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How to Create a Brand Book for Your Startup

January 06, 2025
admin
Branding & Identity

A brand book is your startup’s DNA—it ensures consistency, builds trust, and saves you from costly rebrands. Here’s how to create one that grows with your business.

What is a Brand Book?

A brand book (or brand style guide) is a rulebook that defines:

Visual identity (logo, colors, fonts)
Brand voice and messaging
Usage rules (what to do/avoid)

Why Startups Need a Brand Book

Consistency

Ensures your brand looks/sounds the same everywhere.

Efficiency

Speeds up onboarding for designers, writers, and partners.

Trust

Professionalism increases customer confidence.

Step-by-Step Brand Book Creation

1. Define Your Brand Core

Mission: Why your startup exists
Vision: Where you’re headed
Values: 3-5 guiding principles

2. Craft Your Visual Identity

Logo Usage:

Show approved logo variations (full, icon, monochrome)
Specify clear space and minimum sizes
Include "don’ts" (stretching, recoloring)

Color Palette:

Primary
#f24c1a

Dark
#333333

Light
#f8f8f8

Typography:

Heading Font

Segoe UI Bold

Body Font

Arial Regular

3. Establish Your Brand Voice

Voice Attributes:

Professional yet approachable
Clear over clever
Empowering (avoid jargon)

Example:

✅ "Our software makes complex tasks simple."
❌ "Leverage our synergistic solutions."

4. Set Usage Guidelines

Photography style: Bright/authentic vs. stocky
Iconography: Line vs. filled icons
Social media: Post templates, hashtag rules

5. Make It Accessible

Share your brand book as:

PDF Guide

For external partners

Notion Page

For internal teams

Mini Website

Use MiniWebOnline for easy access

Pro Tip

Start simple—a 10-page brand book is better than none. Expand as you grow!

Brand Book Template Structure

Cover: Your logo + "Brand Guidelines"
Brand Story: Mission, vision, values
Visual Identity: Logo, colors, fonts
Voice & Messaging: Tone examples
Applications: Business cards, social templates

Final Thought

Your brand book isn’t set in stone—update it annually as your startup evolves. The goal? Ensure everyone from interns to investors represents your brand perfectly.