Find your authentic voice on social media

When it comes to social media, we all know the general rules. We know we need an authentic voice. We know not to be too salesy, to stay in regular contact, and to be genuine. However, there is a fine line between being yourself and being professional. Finding your authentic voice is the key to hitting that middle ground. But what exactly is an authentic voice, and how do you find it?

Identify your traits

If you want to find your authentic voice, start by being yourself. It is about knowing how you want to be seen on social media. Do you want to be lively and fun or serious and direct? Start by making a list of your actual character traits and how you want to come across. Are you positive, engaging, serious, or energetic? If you are unsure what you want your brand voice to convey, you need to dig deeper into your personal values.

Factor in your business branding and client expectations

How do you brand your business? Note down the characteristics of your business. You want to find the traits that match you personally, as this is where your voice will be strongest. Consider what your clients expect from you. What language do they consider normal? If you are a young graphic designer, your tone will differ vastly from a seasoned professional providing high level executive support. Inconsistency can make you look desperate to be liked or simply confused about your own identity.

Be human

The easiest way to be authentic is to write as you speak. It is far too easy to hide behind fancy words and jargon to try and sound knowledgeable. This results in cold, robotic text that lacks any emotional connection. Use language that resonates with your audience rather than driving them away. Being human means being honest and friendly. Interact with others, be polite, and be respectful.

Do not be afraid of vulnerability

Do not be afraid of your emotions or showing a more vulnerable side. If you are passionate about something, write with passion. If you have made an error, do not sweep it under the carpet. Be honest. You can put a positive spin on a mistake by sharing what you learned from it, but you must own it first.

When you are genuine, you build trust and respect. That leads to better interaction and stronger rapport. It reminds me of the VA Momentum Course where we focus on building a business that reflects who you actually are. Never underestimate the power of being a decent human being and sharing your core values with your audience. I strive to live by these principles in my own life and business. The question is, are you showing enough of your true self in your social media, or are you still lurking in the shadows?