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Brand Consistency Checklist for Ads and Social Posts

Consistency requires discipline. This checklist provides a systematic review process to ensure every piece of creative content maintains brand standards.

Use this before publishing any ad or social media post.


Logo and Identity

Logo Usage

  • [ ] Correct logo version used for context
  • [ ] Logo at or above minimum size
  • [ ] Required clear space maintained
  • [ ] Logo not distorted or modified
  • [ ] Logo visible and legible
  • [ ] Background provides sufficient contrast

Brand Identity Elements

  • [ ] Correct brand name spelling
  • [ ] Trademark symbols where required
  • [ ] No unauthorized modifications to identity elements

Color Consistency

Primary Colors

  • [ ] Brand colors match exact specifications
  • [ ] Primary color used dominantly
  • [ ] Color combinations follow guidelines
  • [ ] No off-brand colors introduced

Color Application

  • [ ] Text readable against backgrounds
  • [ ] Sufficient contrast for accessibility
  • [ ] Color hierarchy followed
  • [ ] Consistent across all elements

Typography

Font Usage

  • [ ] Correct brand typeface used
  • [ ] Appropriate font weights applied
  • [ ] Font licensing compliance verified
  • [ ] Fallback fonts applied correctly (when needed)

Text Styling

  • [ ] Heading hierarchy followed
  • [ ] Consistent capitalization style
  • [ ] Line spacing within guidelines
  • [ ] Text alignment consistent

Readability

  • [ ] Text size appropriate for format
  • [ ] Contrast ensures readability
  • [ ] No text over busy backgrounds
  • [ ] Mobile readability considered

Imagery

Photography

  • [ ] Style matches brand guidelines
  • [ ] Image quality meets standards
  • [ ] Lighting appropriate for brand
  • [ ] Subject matter on-brand

Graphics and Illustrations

  • [ ] Style consistent with brand
  • [ ] Colors match palette
  • [ ] Quality and resolution appropriate

Image Treatment

  • [ ] Filters/effects consistent
  • [ ] Cropping follows guidelines
  • [ ] No distortion or stretching

Voice and Messaging

Tone

  • [ ] Matches brand voice description
  • [ ] Appropriate for audience
  • [ ] Consistent with other communications

Copy Quality

  • [ ] Grammar and spelling correct
  • [ ] Brand terminology used correctly
  • [ ] No off-brand phrases or words
  • [ ] Messaging clear and on-strategy
  • [ ] Required disclaimers included
  • [ ] Claims substantiated
  • [ ] Competitive comparisons appropriate
  • [ ] Regulatory requirements met

Platform-Specific

Format Requirements

  • [ ] Correct dimensions for platform
  • [ ] Safe zones respected
  • [ ] Mobile display considered
  • [ ] File format appropriate

Platform Guidelines

  • [ ] Advertising policies followed
  • [ ] Content restrictions observed
  • [ ] CTA format appropriate for platform

Social Media Specific

Profile Consistency

  • [ ] Profile image current and consistent
  • [ ] Bio information accurate
  • [ ] Links working

Post Elements

  • [ ] Hashtags on-brand and appropriate
  • [ ] Mentions and tags correct
  • [ ] Links verified and working
  • [ ] Emojis used consistently (if part of brand)

Engagement Voice

  • [ ] Reply tone matches brand
  • [ ] Consistency across team members
  • [ ] Crisis guidelines followed (if applicable)

Ad Creative Specific

Offer Presentation

  • [ ] Offer clearly stated
  • [ ] Terms and conditions visible
  • [ ] Expiration dates accurate
  • [ ] Pricing correct

CTA

  • [ ] Action clear and compelling
  • [ ] Button or link visible
  • [ ] Destination URL correct
  • [ ] Landing page consistent with ad

Performance Elements

  • [ ] Hook within first 3 seconds (video)
  • [ ] Key message visible immediately
  • [ ] Value proposition clear

Technical Quality

Resolution and Quality

  • [ ] Image resolution sufficient
  • [ ] No pixelation or blur
  • [ ] Video quality appropriate
  • [ ] Audio clear (if applicable)

File Specifications

  • [ ] File size within limits
  • [ ] Correct file format
  • [ ] Color profile correct

Pre-Publish Review Process

Self-Review

  1. Distance check: View at actual display size
  2. Fresh eyes: Wait, then review again
  3. Checklist: Go through systematically

Peer Review

  • [ ] Second set of eyes reviewed
  • [ ] Feedback addressed
  • [ ] Final sign-off obtained

Stakeholder Approval

  • [ ] Required approvals obtained
  • [ ] Revisions incorporated
  • [ ] Documentation saved

Common Consistency Issues

Issue 1: Color Drift

Colors slightly off from brand palette. Prevention: Use exact color codes, never eyeball.

Issue 2: Font Substitution

Wrong fonts used when brand fonts unavailable. Prevention: Provide web-safe alternatives, ensure font access.

Issue 3: Logo Manipulation

Logo modified for "fit" or "creativity." Prevention: Clear guidelines, no exceptions policy.

Issue 4: Voice Inconsistency

Different team members writing in different tones. Prevention: Voice guidelines, example library, training.

Issue 5: Template Deviation

Templates modified beyond guidelines. Prevention: Lock critical elements, provide flexibility zones.


Quick Consistency Audit

For rapid review, check these five things:

  1. Logo: Correct, properly placed, clear space maintained?
  2. Colors: Brand colors, properly applied?
  3. Fonts: Brand typeface, correct styling?
  4. Voice: Sounds like the brand?
  5. Quality: Professional, polished, platform-appropriate?

If all five pass, deeper checklist likely passes too.


Conclusion

Consistency is not achieved through talent alone. It requires systematic checking and discipline.

Use this checklist for every piece of content. Adapt it. Make it habit. Consistency compounds into recognition and trust.


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— The Avocad Team