07/04/23
This is why businesses should invest in the digital brand guideline model
Branding
Every company needs a refined set of brand guidelines. It helps immensely in shaping the brand identity, and a coherent set of brand values will seamlessly direct the business now and into the future. The digital brand guideline model is the way forward. In today’s world, it makes complete sense.
The benefits are clear: The digital brand ecosystem is agile and speaks the language of modern brands. The format is flexible and can be edited and revised, and continuously kept up-to-date. Unlike the static print format, digital files are easy to access and share among staff and stakeholders, while management can decide which parts to distribute to collaborative companies. It can also be easily customised, the design altered according to the brand’s specific needs. And, unlike printed paper, a digital document will be less harmful to the environment.
As a London-based branding agency with an international client list, we are versed in creating bespoke and easy-to-follow digital brand guidelines for businesses. When working with brands such as Campari, Maze Row, Barking Riverside London, Camelot, Chotto Matte, Soho House and Unilode, we will always recommend the digital model.
“The ease of use, management, and consistent brand application contribute directly to a brand’s bottom line,” says Spinach branding director Leigh Banks. He brings Frontify’s digital hub platform as an example. The specialist software providers has designed a bespoke platform for us, a flexible system that is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the software is built with Enterprise grade security to protect and backup your system.
He explains, “The system is utilised by the likes of Borussia Dortmund, e-on, Lufthansa, MAN, Trainline and Vodafone, to manage their brands with great success. It works extremely well and we have adopted it for clients including Barking Riverside London and Chotto Matte.”
The digital brand guideline model has the added benefit of encouraging all teams to stay informed and connected. Unlike a static document, the model offers multi-brand structures, analytics and user management systems. What’s more, working digitally means all teams, from the creative side to board members, can collaborate on a single document in real-time.
“A digital brand hub enables everyone who is engaged with the brand to be connected to the latest version at all times, wherever they are,” says Banks, noting that this is especially helpful with companies collaborating with multiple other businesses. “These brand hubs allow our customers to achieve significant improvements on brand consistency and productivity.”
In the long run, a digital brand guideline is a positive brand management investment.
Banks concludes, “Long gone are the frustrations associated with using outdated printed guidelines or cobbled together portals and tools, such as SharePoint. Our digital brand hubs are designed and developed so our customers can easily use them to their full potential without any compromise.”
Images: Spinach Branding’s work with Chotto Matte, and our branding work with Barking Riverside ©Spinach.
Spinach Branding is a specialist branding agency based in London. We work with established businesses and start-ups around the world to build and refine their brands. See how we work and get in touch to discuss your brand.
