Style Guide in Tech Companies
Tech Companies: A startup in the 21st century is more than an idea in a hostel room or procuring investments from top-notch names. A startup is about creating a goal, making a statement and creating an impact. A startup exists with its Brand and its capability to stand out amidst the clutter.
With a Brand, comes the Brand style. But what exactly is a brand style?
A modern world needs a unique approach and that is what Brand style is all about. It is the holy book that consists of your Startup’s Ideas, visions, and corporate identity.
It’s what builds that groundwork for all future references when you might feel lost about your goals. It is what starts the journey in tech companies.
1. Know the details
When you finally start your business, you need to know where you come from and where you want to go before building your Brand style guide. You need to introspect and figure out what the game plan is.
If there was one specific point of time when you came up with the idea that is now coming alive, now is the time to figure out every detail to your way upwards.
If it took you years of learning, experience, and failures to finally reach the point of your own creation, you need to think about all of it and have it noted. After all, for more than 70% of brand managers, building an audience is more vital than sales and lead generation.
2. Tell the story
The Brand style guide is incomplete and empty without your Startup’s Ideology. With ideas comes the goal. The goal brings along the vision and the mission of the business.
The vision brings along what kind of people do you want to work with and what kind of people do you want to influence.
With the customers comes the type of business you want to run, the core personality and aura of your business. Talk about all these things, make it personal but remember, consistency is the key.
3. Create a logo
The next stage is to create what would portray your company to the world, constantly and thoroughly – the Logo. Here as well, your Logo should tell your Brand story. Create a logo of the right size, the right color, and the right background.
This is the part where one should give time and sit down with graphic designers and artists and brainstorm. Airbnb went to the extent of creating its own font for its logos and work, so don’t let anything stop you from going a step further.
4. Picturise and visualize
Video and image content is what is most impactful in the 21st century. It takes a shorter amount of time to leave an impression that lasts longer. So find images or make images that have probably left an impact on you and are most likely communicate to the customers.
ReCapture a shot of the moment you probably got the idea for the business, or how your work environment is or anything that shows customers that you standby your commitments. You can build your corporate appearance for the long term here, this is what would further distinguish you from your competitors.
5. Communication is the key
Everything else said and done, your Brand style guide is your way to talk to the world. It is your work to ensure customer engagement. Make sure that your company, your coworkers know how to access this guide and know how to use it right.
Designers make the style guide, but it is you and your work buddies that communicate it to the target. Make it fun to read and understand, make it grand yet subtle, make it smart and cool and make sure it’s all easy on the eyes.
Given that only 80% of the startups make it to their second year of work (2015), you have to put all that you have to reach the zenith that you aspire.
6. One last rule
Stick to the rules. Remember, this is a time taking process and would require the right group of people to reach its destination.
Try and consult a different designer to choose what suits your needs, take inputs and keep reviewing as the process goes along. Find the right fit and don’t rush. Happy Brand Styling!