What is Brand Tone of Voice? (And Why It Matters) To Your Service Business

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What's Brand Tone of Voice and Why Should Your Service Business Give a Damn?

You know those brands that talk your language, they just seem to get you. Which makes you want to lap up anything they’re sharing, right? That is the magic of nailing your tone of voice.

Forget "Dear Valued Customer." 

Imagine getting two emails your inbox... One makes you yawn. The other makes you grin. THAT'S tone of voice in action!  It's your brand's vibe, its attitude, how it makes your dream clients feel.

Why does a killer tone of voice matter?

• BFF Connection: Warm and fuzzy like chatting with your favorite person.
• Crystal Clear: No more triple reads to understand your point!
• Unforgettable: You'll be the one they remember (like Red Bull's crazy energy).
  
  
  

Does Your Brand Need a Voice Makeover?

Sure, you can rock your brand's voice, but what about when you’re scaling your team or outsourcing some of the admin, sales or marketing??? You need to get intentional! 

The experts at the Nielsen Norman Group suggest four key areas to consider when defining your brand tone of voice:

• Funny vs. Serious: Playful or polished?
• Formal vs. Casual: Think business suit or ripped jeans.
• Respectful vs. Irreverent: "Hello there" vs. "What's up, pal?"
• Enthusiastic vs. Matter-of-Fact: Exclamation points galore or plain and simple?

Pro Tip: Pick a side! Sitting on the fence makes you a boring robot. 

Ready to update your Brand Tone of Voice DIY? 

Well here’s another trick. Imagine your brand as a person at a party. How would they chat? That's a great starting point! Now, how do you make this practical? Here are a few tips:

• Listen: Pay attention to how your ideal customers talk online and in person. Mirror their language (without sounding forced, of course!).
• Get Specific: Create a list of adjectives to describe your voice. Friendly, authoritative, quirky... the more specific, the easier it is to be consistent.
• Document It: Build a word list to keep handy. You can even create a "bad word" list of things you never want associated with your brand.

See? Brand tone of voice isn't scary! With a little thought, it can infuse your entire business with personality and become a key differentiator.

Okay, But Like... How Does This Work in Real Life?

Well, I curse like a sailor, and own it! My brand cuts through the BS and helps people get their marketing unstuck. Because sometimes, you need a kick in the pants!

The more you rock your unique voice, the more loyal fans you'll attract. It's a long game, but so damn worth it!

Consistency is key! Maintain your chosen tone across all platforms and communication to build a loyal audience. Best of luck!

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