How do you keep your social media voice consistent across platforms?

Once you have done the work of creating a style guide, share it with your team and keep it up to date. Create it in whatever format will work for you and your team - you could create a one page printable with the key visuals to use as a reminder to everyone.

To ensure my voice consistent, I usually look up my own previous works and entries. It's easier to remain consistent and true to ourselves when we identify our own characteristics, uniqueness, and approach in things. Basically, reflect on how we usually do things, find what works, and stick with it. But at the same time, we should make things easier to relate to others as well While social media platforms have different formats and features, we can still show our own values and identities based on how we write, depending on our word choices, perspectives, and how we interact with others

Being authentic is my biggest attribute. I believe it’s everyone’s main draw. For that reason, I am consistently and unambiguously me, whether I’m writing a blog, or I’m commenting or posting on LinkedIn or Twitter. Being true to my personality, values and spirit means I am not afraid to ask questions that others might want to ask but feel too scared to, so it helps the wider community. Being me means being down to earth, putting people at ease. I type as I talk.

Each platform is going to require is a fundamentally different approach. While your brand, voice, and overall image should be uniform, what does well here on LinkedIn is going to be very different than what resonates on Instagram or TikTok. Essentially, be sure to think about the purpose of the platform. For example, LinkedIn is very work-focused while Instagram is very image focused. With the diversity of platforms in mind, adjust your social media strategy accordingly.

If you are struggling to nail down a consistent tone, don’t be afraid to work with a branding specialist or PR person. They can help you to hone your ‘voice’ so that you get your message and tone right to ensure consistency.

I would always say that tone is a powerful tool in shaping your brand's personality and how you connect with your audience. It's like a painter's brush, adding depth and emotion to your messages. A well defined tone that aligns with your brand voice and values ensures that your messages are cohesive across all platforms. It’s gives your audience the feels like they're part of an inside circle, which is what we should strive for.

When a member of your audience has a call with you or engages in an email or messaging conversation with you, they should not be surprised by how you come across. The voice you establish in your content should be how you show up for your clients one-to-one.

Absolutely! Authenticity in social media is the foundation of genuine connections with our audience. It's about being real, open, and transparent, embracing our imperfections and owning our uniqueness. When we show our personality, values, and beliefs, we humanize our brand and make it relatable. I would also like to reiterate that copying someone else's voice or using a fake persona is a recipe for disaster. It shows lack trust and authenticity, and eventually it would tire you out.

But don't overthink what others are doing. Be true to you. A useful exercise is to record yourself talking about different topics in your industry. Listen back to your recordings and make note of phrases, patterns, and terminology you use. This can provide great insight into honing your voice instead of imitating others.

For written content, look for feedback from comments on posts and articles. You have the opportunity to expand the conversations by asking questions of your commenters. All of this will help to enhance the overall content. Comments are the #1 thing I aim for!

The key to this working, is to be authentic. Don't aim for serious and formal if that is going to be hard to maintain - or if you are worried about how you might come across to your ideal client, get some help! Look for branding coaches or copywriters who resonate with you for starting out.

There are so many different platforms to be present on. If you don’t have the time to dedicate yourself to having authentic personal branding and consistent tone of voice, then don’t spread yourself too thinly. Pick the two or three platforms that you are most comfortable with (and where your target client is most likely to engage) and do them well, rather than using a scattergun approach across all platforms. You don’t have to utilise them all!