applying-brand-guidelines
Apply brand voice, tone, and style guidelines to written content across platforms. Use this skill when writing or editing content that needs to reflect a specific brand identity, adapting content for LinkedIn, Substack, X (Twitter), or other platforms while maintaining brand consistency. Triggers include requests to write on-brand content, apply brand voice, adapt content for platforms, or review content for brand alignment.
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill enables users to systematically apply brand voice, tone, and style guidelines to any written content. It ensures brand consistency across multiple platforms like LinkedIn, Substack, and X (Twitter) by utilizing a comprehensive framework that covers personality dimensions, messaging pillars, and specific formatting rules. Ideal for maintaining a unified brand identity while adapting content to different audience contexts and platform requirements.
Use Cases
- Social Media Adaptation: Transform long-form articles into platform-specific posts for LinkedIn, Substack, or X while maintaining a consistent brand personality.
- Content Review and Audit: Evaluate existing marketing drafts against established brand profiles to ensure alignment with core messaging pillars and stylistic rules.
- Brand Voice Implementation: Apply specific voice dimensions—such as formal vs. casual or technical vs. accessible—to raw drafts to create polished, on-brand communications.
- Multi-Channel Consistency: Ensure that newsletters, social updates, and thought leadership pieces all reflect the same brand values and terminology across different departments.
| name | applying-brand-guidelines |
|---|---|
| description | Apply brand voice, tone, and style guidelines to written content across platforms. Use this skill when writing or editing content that needs to reflect a specific brand identity, adapting content for LinkedIn, Substack, X (Twitter), or other platforms while maintaining brand consistency. Triggers include requests to write on-brand content, apply brand voice, adapt content for platforms, or review content for brand alignment. |
Brand Guidelines
Apply consistent brand voice, tone, and style across all written content while adapting appropriately for each platform.
Before Writing
Always read the brand profile first: Check assets/brand-profile.md for the specific brand's voice, tone, messaging pillars, and style rules. If no brand profile exists, ask the user to provide brand guidelines or help them create one using the template.
Core Framework
1. Voice (WHO the brand is)
Voice is the brand's personality—consistent across all content.
Voice dimensions to consider:
- Formal ↔ Casual: How structured is the language?
- Serious ↔ Playful: Is humor appropriate?
- Technical ↔ Accessible: What's the expertise level?
- Reserved ↔ Enthusiastic: How much energy?
- Traditional ↔ Innovative: How cutting-edge?
2. Tone (HOW the brand speaks in context)
Tone adapts to situation while staying true to voice.
Tone shifts by context:
- Celebrating wins → More enthusiastic
- Addressing problems → More empathetic
- Teaching → More patient and clear
- Thought leadership → More authoritative
- Community building → More warm and inclusive
3. Messaging Pillars (WHAT the brand talks about)
Core themes that anchor all content:
- Primary topics and expertise areas
- Values and beliefs to reinforce
- Stories and proof points to reference
- Phrases and language to use/avoid
4. Style Rules (Mechanics)
Consistent formatting and language choices:
- Capitalization conventions
- Punctuation preferences
- Terminology and word choices
- Formatting patterns
Applying Guidelines to Content
Step 1: Identify Context
- What platform is this for?
- What's the content goal? (educate, inspire, convert, engage)
- Who's the specific audience?
- What's the emotional context?
Step 2: Adapt for Platform
See references/platforms.md for platform-specific guidance on:
- LinkedIn (professional thought leadership)
- Substack (long-form newsletter)
- X/Twitter (concise, conversational)
Step 3: Write with Voice
Apply brand voice dimensions:
- Use vocabulary consistent with formality level
- Match energy and enthusiasm level
- Maintain expertise positioning
- Reflect brand personality
Step 4: Check Messaging Alignment
Ensure content:
- Supports at least one messaging pillar
- Uses approved terminology
- Avoids prohibited language
- Reinforces brand values
Step 5: Apply Style Rules
- Follow capitalization conventions
- Use correct punctuation style
- Apply formatting patterns
- Check terminology consistency
Content Review Checklist
Before finalizing any content, verify:
Voice
- Does this sound like the brand?
- Is the formality level appropriate?
- Is the energy/enthusiasm right?
Tone
- Is the tone appropriate for this context?
- Does it match the content's purpose?
Messaging
- Does it support brand messaging pillars?
- Are we using approved terminology?
- Does it reinforce brand values?
Style
- Capitalization follows guidelines?
- Punctuation is consistent?
- Formatting matches brand patterns?
Platform
- Adapted appropriately for the platform?
- Meets platform best practices?
- Right length and format?
References
references/platforms.md- Platform-specific adaptation guidelinesassets/brand-profile.md- Template for defining brand guidelines (customize this)
Quick Adaptation Guide
| Element | Substack | X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 150-300 words | 500-2000 words | 280 chars or threads |
| Tone | Professional, authoritative | Personal, in-depth | Conversational, punchy |
| Format | Short paragraphs, bullets | Headers, sections | Single thought or thread |
| Hashtags | 3-5 at end | None | 1-2 relevant |
| CTAs | Questions, saves | Subscribe, share | Repost, reply |