Think of the last time you ran errands. Out of the dozens, or possibly hundreds, of people you passed on the street or in the shopping center, can you remember any of them? Perhaps an elderly woman had her hair dyed pink, or a lively cashier said something that made you laugh. 

Be memorable. It’s easier said than done in the crowded online landscape. However, the key to being memorable online is the same as offline. Your personality makes people take notice. And for companies, brand voice creates the personality that helps them stand out.

As your business grows, a freelance writer can help you with your expanding content needs. But you don’t want to jeopardize your hard-won brand voice. In this article, we share tips on how to maintain brand voice consistency when you start working with a freelance writer. 

Why Is a Consistent Brand Voice Important? 

The sales industry has a fair number of proverbs and one of the most common is “People buy from people, not businesses.” That’s where brand voice comes in. 

Your brand voice humanizes your business and infuses it with personality. Having a consistent brand voice across marketing channels helps your audience trust and relate to you. 

In fact, according to Capital One Research, 79% of consumers are more loyal toward brands that have a consistent voice. So, you stand to lose a lot if your freelance writer switches up your established brand voice. 

Tips on How to Keep Brand Voice Consistent When Outsourcing to Freelance Writers

A consistent brand voice doesn’t happen by happenstance. Brands that maintain their brand voice across channels, even when outsourcing writers, do so with focused effort.  

Use a Style Guide 

Your style guide outlines the standards and best practices for nailing your brand voice. For your style guide to be effective, it must include the following information.

  • Your mission statement and values statement form the basis for everything your company does and says. Therefore, you should include them at the top of your style guide. 
  • Your target audience includes basic demographics, such as education level, income, and age. 
  • Tone plays a crucial role in brand voice and often creates the personality behind your brand. Professional or playful? Traditional or hip? Include examples that exemplify your brand voice. 
  • Grammar and usage guidelines can vary across brands. Generally, marketing departments start with the AP Stylebook for the latest rules on capitalization and abbreviations. List ways your brand voice differs from the AP Stylebook. 
  • Include details for different channels. Include details for different channels, such as social media marketing.

Provide Examples of Content That Hit and Miss

Your style guide will go a long way toward communicating your brand voice to your freelance writer. But you’ll add depth and meaning to your style guide when you include content examples. Share your best content that reflects your brand voice, as well as samples that miss the mark. Include commentary that explains why something does or doesn’t work. 

Consider Providing Project Briefs

Project briefs address your wants and needs for a piece of content. You can use project briefs to include key points, references, or specific keywords. Project briefs can be helpful, especially when you begin working with a new freelance writer. 

Keep in mind that project briefs can be time-consuming, and not all freelancers or brands require them. 

 

brand voice Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/overhead-shot-of-a-person-using-a-laptop-6215002/ 

 

Give Your Freelance Writer Feedback

Feedback is essential when you begin working with a freelance writer. Your writer wants to hit the target with amazing content, and your feedback helps them sharpen their aim. Use in-document comments and provide specific, constructive feedback.

Include Your Freelance Writer in Marketing Meetings 

You’ll have the most success with outsourcing your content creation when you treat your freelance writer like part of the team. Including them in marketing meetings will not only help them capture your brand voice but will also infuse your meetings with a fresh perspective.

Your freelancer has valuable experience that can help your marketing efforts. They can offer you feedback on your brand voice and other elements of your content marketing strategy. 

Build a Relationship With Your Freelance Writer

Think of your freelance writer as a collaborator, rather than a temp employee. Build a relationship with open communication and mutual respect. Provide clear guidelines, and provide opportunities for your freelancer to ask questions. 

Just Let Dez Write It

Your brand voice is the key to relating to your audience, building trust, and driving sales. 

We get it and we can study your brand voice and create content that embodies it. Don’t settle for a cheap imitation. You need a freelancer who can nail your brand voice. Just Let Dez Write It.