Why Brand Voice Is the Secret to Standing Out (And How to Find Yours)
- Caitlin Bendersky
- May 3, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: May 21
In today’s non stop scroll of content, having a pretty logo or a clever caption isn’t enough. What truly sets standout brands apart? A clear, consistent brand voice.
It’s not just about sounding good—it’s about being memorable, building trust, and creating connection. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a growing team, your brand voice is what helps you rise above the noise and resonate with the right people.
But if you’re feeling unsure where to begin—or struggling to describe your brand beyond “professional” or “fun”—you’re not alone.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Brand Voice, Really?

Think of your brand voice like your personality—it’s how you speak, write, and show up across every touchpoint.
From your Instagram captions to your email newsletters, your voice helps people understand who you are, what you stand for, and why they should trust you.
When you get it right, people stop mid-scroll because they recognize it’s you speaking. Not your competitor. Not AI-generated fluff. You.
Why Brand Voice Matters More Than Ever
Your audience is overwhelmed with content. They don’t need more noise—they need clarity, connection, and a reason to care.
A well-defined brand voice:
Makes you instantly recognizable
Builds trust through consistency
Helps your team (or future hires!) create content without guessing
Turns casual followers into loyal fans
And if you ever plan to delegate content creation (yes please 🙋♀️), a defined voice is a must-have.
What Brand Voice Sounds Like
Every brand has a tone. But great brands have intentional voices that align with their mission, audience, and vibe.
Here are a few recognizable examples:
Dove is empowering and warm.
Nike is bold and motivational.
Mailchimp is quirky but clear.
Tiffany & Co. is classic and sophisticated.
Duolingo? Slightly unhinged in the best way—but always memorable.
None of these tones are right or wrong. The key is picking the one that aligns with your vision and your people.
How to Develop Your Brand Voice
Here are six simple steps we use at Social Media Sage when helping our clients define their voice:
Reconnect to your mission and values. What are you really here to do?
Brainstorm your brand personality. Are you bold? Calm? Wise? Direct? Find 3–5 traits.
Think about your dream clients. What language will speak to them?
Study your own content. What posts or emails sound like you at your best?
Analyze the competition. Where do they all sound the same—and how can you be different?
Create a brand voice guide. This becomes your go-to for writing, delegating, and staying consistent.
Spoiler alert: we made this part super easy with our free quiz (keep reading 👇).
Want to Know Your Brand Voice Type?
Whether you’re DIY-ing your content or building a team, your brand voice should feel as clear as your offer.
Take our free Brand Voice Quiz and get matched with your signature voice style in under 5 minutes. You’ll get a breakdown of your strengths, tone tips, and next steps to refine your content across platforms.
👉 Take the Brand Voice Quiz Now (It’s free and way more fun than rewriting your About page again.)
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