Sample Sonic Branding Guideline

[Company Logo]

[Company Name]

At [Company Name], we believe that a strong sonic identity is a vital component of a successful brand. Our goal is to help you create a consistent and powerful audio branding experience across all of your communication channels. To achieve this, we have developed this Sonic Branding Guidelines document that outlines the key elements, principles, and best practices to follow when utilizing your brand's audio assets.

Table of Contents

Overview of Sonic Branding

Audio Logo and Signature

Sonic Palette

Voiceover and Narration

Music and Soundscapes

Audio Watermarks and Brand Sounds

Best Practices

Legal and Licensing Considerations

Overview of Sonic Branding

Sonic branding is the strategic use of sound and music to reinforce your brand identity and values, creating a recognizable and emotional connection with your target audience. By integrating a consistent sonic identity across all communication channels, your brand will become more recognizable, memorable, and impactful.

Audio Logo and Signature

The audio logo is a short, distinctive melody or sound that represents your brand. It should be simple, memorable, and evoke the brand's essence and values.

• Use the approved audio logo in all relevant brand touchpoints.
• Ensure that the audio logo is clearly audible and not distorted.
• Maintain a consistent volume level for the audio logo across different media.

Sonic Palette

The sonic palette is a collection of brand-specific sounds and music that reinforce the brand's identity. It should consist of:

• A primary brand theme: a longer, more developed piece of music that conveys your brand's identity.
• Supporting sound elements: these can include shorter melodies, chords, or sound effects.
• Utilize the sonic palette across all audio-related content.
• Maintain consistency in the style, tone, and mood of your sonic palette.
• Do not mix the sonic palette with other audio elements outside of the approved assets.

Voiceover and Narration

The voiceover or narration is the spoken element of your audio branding. It should:

• Reflect your brand's personality and values.
• Maintain consistency in terms of voice actor, tone, and style.
• Be easily understandable and clear.

Music and Soundscapes

Music and soundscapes can be used to enhance the audio branding experience by setting the mood, supporting the message, and reinforcing the brand identity.

• Choose music that complements and aligns with the brand's sonic palette and audio logo.
• Ensure that the music is legally licensed and credited when required.
• Use soundscapes sparingly and purposefully, always considering the context and audience.

Audio Watermarks and Brand Sounds

Audio watermarks and brand sounds are subtle audio cues that can be used to reinforce brand identity.

• Integrate audio watermarks and brand sounds in relevant touchpoints, such as app notifications, on-hold music, or point-of-sale terminals.
• Use audio watermarks and brand sounds consistently and unobtrusively.
• Best Practices
• Regularly review and update your sonic branding elements to keep them fresh and relevant.
• Train your team on the proper use of audio assets and sonic branding guidelines.
• Monitor the implementation of your sonic branding to ensure consistency and adherence to these guidelines.

Legal and Licensing Considerations

• Obtain appropriate permissions and licenses for any audio elements that are not original to your brand.
• Be aware of any usage restrictions and ensure you are adhering to them.
• Include proper credits and acknowledgements when required by licensing agreements.

By following these Sonic Branding Guidelines, your brand will establish a strong and cohesive audio identity, creating an emotional connection with your audience and ensuring a lasting impression across all communication

Donald "Icon" Medder

Soundtrepeneur-Sound Branding Strategist-Sound Designer-Composer