Nonprofits often struggle with building brand recognition. Often, they do not have the resources to respond to requests for a design. As a result, they end up creating their own collateral. In this article, you will learn how to develop a brand image, logo, and message. We also discuss how to create a style guide to help you create consistent materials. But before you get started, make sure you understand the basic concepts of brand building.
Creating a brand image
If you want to build a brand identity for your nonprofit, you’ll first need to define its voice. You may want to be known as compassionate, forward-thinking, or no-nonsense. Regardless of your personality, there’s a way to define it with words,
colours, and fonts. Using a style guide can help you project a consistent and professional image. Listed below are some tips to help you get started.
Developing a style guide
Style guides are important tools to use in communicating your organization’s message. While nonprofits may use their own unique voice, it’s helpful to have a general guide for the way they write. In the future, this guide can grow with your nonprofit as your voice changes. Developing an organizational style guide will also help you communicate your mission and brand more clearly to new staff members. Here are a few tips for creating an effective style guide:
Developing a logo
When developing a logo for a nonprofit program, keep your prime goal in mind. Developing a logo for a nonprofit should represent the organization’s values, its prime mission, and the specific services and programs it provides. For example, a nonprofit logo can include a tagline or symbolic representation of its mission. Then, when designing a logo, make sure to keep that tagline concise, and keep the design simple and versatile.
Developing a message
Developing a message for your nonprofit organization is crucial to making your identity and programs stand out. As a nonprofit, you want to create a distinctive profile and presence to attract donors. Your message should be concise, yet powerful enough to convey your organization’s role to the donor in the elevator. It should also be easily repeatable in different contexts. Here are some helpful tips. To develop a compelling message, create a profile and tagline.
Developing a persona
Before you begin developing a persona, you should first define a broad segment of your audience. Nonprofits can define these audiences as volunteers, donors, or supporters, and then break them down further into specific groups. For example, you can develop personas for first-time donors, long-term donors, and highest-contributing donors. It’s important to consider the demographics of these groups as they are likely to have different interests and goals than other audiences.
