Many websites receive input from varied sources within a company. For this reason it’s important to establish a style guide. A web style guide is a set of web standards that will be followed on your site. It should define the look of the site, typefaces, writing style & grammar, layout style, graphics usage, etc. A well-thought out web site style guide will encourage consistency and ease-of-use. Make sure when additions or changes are made to the style guide, that all designers or web authors are notified of the revised guide.

You may need to define and include:

What format online material should be submitted in (both text & graphics)

What writing style the company will use

Any specific company terminology

Logo style guide

Typefaces

Format & layout

Graphics styles (buttons, photos, etc)

Color usage

Link styles

Sharebrain offers a free Photoshop template for a Website Style Guide. Check it out for ideas, alter it and make it your own. Of course, you don’t need Photoshop to create a web style guide. Just take your time, discuss with colleagues, and take detailed notes. Let us know what is included in your style guide!