Find Your Brand Voice (And Then Amp It Up) 🎤

Your brand voice is the lifeblood of your personal brand—it’s what sets you apart in the crowded world of consultants, coaches, and creative professionals. It’s more than just what you say; it’s how you say it. Your voice creates an emotional connection with your audience, and let’s face it, people are way more likely to buy from someone they feel connected to. So, how do you find this elusive voice and make it loud enough to be heard? Let’s dive into some practical methods, book recommendations, and expert resources to help you amp up your brand voice. 🔥

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What Is a Brand Voice, and Why Is It Important? 🤔

Think of your brand voice as your personality in written and spoken form. It’s the tone, style, and attitude that comes across in every piece of communication—from social media posts and blog articles to videos and emails.

Your brand voice does three things:

1. Builds trust: Consistency is key. When people know what to expect from your communication, they feel more comfortable and secure.
2. Differentiates you: Your brand voice should be unique to you. It’s the “you-ness” that makes people want to follow and work with you instead of someone else.
3. Creates emotional connection: Your voice should evoke the right emotions in your audience, whether it’s excitement, trust, inspiration, or even a little bit of fear (if that’s what your brand is all about!).

Now that we’re on the same page about why your voice matters, let’s explore concrete steps for finding and amplifying it.

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Step 1: Self-Reflection – Get to Know You 💭

Before you can find your brand voice, you need to understand your personal voice. This requires some deep, honest self-reflection.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I naturally speak to people?
• What words and phrases do I use often?
• How do I want people to feel when they interact with my content?
• What am I passionate about?

If you’re having trouble answering these questions, start by paying attention to how you communicate in everyday situations. The key here is authenticity—don’t try to force yourself into a tone or style that doesn’t feel natural. If you’re quirky and playful in real life, your brand should reflect that. If you’re introspective and philosophical, own it. 🌱

Exercise: "Mirror, Mirror" 🪞

Keep a journal for one week, capturing snippets of your daily conversations. At the end of the week, review to uncover common themes in how you naturally communicate—your tone, your favorite words, and your overall vibe. This will reveal your authentic voice.

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Step 2: Analyze Your Audience 🕵️‍♀️

Understanding who you’re speaking to is crucial for crafting a voice that resonates. After all, your tone should align with the people you’re trying to attract. Are your ideal clients corporate executives looking for professional, buttoned-up advice? Or are they creative entrepreneurs who prefer a more laid-back, conversational approach?

Exercise: "Audience X-Ray" 🔍

Create a detailed profile of your ideal audience, going beyond demographics to understand their pain points, values, and communication style. This “x-ray” will help you align your voice with their needs while staying true to your own.

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Step 3: Draw Inspiration from the Experts 📚

Now that you’ve reflected on your own voice and your audience, it’s time to get some outside inspiration. There are experts who have mastered the art of brand voice, and they’ve got insights you can borrow.

Book Recommendations:

1. “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller
   This book is a must-read for anyone looking to clarify their message and communicate more effectively with their audience. Miller emphasizes the power of storytelling and the importance of speaking directly to your audience’s needs.
2. “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger
   If you’re trying to create a brand voice that sticks, Berger’s insights on why things catch on will give you the foundation you need. His focus on emotional triggers can help you craft a voice that resonates.
3. “This Is Marketing” by Seth Godin
   Seth Godin has long been the go-to voice for marketing advice, and his emphasis on authentic, people-centered marketing aligns perfectly with the goal of finding your true brand voice. His conversational style is proof that you don’t have to sound corporate to be effective.

Popular YouTube Channels:

1. Marie Forleo
   Marie Forleo has a vibrant, playful, and motivational brand voice. She’s authentic, full of personality, and speaks directly to her audience’s needs. Check out her MarieTV series on YouTube for inspiration on how to communicate with energy and flair.
2. Simon Sinek
   Simon Sinek’s voice is more serious, but it’s always authentic and inspiring. His ability to break down complex topics into digestible, relatable lessons is what makes his voice stand out. Watch his TED Talk, Start with Why, to see how he uses his voice to connect with the audience.
3. Sunny Lenarduzzi
   If you’re looking for a more casual, approachable voice, Sunny Lenarduzzi’s YouTube channel is a great resource. She’s known for her laid-back style and practical advice on branding and business growth. Watching her videos can help you understand how to bring a sense of fun and ease to your brand.

Exercise: "Inspiration Swipe File" 📁

Start a “swipe file” where you collect inspiration from thought leaders, authors, and YouTubers. Jot down quotes, headlines, or video scripts that resonate with you. Use this file as a source of guidance when shaping your brand voice.

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Step 4: Practice and Refine ✍️

Once you’ve done the reflection and research, it’s time to put it all into practice. The truth is, your brand voice will evolve over time, and that’s okay! You don’t have to nail it perfectly on day one. The more you write, speak, and create, the more natural it will become.

Exercise: "Voice Lab" 🔬

Create content in your brand voice—whether it’s blog posts, social media captions, or videos—and get feedback from trusted colleagues or clients. Their input will help you fine-tune your voice over time. Keep experimenting in this “lab” until your voice feels just right.

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Step 5: Be Consistent Across Platforms 📲

One of the most common pitfalls is having a brand voice that’s all over the place. You might be formal on LinkedIn, but quirky on Instagram, and completely different on your blog. This inconsistency can confuse your audience.

Exercise: "Tone Tracker" 🛤️

Build a "Brand Voice Guide" with a clear outline of your voice traits (playful, empowering, etc.) and examples for different platforms (social media, blog, email). Use this guide as your “tone tracker” to maintain consistency, no matter where your voice shows up.

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Step 6: Amplify Your Voice 🎙️

Once you’ve found your voice, it’s time to turn up the volume. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate your tone a little to make it more memorable. If you’re sarcastic, lean into it. If you’re a motivator, crank up the inspiration. The point is to be unforgettable.

Exercise: "Turn Up the Volume" 🔊

Take a piece of content you’ve already created and amplify it. Make your tone bolder, more emotional, and unmistakably you. This exercise will help you push boundaries and connect with your audience in a more memorable way.

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Final Thoughts 🧠

Finding and amplifying your brand voice isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey of self-discovery, trial and error, and, most importantly, authenticity. Your voice is the bridge between you and your audience—so make sure it’s strong, consistent, and 100% you. 🌟

By reflecting on your personal style, analyzing your audience, and drawing inspiration from experts, you can craft a brand voice that not only sets you apart but also builds trust and connection with your ideal clients. And once you’ve found it? Don’t be afraid to shout it from the rooftops. 🎉

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