Every entrepreneur knows that having a strong brand is essential to success. But many don't realize that creating a brand voice that resonates with your audience is just as important. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to do just that. So whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh your current brand, read on for some helpful advice about creating your brand voice.
1) Define Your Audience & What They Want to Hear From You
Before speaking to your audience, it's always important to do market research. Understanding who you are communicating with and what they want to hear from you will help you create compelling content that speaks directly to them. It's essential to focus on the specific behavior and interests of your target market, tailoring your message and style of communication in ways that will resonate with them.
Taking the time to research and define your audience allows you better equip yourself with the knowledge needed to reach them in the most impactful way possible.
2) Create a Brand Persona for Your Business
Creating a brand persona for your brand can be an incredibly effective way to engage with your target audience. After all, it helps people see your brand as a friend or companion rather than just another brand or logo.
It's important to have personality and engage with people in a conversational way, so when developing your brand's own unique personality, some key points to keep in mind are humor, likability, and authenticity. Your brand's persona should be relatable - someone who reflects the same values as your target consumer would, such as courage, intelligence, and humor.
Of course, you also want to ensure that you’re consistent in portraying this brand personality across all of your marketing channels so that people can come to recognize “the face” of your brand.
Brand photos by Nathalie Amlani, Pictonat featuring Amanda Dahler, Outspoken Design.
3) Write in a Tone That is Consistent With Your Brand Persona
Keeping your tone of voice consistent with your brand persona is essential. Your tone of voice is what truly defines and presents your brand - how you sound as a company speaks volumes and can be the difference between success and unexplained failure.
Think of it like having an actual conversational tone with your customers; if they don't like the tone, chances are they won't want to engage with your brand. Let's make sure that we all align our tone of voice to match our brand persona - it'll make things much easier!
4) Be Authentic - Don't Try to be Something You're Not
Authentic branding is key when it comes to being successful in any business. Being authentic to who you are can mean the difference between success and failure.
Trying to be something you're not can often backfire; people will take notice if your message isn't authentic. Not only that, but trying to be someone else or post content that doesn't reflect who you are can be tedious and draining because, after all, you're simply pretending to be something else.
Instead of putting in all that effort with no reward, embrace what makes you unique and use that as inspiration for your messaging — authentic messages will always resonate more with audiences than something contrived or forced.
5) Keep it Simple - Use Clear Language
When it comes to communication, it pays off to KISS -- keep it simple, silly! Simple, direct language ensures everyone understands what’s being said.
One trap people often fall into is stuffing their communications with jargon or other industry-specific words. This is a big no-no! Not only can jargon be confusing, but it might also alienate or frustrate whoever's on the receiving end of the message. When in doubt, avoid the jargon and opt for more straightforward language that anyone can understand. Keep it clear, keep it concise – and your audience will thank you for it!
Brand photos by Nathalie Amlani, Pictonat featuring Amanda Dahler, Outspoken Design.
6) Building Emotional Connections with Your Audience
People connect more with personal brands than cookie-cutter corporations, so why not make sure your personal brand invites customers to connect on an emotional level?
Making an emotional connection is all about relating and connecting with them in meaningful ways, like focusing on shared values. Show that you understand their struggles and want to help them through the journey they’re undertaking.
Everyone wants to open up to a brand that understands who they are and their needs. It will lead to more loyalty, trustworthiness, and engagement from your audience. Keep that in mind as you work hard to build even stronger personal relationships with each customer.
Final Thoughts
Defining your target audience and understanding what they want to hear from you is the first step in creating a successful brand strategy. Once you know who your ideal customer is, you can create a persona for your brand that reflects the kind of personality you want it to have. Write in a tone that is consistent with your brand persona and be authentic - don't try to be something you're not. Keep it simple by using clear language that everyone can understand, and connect with your audience on an emotional level.
Ready to get started perfecting your personal brand? Let's work together to craft your perfect brand strategy.
About Me
Hello, I'm Nathalie - owner and photographer of Pictonat Photography located in the heart of Toronto. I help entrepreneurs and professionals create a strong personal brand online with authentic images that builds connection and trust with their audience.
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Want to learn more about how a professional headshots or personal branding session looks like for your business? Get in touch and I'd love to chat!