Brand
Emotion
Internal
Communication
What are brand aesthetics, and why are they essential in internal communication?
What are brand aesthetics, and why are they essential in internal communication?
Brand aesthetics refer to the visual and sensory elements that make up a brand's overall look and feel, including its logo, color palette, typography, imagery, and other design elements. These aesthetic components work together to create a distinctive and recognizable brand identity that helps to communicate the brand's values, personality, and message to its audience.
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In internal communication, brand aesthetics play a crucial role in maintaining a consistent and cohesive brand identity across all channels and touchpoints. This consistency is essential for building trust and loyalty with employees and creating a sense of unity and shared purpose within the organization.
When internal communication is aligned with the brand's aesthetics, it reinforces the brand identity and helps employees feel more connected to the brand. This, in turn, can lead to greater engagement, improved performance, and a stronger sense of belonging among employees.
Moreover, using consistent brand aesthetics in internal communication can also help to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the messaging. When employees can easily recognize and identify with the brand's visual elements, they are more likely to pay attention to and remember the messages conveyed.
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How to incorporate Brand's visual identity into internal communication
Incorporating your brand's visual identity into your internal communication can help reinforce your brand's values and personality, and create a cohesive and recognizable brand experience for your employees.
Here are some steps to follow:
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STEP 1
Start with your brand guidelines:
Your brand guidelines should outline your brand's visual identity, including your logo, typography, color scheme, and imagery. Make sure you have a clear understanding of these guidelines and communicate them to your internal team.
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STEP 2
Use consistent branding across all internal communication:
Whether it's an email, a newsletter, a presentation, or a document, make sure you are using your brand's visual identity consistently. Use your brand colors, fonts, and imagery where possible.
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STEP 3
Create templates:
Create templates for your internal communication, such as email signatures or presentation slides, that incorporate your brand's visual identity. This will make it easier for your team to follow the guidelines and create a cohesive brand experience.
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STEP 4
Use branded visuals:
Use branded visuals, such as images or icons, that reflect your brand's visual identity. This will help to reinforce your brand's personality and values.
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STEP 5
Train your employees:
Make sure your employees are trained on your brand's visual identity and understand how to use it in their internal communication. Provide them with resources, such as a style guide or branding toolkit, to help them create consistent and on-brand communication.
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STEP 6
Seek feedback:
Solicit feedback from your team on the effectiveness of your internal communication and whether it is on-brand. Use this feedback to make adjustments and improve your internal communication over time.
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How to ensure your internal communications aligns with brand's objectives
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1. Define your brand's aesthetic:
Your brand's aesthetic is the visual and sensory representation of your brand. It includes the colors, fonts, imagery, and tone of voice that you use in your communications. You need to define your brand's aesthetic before you can ensure that your internal communications align with it.
2. Develop brand guidelines:
Brand guidelines are a set of rules and recommendations that define how your brand should be represented visually and verbally. They should include guidelines for typography, color, imagery, and tone of voice. You should develop brand guidelines that are specific to your brand's aesthetic.
3. Train your employees:
Once you have developed brand guidelines, you need to train your employees on how to use them. You should create training materials and conduct training sessions to ensure that everyone in your organization understands the guidelines and knows how to apply them.
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4. Use templates and design systems:
To ensure consistency in your internal communications, you should use templates and design systems that incorporate your brand's aesthetic. These tools can help you create visually appealing and on-brand communications quickly and easily.
5. Monitor your communications:
It's important to monitor your internal communications to ensure that they are consistent with your brand's aesthetic. You can use tools like style guides and design systems to ensure consistency, and you should regularly review your communications to identify any areas where you need to make improvements.
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How to measure the effectiveness of internal communication
Measuring the effectiveness of your internal communication in terms of brand aesthetics can be challenging, but there are a few key metrics you can track to gauge success:
1. Consistency:
One way to measure the effectiveness of your internal communication in terms of brand aesthetics is to track consistency. Are your internal communications consistently using the brand colors, typography, and imagery outlined in your brand guidelines? This can help ensure that your internal communication is aligned with your brand's aesthetic.
