Because sounding like yourself is one of your brand’s biggest superpowers.
You’ve got the visuals down — a logo that feels fresh, a color palette you keep coming back to, fonts that scream “you” — but when it’s time to write, you freeze. Suddenly, you’re second-guessing every sentence. “Does this sound professional enough?” “Is this too cheesy?” “Why do I sound like a robot who just learned English?”
If that sounds familiar, welcome. You’re not alone — and the good news is, there’s a simple fix: finding your brand voice.
Your brand voice is how your business shows up in words. It’s the tone, style, and personality behind everything you write — from your Instagram captions to your about page to the emails you send. And just like your design aesthetic, your brand voice should be uniquely yours.
Let’s walk through how to find it — and keep it consistent.
1. Start With Who You Are (and Who You’re For)
Before you think about voice, think about identity. Ask yourself:
- What kind of energy do I want my brand to give off?
- What words do people use when they describe me or my work?
- Who am I trying to reach, and how do they talk?
If you’re a photographer who specializes in dreamy, story-driven work, you probably don’t need to sound ultra-corporate. If you’re a designer with a clean, bold style, your tone might lean more minimal and confident.
Pro tip: Your voice should feel like a natural extension of you — but a little more focused and filtered through your audience’s lens.
2. Pick 3–5 Voice Words
This is a quick way to name your tone. Think of it as your brand voice’s “personality combo.”
Examples:
- Calm / Clear / Kind
- Bold / Witty / Direct
- Strategic / Minimal / Friendly
- Warm / Honest / Relatable
Once you’ve got your words, use them like a compass. If what you’re writing doesn’t sound like it fits all (or most) of those, it might need tweaking.
3. Define What You Are (and What You’re Not)
A “this, not that” list is a great way to draw the lines.
For example:
- I am: approachable, thoughtful, confident
- I am not: overly formal, trendy-for-trendy’s-sake, robotic
This helps when you’re editing your own copy — and especially helpful if you ever bring on someone to help you write.
4. Practice On Real Things
Don’t just define your voice — use it. Try rewriting parts of your website, an email template, or a recent Instagram caption in your updated voice. Ask yourself:
- Does this sound like something I’d actually say?
- Would my dream client feel more connected to me reading this?
- Am I being clear and true to my tone?
If you’re stuck, record yourself talking about your work — literally hit voice memos and just talk. Often your real voice comes through more naturally when you’re speaking, not typing.
5. Give Yourself Room to Evolve
Your voice might shift slightly over time — and that’s okay. Just like your creative work, your tone grows with you. Maybe you start out sounding polished and professional, and grow into something more relaxed and playful. The key is staying authentic — don’t force a tone because it’s trendy. Stick to what’s true, and your audience will notice.
Final Word: You Don’t Need to Sound Like Everyone Else
This is the trap a lot of creatives fall into: writing how they think a business should sound instead of how they actually talk. But people are drawn to honesty, clarity, and personality. So if you’re thoughtful? Show that. If you’re a little quirky? Lean into it. The right people will resonate.
And if writing still feels overwhelming? That’s what I’m here for. Whether it’s nailing your about page, brainstorming a tagline, or shaping a full brand identity — I’d love to help.