It's one of those unavoidable things when running a business. Branding!

In fact, you'll be very familiar with your own brand colours, brand imagery, brand style guides, brand mission, brand values and so forth.

But one area you may not be so clued up in is: Dun dun duuuuun! Your brand voice.

So here it is. The ultimate guide to defining your brand voice, so you can write it, on repeat (or, get me to write if for you - that's good too.)

Oky dokes. Let's start with the basics...

What is a brand voice?

A brand voice is better thought of from a humanistic angle rather than a writing angle, I think.

So, put simply.  A brand voice is the personality in the words you use. It's how the words express themselves.

Try and think of a brand voice simply as a person speaking. Say you're round the dinner table and there's a flowing conversation happening.

Not everyone in the room is speaking the same. Some have long pauses. Others speak super fast and are harder to understand.

Some are bolder and maybe less caring of how their words come out. Others are maybe shy and reserved or speak in hushed voices, waiting for the perfect moment to branch out and share their thoughts.

This is the same with a brand voice. It's not what you say, but how you say it.

How do I find my brand voice?

The way I see it, there are two ways to find a brand voice: (No need to overcomplicate life, eh?)

1. Simply start writing and see how it sounds.
2. Firmly choose how your want your brand to sound, then start writing like that.

The number one option is OK ish if you're one of those businesses who posts stuff online as more of a 'side hustle' or hobby.

Say you're not yet ready to go all in on your business so you, erm, cruise around and post ad-hoc, on social media's or on forums and such.

The second option is if you're dead serious about your business. Your brand is like your lifeline.

And you're ready to accept that your brand is separate from you. That's a big mindset shift to have (but you gotta be ready for it.)

With the number 2 option, you just cannot go back to your 9-5 job.

You're all in! No other option. You've cut the strings and are moving forwards with momentum.

So, you choose your brand voice.

Now below in this post, you'll find a comprehensive list of words to use to describe a brand voice. It's a simple process. Have a think, and choose how you want your brand to sound. That's all there is to it.

FYI: Option 2 is by far the best option for choosing your brand voice. Hands down!

How do I remember my brand voice?

Of course, we're all distracted to the max!

So writing down your brand voice is imperative. I find with words that if you separate them based on feelings or mood, it works pretty well.

(I do however have an engineer husband who is not a word guy. He's a "bottle it all in and never talk" guy so, you know, each to their own...)

Why not use these word categories below and customise them to create your very own brand voice? That's why I've put them there - for you to use. 

Of course! You can pick and choose words from different categories, so long as the categories resonate.

(Just remember what the vibe of the category was so you remember your brand voice choice.)

Example: You can have a brand voice which is professional and quirky, but I'd avoid professional and casual (kinda polar opposites you know?)

Lastly, just a heads up - you get to choose! So enjoy the process.