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2. Employee engagement:
Employee engagement is a good indicator of the effectiveness of your internal communication. If your internal communication is well-designed and visually appealing, it may be more likely to capture the attention of your employees and encourage engagement. You can measure employee engagement through surveys or other feedback mechanisms.
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3. Understanding:
Another way to measure the effectiveness of your internal communication in terms of brand aesthetics is to assess how well your employees understand the messages. If your internal communication is visually appealing but difficult to understand, it may not be effective. You can measure understanding through quizzes or other assessments.
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4. Impact on business outcomes:
Ultimately, the effectiveness of your internal communication in terms of brand aesthetics should be measured by its impact on business outcomes. Are your employees better informed and more productive as a result of your internal communication? Are you seeing improvements in customer satisfaction or other key metrics? These outcomes can be difficult to measure, but they are the most meaningful way to assess the effectiveness of your internal communication.
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Consequences of failing to maintain brand aesthetics in internal communication
Failing to maintain brand aesthetics in internal communication can have several consequences, including:
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Confusion:
Without consistent brand aesthetics, employees may become confused about the company's visual identity and messaging. This can lead to inconsistencies in communication, which can be confusing for both employees and external stakeholders.
Lack of Trust:
Inconsistent branding can erode trust in a company's messaging and values. If employees see that the company is not consistent in its internal communication, they may doubt the company's ability to deliver on its promises.
Reduced Engagement:
If employees do not feel that the company is invested in maintaining a consistent brand identity, they may be less likely to engage with internal communication efforts. This can lead to reduced participation in company events and initiatives, which can ultimately impact productivity and morale.
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Decreased Brand Recognition:
Without consistent branding, it can be difficult for employees to recognize the company's messaging and identity. This can lead to decreased brand recognition and awareness, which can impact the company's ability to attract and retain customers.
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Internal Communication under various Brand Archetypes
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Magician:
IF you are communicating internally for a Magician brand archetype, THEN use your communication to inspire, create a sense of wonder, and convey a sense of mystery. Use stories and metaphors to help your team understand the bigger picture and the impact of their work.
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Caregiver:
IF you are communicating internally for a Caregiver brand archetype, THEN show empathy and understanding for your team members' needs and challenges. Use your communication to create a sense of safety and support, and emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
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Sage:
IF you are communicating internally for a Sage brand archetype, THEN focus on sharing knowledge and insights with your team. Use your communication to encourage critical thinking, and provide guidance and mentorship to help your team grow and develop their skills.
Jester:
IF you are communicating internally for a Jester brand archetype, THEN use humor and playfulness to create a fun and relaxed work environment. Use your communication to encourage creativity and experimentation, and show your team that it's okay to take risks and try new things.
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Lover:
IF you are communicating internally for a Lover brand archetype, THEN focus on building strong relationships and emotional connections with your team. Use your communication to express appreciation and gratitude, and create a sense of passion and excitement around your work.
Explorer:
IF you are communicating internally for an Explorer brand archetype, THEN use your communication to foster a sense of curiosity and adventure in your team. Encourage exploration and experimentation, and show your team that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Creator:
IF you are communicating internally for a Creator brand archetype, THEN focus on fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Use your communication to encourage brainstorming and idea generation, and provide resources and support to help your team bring their ideas to life.
Ruler:
IF you are communicating internally for a Ruler brand archetype, THEN use your communication to create a sense of structure and organization. Provide clear guidelines and expectations, and emphasize the importance of accountability and responsibility.
Outlaw:
IF you are communicating internally for an Outlaw brand archetype, THEN use your communication to challenge the status quo and encourage rebellion against conventional thinking. Use provocative language and imagery to inspire your team to think outside the box and break free from the norm.
