branding guidelines example: Creating a Cohesive Brand Identity
A brand is more than just a logo or a tagline. It’s the entire experience that a customer has with a company or product. A strong brand identity is essential for any business to stand out in a crowded marketplace and be remembered by its customers. But how do you create a cohesive brand identity? Enter branding guidelines.

Branding guidelines, also known as brand style guides, are a set of rules and recommendations that ensure a consistent and cohesive brand identity across all touchpoints. They provide a blueprint for how a brand should look, feel and sound, so that anyone who creates content for the brand knows what to do and what not to do.
Let’s take a look at some branding guidelines examples to understand how they work.
1. Nike
Nike’s branding guidelines are all about the iconic swoosh. They specify how the swoosh should be used, where it should be placed, and how much space should be left around it. They also provide rules for typography, color, and imagery, all designed to support the swoosh and create a sense of energy and motion.
2. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola’s branding guidelines focus on the company’s heritage and global appeal. They provide rules for the iconic red and white color scheme, as well as typography, imagery, and tone of voice. They also emphasize the importance of storytelling, encouraging content creators to weave a narrative around the brand that resonates with customers.
3. Apple
Apple’s branding guidelines are all about simplicity and elegance. They provide rules for typography, color, and imagery that reflect the company’s minimalist aesthetic. They also emphasize the importance of user experience, encouraging content creators to focus on how the brand interacts with customers and how it makes their lives easier.
4. Airbnb
Airbnb’s branding guidelines are designed to reflect the company’s mission of creating a sense of belonging for travelers. They provide rules for typography, color, and imagery that evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality. They also emphasize the importance of personalization, encouraging content creators to tailor their messaging to individual users and create a sense of connection.
In conclusion, branding guidelines are an essential tool for creating a cohesive brand identity. By providing a set of rules and recommendations, they ensure that everyone who creates content for the brand is on the same page and working towards the same goal. By studying examples like Nike, Coca-Cola, Apple, and Airbnb, businesses can learn how to create their own branding guidelines that reflect their unique values and personality.