A company brief is a concise document that summarizes the type, operations, and focus of your business. A successful company brief can save time, align everyone on the same page within your company, and provide outsiders with a better understanding of your business in a heartbeat. This guide explains the steps to create a clear company brief step-by-step.
What Is a Company Brief?
A company brief is a brief summary of a company. It incorporates information on the company, target customers, products, company aims, and values. Keep employees, short-term agencies, and short-term investors and a consistent theme with the company. These are generally 1-2 pages.
A company brief is similar to a company in a nutshell. This is NOT a business plan! It is a quick reference book; it’s something that anybody can read in five minutes.
Why a Company Brief Matters
A good company brief provides the same information to all. When you don’t have one, each person refers to your business in a different manner.
A company brief can help you with the following:
- Produce a quick turnaround of new employees faster.
- Discuss agencies/freelancers.
- Ensure a consistent brand message.
- Be a good partner in sales/partnership talks.
- Be prepared to answer an investor or media question!
The company brief is, in addition, a well-crafted one, which is similar to defining your own company. The only exercise to uncover strategy gaps can be this one.
Company Brief vs. Related Documents
This is a common mistake that people make; many people mix it up with other documents. The difference is indicated in the following table:
| Document | Purpose | Typical Length |
| Company brief | Quick overview of the business | 1–2 pages |
| Company profile | Public-facing description | 1–3 pages |
| Creative brief | Instructions for a specific project | 1–2 pages |
| Business plan | Detailed strategy and finances | 20+ pages |
| Executive summary | Short overview inside a larger report | 1 page |
A company brief is internal-friendly and broad. A creative brief is narrow and project-based. Use each one for its own job.
What to Include in a Company Brief
Each brief should include the answers to some fundamental questions. Make each section brief.
Company Overview
Introduce the company in 2-3 sentences, including the location and date it was established and a brief description of what your business is. Use plain words. Avoid buzzwords.
Mission and Vision
Your mission is why the company is there to begin with. What you see is what you will be. A company brief must have both; just one sentence per each is required.
Products and Services
List what you sell. Write a 1-line description for each offer. Be sure to talk about the problem it solves, not simply the features.
Target Audience
Talk about your target customer(s). Recognize their name, need, and location. A vague company brief equals vague marketing.
Competitors and Positioning
Identify 2-3 key competitors. Then tell how you’re different. In this place, be sincere; if not true, then a company brief is not helpful.
Goals and Milestones
Discuss both immediate and future objectives. Only include ACTUAL milestones. Make not numbers that make a larger number.
Brand Voice & Values
Explain the tone and message your company is sending. This helps you keep your writers and designers on-brand.
Contact Details
End your business card short with a contact name, email, and site.
How to Write a Company Brief Step by Step
There’s a simple way of writing a brief that will be read.
- Gather facts. Collect the information about your mission, product, and important dates.
- Define the reader. Discuss who will be using this company and why.
- Write a draft. Keep sentences short and in simple English.
- Cut the extras. Eliminate material that isn’t helpful to the reader.
- Check accuracy. Check all the statements in a company brief.
- Get feedback. Get someone who is a newbie to read it.
- Update regularly. Regularly reread your company brief, at least annually.
Company Brief Template
You can copy this simple structure for your own company brief:
| Section | What to Write |
| Company name | Official name and website |
| Overview | 2–3 sentences about the business |
| Mission | One sentence |
| Products/services | Short list with one-line descriptions |
| Audience | Who you serve |
| Competitors | Two or three, plus your difference |
| Goals | Current priorities |
| Brand voice | Three words that describe your tone |
| Contact | Name, email, phone |
Common Company Brief Mistakes
There are many ways a company brief can go wrong. Be aware of the following issues:
- The business brief should be short: too long. If it is more than two pages in length, cut it out.
- More is more: If you say “world-class solutions,” then it means nothing.
- A poorly written company brief can result in wrong information being conveyed to the partners and employees of the company.
- No specific reader—Write for a specific audience.
- Unproven claims: Only include facts that are backed up by evidence.
Tips for a Better Company Brief
Utilize headings to scan. Include a basic logo and uniformity. Store your company name in a shared folder for easy access by other members of your company. Write a short version for agencies and a longer version to be e-mailed.
Final Thoughts
One of the easiest and most beneficial documents any company can make is a company brief. It provides a common storyline to all, shortens the induction process, and makes it easy for all of the external parties to approach it. Maintain a short, succinct, and current company name. Copy and paste in the appropriate facts in each section of the template and share with your team. With an easy-to-understand company brief today, confusion can be avoided.
FAQs
What is a company brief?
A company brief is a short document summarizing what a business does, who it serves, and what it aims to achieve.
How long should a company brief be?
Aim for one to two pages. A company brief should be quick to read.
Who writes a company brief?
Usually founders, marketing teams, or communications staff write the company brief, with input from leadership.
What is the difference between a company brief and a company profile?
A company brief is often used internally or with partners. A company profile is usually public-facing and more polished.
Do small businesses need a company brief?
Yes. A small company brief helps freelancers, new hires, and clients understand the business quickly.
How often should I update my company brief?
Review it at least once a year, or after major changes such as a rebrand or new product.
Can a company brief be used for investors?
Yes, though investors usually also want financial details. Use your company brief as a starting point.
What format is best for a company brief?
A PDF or shared document works well. Keep the design clean and the text easy to scan.
Is a company brief the same as a creative brief?
No. A creative brief covers one project. A company brief covers the whole business.
