How to Find Your Unique Social Media Voice
Follow these expert tips to be consistent when communicating your brand’s identity online and in social media
Whether you’re posting on social media, adding a project to your Houzz profile, or contributing to a community discussion, it’s important to establish a tone of voice that consistently works for your brand. Here, three professionals share advice on how to establish your online voice and stick to it.
Professional advice from: Michelle Hart of Bask Interiors, Donielle Luttrell of Shift Property Styling and Kahlia Cordony of Cordony Designs.
Professional advice from: Michelle Hart of Bask Interiors, Donielle Luttrell of Shift Property Styling and Kahlia Cordony of Cordony Designs.
Open up
By being natural and open on internet platforms, you’ll make it easier for people to relate to your brand. “You need to be authentically you, real and open to your followers,” says Hart. “People like to connect with a person, not just a business.”
“Social media is where you can be your true self and be distinctive,” says Kahlia Cordony of Cordony Designs.
Luttrell adds that when opening up online, you should make sure it’s done in a way that relates to your message and brand. Often, these two things come together naturally. “Don’t add every job you do, but be selective about the best ones that really ignite people’s desire to wok alongside you,” says Luttrell.
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By being natural and open on internet platforms, you’ll make it easier for people to relate to your brand. “You need to be authentically you, real and open to your followers,” says Hart. “People like to connect with a person, not just a business.”
“Social media is where you can be your true self and be distinctive,” says Kahlia Cordony of Cordony Designs.
Luttrell adds that when opening up online, you should make sure it’s done in a way that relates to your message and brand. Often, these two things come together naturally. “Don’t add every job you do, but be selective about the best ones that really ignite people’s desire to wok alongside you,” says Luttrell.
Check out Ivy, our new business management platform for designers.
Get the balance right
Some of the best communication online is a combination of a professional voice and a friendly one – a balance that can seem tricky to get right.
At Hart’s firm, for example, the team aims to highlight design, customer service and expert advice to online customers through an informal tone.
“I have a friendly, approachable voice on social media” she says. “I want to create an environment where customers know their engagement and feedback is appreciated.”
Why Community is Your Secret Weapon for Getting Clients
Some of the best communication online is a combination of a professional voice and a friendly one – a balance that can seem tricky to get right.
At Hart’s firm, for example, the team aims to highlight design, customer service and expert advice to online customers through an informal tone.
“I have a friendly, approachable voice on social media” she says. “I want to create an environment where customers know their engagement and feedback is appreciated.”
Why Community is Your Secret Weapon for Getting Clients
Tell a story
The most effective way to communicate with homeowners online is to tell the story behind an image. “Don’t just describe the image,” says Hart. “Add something else by telling a story that relates to it, to your business, your life, your experience.”
When you’re adding a project to your Houzz profile, uploading images or commenting on a discussion, communicate the story behind the images. “Use your story to show interesting features, personalities, processes and behind-the-scenes elements of your business so your audience can connect with you,” says Luttrell.
Cordony agrees with this. “Showcasing behind-the-scenes content, the team, tips, Q&As, media features and testimonials will form a story and perception of your brand.”
How to Connect Your Website and Social Media Presence
The most effective way to communicate with homeowners online is to tell the story behind an image. “Don’t just describe the image,” says Hart. “Add something else by telling a story that relates to it, to your business, your life, your experience.”
When you’re adding a project to your Houzz profile, uploading images or commenting on a discussion, communicate the story behind the images. “Use your story to show interesting features, personalities, processes and behind-the-scenes elements of your business so your audience can connect with you,” says Luttrell.
Cordony agrees with this. “Showcasing behind-the-scenes content, the team, tips, Q&As, media features and testimonials will form a story and perception of your brand.”
How to Connect Your Website and Social Media Presence
Be consistent
Once you’ve established your brand’s tone of voice, it’s essential you ensure it stays consistent. Luttrell advises you develop a set of brand guidelines based on your company goals, values and personality, which will then help you create consistent posts and engagement across channels.
“Build a good library of shots, quotes, videos or whatever you want so you can drip-feed it as you go. There is nothing worse than scrambling for content that doesn’t fit your voice,” she says. “Wherever possible, try to create your own content rather than sharing others. You need to be known for what you do.”
Luttrell adds that tone of voice can also be a work in progress if your brand is growing or changing. She recommends you revisit your guidelines every few months to see if you think the tone of voice is still working, or if any adjustments need to be made as you get to know your audience.
Your turn
How have you established a unique, consistent online voice? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Need more advice about running a business? Read stories with tips for professionals here
Once you’ve established your brand’s tone of voice, it’s essential you ensure it stays consistent. Luttrell advises you develop a set of brand guidelines based on your company goals, values and personality, which will then help you create consistent posts and engagement across channels.
“Build a good library of shots, quotes, videos or whatever you want so you can drip-feed it as you go. There is nothing worse than scrambling for content that doesn’t fit your voice,” she says. “Wherever possible, try to create your own content rather than sharing others. You need to be known for what you do.”
Luttrell adds that tone of voice can also be a work in progress if your brand is growing or changing. She recommends you revisit your guidelines every few months to see if you think the tone of voice is still working, or if any adjustments need to be made as you get to know your audience.
Your turn
How have you established a unique, consistent online voice? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Need more advice about running a business? Read stories with tips for professionals here
Your brand identity and target audience are both key when it comes to deciding on a social media voice. “Know and define your brand first,” says Michelle Hart of Bask Interiors. “It’s important to have your own personal identity so people can find that association or connection with your brand.”
If you’re unsure of your firm’s identity, Donielle Luttrell of Shift Property Styling recommends looking at other major brands’ social media accounts for inspiration. “The same quality content can be achieved by a small business, too, over time,” she says. “The main thing is to start and continue to hone your voice as you go.”
Once you’ve defined your brand and your audience, the tone will follow more easily.
Luttrell also suggests planning your posts in advance. “Don’t post something for posting’s sake,” she says.