We’ve been doing a lot of proofreading lately, which brings to mind just how useful a corporate style guide for writers can be.

It’s quite common for businesses and other organisations to have visual style guides, but the actual content is often forgotten until a proofreader points out all the inconsistencies.

A style guide can be as simple or as complex as you want: covering basics from always writing brand names in capitals – or not – to whether specific words are hyphenated.

Once simple rules are written down, it’s much easier to remember them when you come to write a word and think “company policy is to hyphenate this word” or “we write that with a capital”.

The result is greater consistency, more effective communication and less time spent ironing out inconsistencies every time you want to publish a brochure or web site content.

Developing long-term relationships with clients is always satisfying, so we’re pleased to be working with Two Rivers Travel to develop its marketing and PR from the initial launch (which included devising the logo for its coaches and identity, producing a 2008 launch brochure of 34 Days Out and breaks, and developing its web site) to today’s launch of its advance programme for 2009 with 100+ Days Out, breaks and holidays. 

As the Reading-based coach operator establishes itself, there are more opportunities to develop both its printed and online material to reflect the company’s aim to maintain high standards in everything it does.

In the present challenging economic climate, effective print and web-based marketing and PR materials are essential both to new and established businesses determined to survive and thrive.

Visit the Two Rivers Travel web site and request a brochure at www.tworiverstravel.co.uk.

Well, we do and give you a few hints about improving sales in an article for the 100K Business Ventures newsletter.

Or return to z2zine for more copywriting, web site, marketing and PR hints and tips.