There’s a pandemic in online business, and it’s not another Canva folder named Final_Final_V3 (though, let’s be honest, we’ve all been there). The real crisis?
Boring, forgettable brand voices.
You know the ones. They sound like they were written by a committee that hasn’t had fun since dial-up internet.
“Dear Valued Customer, we are thrilled to announce our latest offering designed to optimise productivity.”
No one is thrilled. No one cares.
Your brand voice isn’t about what you say but how you make people feel. And if your words sound like a template, you've already lost them.
It’s time to ditch the scripts, break a few rules, and develop a bold, brilliant, and unmistakably YOU brand voice.
What is a brand voice (and why should you care)?
Your brand voice is your business’s personality. It’s what makes you sound like an actual human rather than an AI-generated LinkedIn post.
Imagine your brand at a dinner party.
Are you the hype friend making everyone feel unstoppable?
Are you the dry-witted storyteller cracking people up?
Or are you the wise mentor dropping game-changing advice?
Your brand should feel like you. When people engage with it, they should instantly connect, whether on social media, emails, or your website.
A strong brand voice will:
✔ Build trust and loyalty (people buy from brands they like)
✔ Make you stand out (because beige, generic brands blend in)
✔ Attract the right people (your dream clients will vibe with your tone)
✔ Turn casual readers into raving fans (who share your content for free)
How to sound like yourself (without overthinking it to death)
Talk it out (literally)
Staring at a blank screen, second-guessing everything? Stop typing. Open a voice memo app and talk it out like you're explaining it to a mate.
Then, transcribe it. Instant personality boost.
✨ Pro Tip: If your content sounds awkward when you read it aloud, your audience will feel it too. Rewrite until it flows.
Ditch the corporate robot speak
Drop the lifeless jargon unless you’re a lawyer (and even then, loosen up).
Bad: “We offer bespoke solutions tailored to your individual business needs.”
Better: “We help you get your business sorted—without the stress.”
Rewrite Test: Would you text it to a friend? If not, it’s too stiff.
3. Find your signature phrases
Do you have words or phrases you naturally use? Maybe you always say “a bit of Magic” or “No, Susan, that’s not how we do things.”
That's your brand voice. Use it.
Action step
Write down three words or phrases you naturally use. Make sure they show up in your content.
Mistakes that make you sound like a robot (and how to fix them)
Over-apologising
Ever started an email with “Sorry for the long message” or “Just a quick note”?
Stop it. Your message is valuable. Own it.
Instead of: “Just checking in to see if you’re interested…”
Say: “Hey! Wanted to follow up—excited to hear your thoughts.”
Writing like a corporate brochure
If your content sounds like it belongs on a government website, shake it up.
Instead of: “Our comprehensive solutions drive results.”
Say: “We help you get things done—without the stress.”
Being inconsistent across platforms
Are you fun on Instagram but stiff on LinkedIn? That inconsistency makes your brand feel fake.
Pick 3-4 words that describe your brand personality (e.g., bold, quirky, warm). Every piece of content should match that energy.
Finding your brand voice: a quick test
Still not sure what your brand voice sounds like? Try this.
Step 1: Describe your brand as a TV character
Are you:
Ted Lasso? Warm, encouraging, and full of quirky metaphors.
Wednesday Addams? Dry humour, witty, and unapologetically blunt.
Moana? Determined, brave, and inspiring.
Step 2: Rewrite a boring sentence in your style
Take this: “Our business provides innovative solutions for entrepreneurs.”
Rewrite it:
Playful: “We help business owners get sh*t done (without the stress).”
No-nonsense: “Need better systems? Let’s sort it - no fluff, no jargon.”
Inspirational: “Your business should feel exciting, not exhausting. Let’s fix that.”
Now, it's your turn - rewrite it in your voice!
Your brand voice isn’t stuck - it evolves
You don’t have to get this perfect from day one. Think of your brand voice like your personal style - what you wore in 2010 (hello, questionable fashion choices) isn’t what you wear now.
The goal isn’t to get it right - it’s to get it real.
Ditch the scripts.
Write how you talk.
If in doubt?
Break a few rules.
It’s way more fun.
Your challenge: find your brand voice in three steps
Write a post or an email like you’re talking to your best mate.
Delete anything that sounds like a LinkedIn buzzword.
Read it aloud - does it sound like you? If not, tweak it until it does.
Then, go post it. The world needs more YOU.
Need more Magic?
✨ Ready to make your VA business feel lighter, easier, and more aligned?
VA Magic Mirror is a 52-week email series designed to help you simplify, gain clarity, and create a business that actually works for you - without the stress or shoulds.
One small shift per week = big clarity over time.
$44 for a full year of weekly business Magic.
Join VA Magic Mirror ➡️courses.jodraper.au/va-magic-mirror.
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