Glossary
Definition: corporate identity manual
What is a corporate identity manual?
A corporate identity manual is a digital or printed overview of rules and guidelines on the use and proper application of an organization's brand elements and corporate identity guidelines(Brand Guidelines).
A corporate identity manual provides both instructions on how the corporate identity could be used and rules on what is and is not allowed. There are various elements and brand assets that make up the corporate identity such as the logo, colors and fonts, as well as the tone-of-voice or the type of images and visuals used in various expressions and media.
The way in which a company or organization visibly presents itself to the outside world is called the corporate identity. The guidelines drawn up for this purpose are then recorded in one clear document: the house style manual. In a house style manual, all employees can see how the house style should be applied and what is or is not allowed.
An example of a section described in a corporate identity manual is the explanation of the use of the logo in various expressions. It is often stated that a logo should not be distorted or rotated and that the colors should be the same in every expression. In addition to the logo, it also establishes, for example, the typeface, colors or type of images used. Establishing these guidelines and overseeing their use often lies with the organization's communications department, or this is outsourced to an external agency.
Corporate identity manual and brand consistency
The purpose of a corporate identity manual is to ensure that the corporate identity is applied consistently and correctly by all employees. In this way, the corporate identity is deployed as it was intended, creating a consistent and well-kept appearance to the outside world. This consistent appearance is also known as brand consistency. Brand consistency contributes to brand recognition among (future) customers. In addition, it creates trust and strengthens the relationship with your customer. A clear corporate identity manual can therefore contribute to the value of your brand.
Comrads' Brand Portal : your online corporate identity manual
Want to have your corporate identity manual available anytime, anywhere for everyone involved? The Brand Portal module from Comrads is an interactive cloud-based corporate identity manual that brings together all current brand files, both visually and textually. Linked directly to the Digital Asset Management (DAM) module, your digital brand elements and files are also available to share and download.
An online corporate identity manual helps marketing teams efficiently manage, communicate and share all brand elements such as logos, fonts, colors and guidelines. Because the Brand Portal is cloud-based, stakeholders can access the corporate identity manual anytime, anywhere, on any device. Moreover, the latest version is always available, which ensures that your brand is communicated in a consistent manner. So with the Brand Portal , as a company you work on a uniform brand identity.
Moreover, Brand Portal functions not only as an online corporate identity manual, but also as an interactive platform where both internal and external users can exchange brand ideas and inspire each other. So in this way, you can bring your brand to life.
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