Definition: house style manual

A corporate identity manual is a digital or printed overview of rules and guidelines about the use and correct 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 are part of the corporate identity such as the logo, the colors and fonts, but also the tone-of-voice or the type of images and visuals used in various expressions and media.

What is a corporate identity manual?

The way in which a company or organization presents itself visibly to the outside world is called the house style. The guidelines that are established 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 allowed or not allowed.

An example of a part that is described in a house style manual is the explanation of the use of the logo in various expressions. It is often stated that a logo may not be distorted or rotated and that the colors must be the same in every expression. In addition to the logo, for example, the font, colors or type of images used are also established. Establishing these guidelines and monitoring their use often lies with the organization's communications department, or this is outsourced to an external agency.

House style 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 used as intended, which results in a consistent and neat appearance to the outside world. This consistent appearance is also called brand consistency. Brand consistency contributes to the recognition of the brand among (future) customers. It also creates trust and strengthens the relationship with your client. A clear house style manual can therefore contribute to the value of your brand.

The Comrads Brand Portal: your online corporate identity manual

Do you want your corporate identity manual to be available to all stakeholders anytime, anywhere? Comrads' Brand Portal module is an interactive cloud-based corporate identity manual that brings together all current brand files, both visual and textual. 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, those involved can access the corporate identity manual anytime, anywhere and on any device. Moreover, the latest version is always available, which ensures that your brand is communicated in a consistent manner. With the Brand Portal your company works on an unequivocal brand identity.

Moreover, the Brand Portal not only functions 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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