Everyman:
IF you are communicating internally for an Everyman brand archetype, THEN use your communication to create a sense of community and inclusivity. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and show your team that everyone's contributions are valued and appreciated.
Hero:
IF you are communicating internally for a Hero brand archetype, THEN use your communication to inspire your team to take on challenges and overcome obstacles. Use language and imagery that conveys strength and courage, and emphasize the importance of perseverance and determination.
Innocent:
IF you are communicating internally for an Innocent brand archetype, THEN use your communication to create a sense of optimism and hope. Use language and imagery that conveys purity and simplicity, and emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity.
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"Internal Communication" tips under each Brand Vibe"
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Fun:
IF you are communicating internally for a Fun brand vibe, THEN use your communication to create a sense of playfulness and humor. Use language and imagery that conveys lightheartedness, and encourage your team to embrace a sense of joy and excitement in their work.
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Intelligent:
IF you are communicating internally for an Intelligent brand vibe, THEN use your communication to emphasize the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving. Use language and imagery that conveys intelligence and expertise, and provide resources and support to help your team develop their skills and knowledge.
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Connection:
IF you are communicating internally for a Connection brand vibe, THEN use your communication to foster a sense of community and belonging. Use language and imagery that conveys togetherness, and encourage your team to build strong relationships with each other and with the company.
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Cozy:
IF you are communicating internally for a Cozy brand vibe, THEN use your communication to create a sense of comfort and warmth. Use language and imagery that conveys coziness and relaxation, and provide a supportive and nurturing environment for your team.
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Mysterious:
IF you are communicating internally for a Mysterious brand vibe, THEN use your communication to create a sense of intrigue and curiosity. Use language and imagery that conveys mystery and enigma, and encourage your team to explore and discover new ideas and perspectives.
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Sophistication:
IF you are communicating internally for a Sophistication brand vibe, THEN use your communication to create a sense of elegance and refinement. Use language and imagery that conveys sophistication and style, and emphasize the importance of professionalism and attention to detail.
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Sparkly:
IF you are communicating internally for a Sparkly brand vibe, THEN use your communication to create a sense of glamour and excitement. Use language and imagery that conveys sparkle and shine, and encourage your team to bring creativity and flair to their work.
Global:
IF you are communicating internally for a Global brand vibe, THEN use your communication to emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Use language and imagery that conveys globalism and connectedness, and provide resources and support to help your team embrace and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.
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Deep:
IF you are communicating internally for a Deep brand vibe, THEN use your communication to encourage your team to think deeply and critically about their work. Use language and imagery that conveys depth and complexity, and encourage your team to explore the deeper meanings and implications of their work.
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Sunshine:
IF you are communicating internally for a Sunshine brand vibe, THEN use your communication to create a sense of positivity and optimism. Use language and imagery that conveys sunshine and brightness, and provide a supportive and uplifting environment for your team.
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What are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to maintain brand aesthetics in internal communication?
Maintaining brand aesthetics in internal communication is crucial for creating a consistent brand identity and strengthening employee engagement.
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Inconsistency:
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One of the most significant mistakes is inconsistency in brand aesthetics across different communication channels. This can confuse employees and dilute the brand identity.
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Lack of clarity:
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Another mistake is not providing clear guidelines on how to use brand aesthetics in internal communication. This can lead to misinterpretation or misuse of visual elements, which can harm the brand's reputation.
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Overcomplication:
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Trying to use too many design elements or using complex visual elements can make the brand look cluttered and difficult to understand.
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Ignoring feedback:
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Ignoring feedback from employees on the effectiveness of the brand aesthetics in internal communication can lead to misalignment between the brand and its audience.
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Over-reliance on templates:
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Over-reliance on templates can make the brand look repetitive and uninteresting, which can harm employee engagement.
To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to create clear guidelines for using brand aesthetics in internal communication, encourage feedback from employees, and maintain consistency across all communication channels. Additionally, organizations should always strive to keep their brand aesthetics simple, visually appealing, and reflective of their core values and brand personality.