Forget the sales pitch, people want content. Eighty-four percent of consumers expect content creation from brands, even from emails. Millennials distrust ads and ad blockers are the norm. This data means you need a content style guide to maximize your results.

What is a Content Style Guide?

If content is king, a content style guide is its chief advisor. For any and all content you publish or post as a company, this key document defines the…

• Voice: Rhythm and language of your brand’s personality.
• Tone: Adaptation of your voice to different platforms.
• Style: What your content looks like i.e. formatting, grammar, etc.

It clearly explains what your brand is and how to best express it through copy. It offers both an overview and detailed direction to writers, video producers, and all other content creators.

The foundation of quality content starts with a well-researched content style guide.

How Does a Content Style Guide Help?

Your brand consists of visuals and content — both equally important in spreading your message. A content style guide helps them work in harmony. The information laid out in a content style guide boosts your copy by giving your publications…

• A consistent voice across platforms and channels.
• Consistent spelling and grammar conventions.
• Focused content moving in a clear direction.

A content style guide designed with your target audience in mind (as all good style guides are) keeps content focused on them. When using a copywriter or external marketing firm that is unfamiliar with your brand or asking several staff members to curate copy, this guide gives direction to create better blogs and other copy.

These details matter in content creation and to your bottom line. (Don’t be tempted to think otherwise.)

GLS Group in Cleveland, OH Explains the Importance of a Content Strategy:

During one of our hybrid blog interviews, a client discussed content strategy. Their business is in branding and content strategy. Check out what GLS Group (in Cleveland, OH) has to say on the importance of content strategy:

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What Does a Content Style Guide Get You?

You get more than better blogs with a content style guide — you get a more powerful message. When a copywriter, external marketing firm, or various employees (or new employees) contribute to your content, a style guide helps them sound like your brand — one voice.

It also ensures your content team is working toward your marketing goals. A well-researched guide combined with your marketing goals allows you to set an editorial calendar which moves prospects through the sales funnel from leads to loyal customers.

Three-quarters of respondents to a DemandGen survey said content influences their purchasing decisions. And, a majority of consumers expect consistency across customer experiences on the web, social media, mobile or in person. You need a content style guide to create this level of content.

Originally published 08/17/2018. Edited on 07/24/2019 by Olivia J.

Need help focusing your content with a style guide? Or do you just need help finding your brands vision, voice and target audience?  Contact Virteom today. We offer the intel and tools to boost your copy.