Create a Stop Scrolling Brand Voice in 2023

With competition fierce as hell and attention spans shorter than a goldfish’s, crafting a unique brand voice isn’t just about being heard; it’s about being remembered. But how to find your brand voice in 2023?

Creating a standout brand identity in the hustle of 2023 isn’t just crucial—it’s an art form.

Your brand identity is a cocktail of your voice, personality, and the tone you adopt in communications.

It’s the secret sauce that flavors every message you send out into the world, from tweets to blog posts.

This article will slice through the noise to explore the essence of brand voice, how to forge yours, and why it can be the beacon that draws your audience in.

What’s a Brand Voice?

Think of brand voice as your brand’s linguistic fingerprint—it’s the language, style, and emotional resonance that breathes life into your content. Far more than just a string of words, it’s the embodiment of your values and culture. It’s how your brand shakes hands and looks someone in the eye; it’s the authenticity that forges connections.

Crafting a Unique Brand Voice

• Know Your Audience: Dive into the world of your audience. What makes them tick? What do they value? Your voice should be a mirror in which they see themselves.

• Value-Driven Voice: Your core values should be the compass that directs your brand voice. Authenticity, transparency, humor, or wisdom—let your values do the talking.

• Tone and Style: Are you the friendly next-door neighbor or the sage on the mountaintop? The choice of formal or playful, sophisticated or down-to-earth, defines your brand’s character.

Hot Tips:

• Consistency, girl! A consistent brand voice is like a familiar face in the crowd—it builds recognition and trust. It ensures your brand is always ‘you’, whether it’s a 280-character tweet or a detailed guide.

• Sprinkle Emotion: A powerful brand voice taps into emotions, from the laughter that bubbles up at a clever pun to the nod of respect for a well-reasoned argument. It’s these emotions that stick with people, that make your brand a friend rather than a faceless entity.

• Dare to Stand Out: With a sea of competitors, your brand voice is your flag on the mountain. It’s what makes you, you; it’s why your audience will choose your shore over countless others.

• Be Memorable: A consistent voice isn’t just about being recognized—it’s about being unforgettable. It turns your message from a whisper in the wind to an anthem in the hearts of your audience.

• Trust Through Authenticity: Trust isn’t given; it’s earned. An authentic brand voice is a handshake, a look in the eye, a promise kept. It’s what turns visitors into customers, customers into advocates.

• Converting with Emotion: When your audience feels something, they act. An engaging, emotive brand voice doesn’t just say, “buy this”—it says, “join us.”

How to Keep Consistency across Multiple Platforms

The key is to adapt without losing the core of who you are is adapting to the various platforms your brand is present. Social media, blogs, podcasts…

Shifting voices confuse your people.

Whether you’re on Instagram or sending an email, your brand voice should be unmistakably you.

Listen and Adapt.

Feedback is gold. Listen to your audience; their responses can fine-tune your voice to resonate even deeper. Does your brand voice speak your values? Does it resonate with your readers?

Social Media and Brand Voice

Social media isn’t just a stage; it’s a myriad of stages, each with its own audience. Tailor your voice to fit the culture of each platform, but make sure it always stays true to your brand.

Content marketing is storytelling, and your brand voice is the narrator. It’s how you turn facts and figures into tales that captivate. Use that wisely!

Answering your Most Frequent Questions in my Brand Voice consults:

Q: How do I find the right tone for my brand voice?

A: Start by understanding your audience and brand values. What do they value? What are the words they use and resonate with?

Q: Can I change my brand voice over time?

A: Of course, you have to! We are all in constant evolution and your brand might not be the same as it was when you first started. Your audience might have changed, your approach might have changed as well. Take time to periodically check in with your content and feel free to adjust whatever does not represent or resonate any longer.

Q: Is brand voice only about words?

A: Nope. Think also visuals, like colors and imagery, that align with your brand’s personality.

Q: How can I ensure my brand voice remains consistent across different platforms?

A: Create a Brand Voice guide! This is what I always do with my copywriting clients as the best resource to outline your brand voice and provide examples for different platforms.

Q: What role does humor play in brand voice?

A: Humor can make your brand relatable and memorable, but it should align with your brand’s identity and not offend your audience.

Q: What’s the difference between tone of voice (TOV) and brand voice?

A: Brand voice is the personality; it’s the James Bond of your brand—cool, consistent, suave.

Tone of voice is more like Bond’s attire—it changes depending on the situation. Brand voice is who you are, while tone of voice is how you express that identity in different contexts.

Q: Can you give me an example of a quote in different brand voices?

A: Absolutely! Let’s take the simple phrase, “We’re glad you’re here,” and see how different brands might spin it:

• Nike: “Just Do It—Welcome to the arena.”
• Apple: “Welcome to the revolution of innovation.”
• Disney: “Where dreams come true—happy to have you in our world!”
• Red Bull: “Glad you’ve landed with us—time to take flight!”

Q: How can I ensure my brand voice doesn’t get lost in translation across different platforms?

A: Picture your brand as a character in a book series. The character remains the same, with a distinct personality, whether they’re solving mysteries on a space station or in an ancient temple. Your brand voice should be that character—recognizable and true to itself, whether it’s in a tweet, a blog post, or a video script.

Q: What are some practical examples of brand voice versus tone?

A: Let’s look at The North Face. Their brand voice embodies adventure and resilience. On a sunny day, their tone might be inspiring and energetic: “Seize the day, conquer new heights!” But during a tough situation, like a natural disaster, their tone would shift to something more solemn and supportive: “Together, we’re strong enough to overcome any challenge.”

Conclusion

At this point it should be clear that your brand voice is more than a communication tool—it’s the soul of your brand. Invest in it, nurture it, and watch as it becomes the echo that keeps your audience coming back for more.

Ready to turn the beat up on your brand voice?

Remember, it’s all about harmony—your brand’s voice should be a hit track that plays true across all channels, resonating with the heart of your audience.

Now, go make some noise!

Need extra help? Let me help you craft your unique brand voice!