Writing authentic content: Leading with your voice

I’ve recently been asking myself what it means to write authentic content. I feel like I know the answer and I live by that idea, but like so many writing concepts, the real definition eludes me on some days.?

For instance, I recently read an article about a woman who is rebuilding her life after a cheating scandal ended her 18-year marriage. The writer detailed her journey from shock to sadness to finding new happiness and her vulnerability was both breathtaking and mesmerizing. The writing resonated with me and I felt the story to be genuine and life changing, giving it the gold seal approval for authenticity.?

While I do believe that I lead with my voice, there are times when I find myself asking how I could be better at crafting more authentic content. So naturally, I put together a guide.?

What exactly is authentic content?

At its core, authentic content is writing that offers meaningful information to readers. Rather than supplying generic tips and undefined recommendations, authentic content seeks to educate and supply readers with the information they’re seeking. As you may well know, not all internet searches supply great results and not all queries truly contain what a user is looking for. Understanding your reader’s search intent will help you craft authentic content that meets the objectives of their search.

But authentic content goes beyond simply being helpful information, it should be delivered using your unique voice and perspective. Only you have experienced the individual breadth of experiences that make you who you are. Drawing on those first-hand experiences and using real-life expertise will lend perspective to your writing and help you develop your voice.?

Consider Rotary, an organization devoted to helping people around the world. Their blog features engrossing stories of service from around the globe. The stories are personal and highlight human interest stories that draw in readers and exude authenticity.?

Developing your voice

Your voice is a combination of your perspective and your personality. It’s the balance of all of your traits and opinions. Your voice will be closely aligned with your online persona, making it essential that you consider one alongside the other. Your online persona, narrowed down to its foundational elements, is your reputation and how others perceive you.?

Here are a few things you can do to help develop your voice.?

• Write often and experiment with different styles. See what feels most natural and identify what makes you take pride in your writing.?
• Identify what you think are your defining characteristics. Do people often describe you as funny or thoughtful? Do those around you often comment on your selfless nature or eccentricities? Hone in on what these are and use them as part of your writing.
• Reflect on your spoken voice. What sort of speaking patterns and language styles do you notice? And which ones do people respond to the most?
• Avoid the copycat. You will inevitably have writers that speak to you, that you enjoy reading. But attempting to mimic others will only starve your content of the unique perspective you have to offer. Be you and only you.?
• Embrace your evolution. Just as people grow and change, so do our opinions and our voices. Be open to new influences and perspectives and allow for that fluidity in your writing.?

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