Whether you're training your internal team, onboarding freelancers, or educating clients, teaching a brand guidelines template ensures that everyone stays aligned with your brand's identity. Here's a step-by-step approach on how to teach brand guidelines so that they’re understood, embraced, and applied correctly.
1. Start with the “Why”
Before diving into the content of the guidelines, explain why they matter. Many people see brand guidelines as just another design document. It’s your job to show them that these guidelines are the key to brand consistency, trust, and recognition.
Explain that:
- Consistent business builds credibility and familiarity
- Guidelines reduce confusion and design errors
- They save time by offering clear rules and references
- Every team member becomes a brand ambassador
2. Break Down the Sections Clearly
Teaching brand guidelines is easier when you walk through each section step by step, using simple language and visual examples. Common sections include:
- Brand Overview: Mission, vision, and core values
- Logo Usage: Versions, placement, spacing, and incorrect usage
- Color Palette: Brand colors with HEX, RGB, and CMYK codes
- Imagery: Photography style, icons, and illustrations
- Voice and Tone: Writing style for social posts, emails, and website copy
- Application Examples: Real-world mockups and designs
3. Customize the Training to Your Audience
Different audiences have different needs:
- Designers may focus more on visual rules like logo, colors, and layout.
- Writers and marketers need guidance on tone of voice and messaging.
- Non-creatives may just need the basics to recognize brand misuse.
4. Use Real-Life Scenarios and Mistakes
People remember stories and examples. Show side-by-side comparisons of “right vs. wrong” branding executions. For instance:
- A distorted logo on social media vs. the correct usage
- A color clash in a Facebook ad vs. a properly branded one
- A formal email copy when the tone should be casual
These practical examples show the impact of not following the guidelines, making the case for why the rules matter.
5. Make the Guide Easy to Access and Use
No one will follow your brand guidelines if they can’t find them. Ensure your brand guidelines template is:
- Digitally accessible (Google Docs, Notion, PDF, or brand portal)
- Organized and searchable
- Regularly updated to reflect brand evolution
6. Conduct Hands-On Training Sessions
If possible, host live or virtual workshops where team members can:
- Walk through the document
- Ask questions in real-time
- Practice applying the guidelines in real projects
7. Reinforce and Review Regularly
Branding isn’t “set it and forget it.” Schedule quarterly reviews or refreshers, especially when new campaigns launch or team members join. Keep encouraging questions and feedback—if parts of your guidelines are consistently misunderstood, revise them for clarity.
Final Thoughts
Teaching a brand guidelines template isn’t just about explaining design rules—it’s about empowering people to represent your brand with consistency and confidence. When taught well, your team doesn’t just “follow” the brand—they live it. And that’s when your brand truly begins to grow.