant tapestry of Chennai’s business landscape. Whether you’re aiming to be as iconic as the Chennai Central or as refreshing as a sea breeze at Elliot’s Beach, your brand guidelines will help 

you get there. Remember, consistency is key, but don’t let it stifle creativity. Your guidelines should be a framework that supports innovation, not a cage that restricts it. After all, Chennai is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity, and your brand can do the same. 

So, go ahead and start crafting your brand’s unique identity. Who knows? Your business 

might just become the next big Chennai success story! Need more tips on building your brand or growing your business in Chennai? Keep following the Eucto blog for local insights and expert advice. Nandri, and happy branding!