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For example, where to use capitals, how to spell certain words, reminders on grammar, vocabulary. Style is a house ‘style’ for what your writing looks like. I see tone, voice, and style as three separate elements, which work together in harmony: Style It’s a conscious decision though because I think those terms don’t make all the elements you need for a successful guide totally clear. Referring to a ‘voice, tone, and style guide’ might seem a bit awkward, compared to the more common ‘style guide’ or ‘ tone of voice guide’. The difference between style, tone, and voice Having a guide makes it more likely that you’ll get content right with fewer drafts, which has an obvious cost benefit. The benefits aren’t just in the quality of your content either they can be financial too. Give you a benchmark to judge content against, or refer to an argument over whether title case is right or wrong.Ensure you create content that is sensitive to and resonates with your audience.Make working with agencies and freelancers easier by giving them guidelines to create on-brand content.Promote uniformity in content across different teams, channels, and formats.Strengthen and differentiate your brand through consistent use of a well-thought-through voice.Five benefits to having a style, tone and voice guide They may all have intimate experience of the brand, think identically and will never leave the business.If this isn’t your situation, you need a voice, tone and style guide. It may well do if you have a small central team creating content. It’s easy to assume that brand voice just comes naturally. Why you need a style, tone and voice guide I'll also take you through a couple of different processes for creating one.
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In this post, I’ll look at the value of voice, tone, and style guides. If you fit into any of these categories, I’d like to try and win you over to my way of thinking. Have guidelines that sit ignored on a shared drive.Have guidelines that aren’t fit for purpose.There’s also a surprising amount of complacency about voice, tone, and style. I still find them invaluable for writing and editing and see them as part of the foundation for a solid content programme.ĭespite this, they’re not a part of the content ecosystem that we talk about a lot. My love hasn’t diminished over the years. The style guide I was given was like a printed A4 comfort blanket, giving me reassurance and confidence. It started on my first day working in content.
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