Content that is created by someone who has clearly defined their voice has a definite ring to it. You immediately feel connected to their product or service. In your opinion, not only are they an expert, but they are also truly passionate about the message they are delivering.
People are influenced by those who speak with their authentic voice. Yet, what we don’t appreciate is the time and effort put in by those that have found their voice. For most of us, this doesn’t come naturally. It is a talent that is polished and perfected over time.
So, as a content marketer, how do you learn to communicate in your authentic voice?
Simple, Identify What You're Most Passionate About.
For example, if you love woodworking share with others the process behind designing and building your creations. If health and fitness is your passion, write about your journey and transformation. If you are a skilled chef, target those who want to learn the art of cooking. What's a topic that you could talk about for hours on end? Identify a topic you can easily talk and teach others about even if you weren't getting paid?
What's something that fires up your soul and gets you genuinely excited?
While not every passion can be monetized, you'd be amazed at how many people do manage to turn their passions into money making pursuits, even in the most obscure niches.
When you create content around a topic that you love it’s evident and people will naturally want to listen, learn, and engage with you.
Be Self-Expressive and Unforgettable
Create without censorship. Don't worry too much about “political correctness.” Now, I’m not saying be thoughtless or insensitive, simply focus on the message you’re trying to communicate. Keep in mind, when you are speaking from your authentic voice, you're going to turn some people off; it’s not you, it’s them. However, you'll also attract the people who want to listen, learn, and engage with you. These are the ones who are more likely to purchase your product or service.
Creating content that is self-expressive and memorable is especially important for those of you just staring out; you need to stand out to be remembered. People who have strong voices stand out. Some people like them, others might dislike them. But that's how genuine followings are built. Rarely is a following built from people who try to please everyone. An unexpected visual, play on words, or extraordinary act can turn you into a thought leader in your chosen niche.
Sometimes Good Enough Really Is Good Enough
You’ve heard it said, “perfectionism is the mother of procrastination.” Do not allow the paralyzing grip of perfectionism to cause you from reaching your content creation goals. If you become locked into being a perfectionist, it begins to waste your valuable time and creative energy. The more effort you put into making your content perfect, the less real productivity you’ll enjoy.
Again, I am not advocating for you to be sloppy or unprofessional, but you should be aware of when your perfectionist tendencies are keeping you from achieving your content creation goals. Instead, maintain a balance between perfection and productivity, and procrastination will not be an obstacle.
Even while writing this blog, I am having to fight the process of overthinking caused by perfectionism.
So, I am going to stop this section right here!
Focus On the Impression You Want to Make
It is easy to identify someone who honestly wants to make an impact on your life by taking the time to create valuable content that you will benefit from versus someone who's just creating content to fill their blog or social media platforms. Most likely, you can tell that the former has a completely different feel to it.
Naturally, we are drawn to the people who we perceive want to help us.
When you're creating content, write or speak as if you were speaking one on one to a friend. Write naturally, in a casual yet self-expressed and passionate manner. When you truly want to support people, they know it. It comes through in your writing and your voice. This is what creates the connection that is vital to the success of your product or service.
When you're creating content for your marketing strategy, ask yourself: Who are you trying to help with this content? How would you like their life to change because of this content you have created for them?
In Summary: The Importance of Establishing Your Voice
As a content marketer your voice represents your unique perspective and the values you stand for.
Your voice is that "one thing" a person can point to and say whether your content is helpful or not. It's the basis for the overall vibe of your content, how everything you write or say is presented. Authentic content, created from your passion, is what builds a sense of trust and a loyal community of clients.
In fact, according to a study completed by Harvard Business School, 95% of purchasing decisions are based on feelings instead of logic. This indicates buyers are more inclined to choose the products or services that appeal to their subconscious, or “gut,” so brands that present themselves in a human and often personal style surpass those that rely merely on numbers or rationality.
In other words, in this ever-evolving world of content marketing, the foundation of a successful content marketing strategy is to create emotional connections that facilitate a direct impact on sales and the growth of your business.
What is the Next Step?
Now that you've read my blog, hopefully you appreciate the importance of distinguishing your voice as an expert content marketer and implementing a well thought out social media marketing strategy for your business.
We want to help you get started the right way. That's why we're inviting you to a no-cost or obligation strategy session. This is a free, live call with me. Please understand this is NOT a sales call-in disguise but rather a strategy session to see how social media marketing can help your business.
You can schedule your call with us now by Clicking Here