You Need to be Heard: How to Find Your Unique Writing Voice
Have you found your unique writing voice yet?
Do you ever feel frustrated when you try to write a certain way and it doesn’t sound the way you want it to?
I used to feel like this when I got serious about writing. Like a lot.
It’s super frustrating trying to find your writing voice.
But what is “your voice,” you ask?
Your writing voice is the way you form your sentences and paragraphs. It’s the words you use along with your tone and your unique point of view. It’s these things that make your writing YOU.
When you find your writing voice, it helps you relate to your audience better. Your voice sets you apart from other travel professionals. Your writing voice gives your audience a better sense of WHO you are. And when your audience knows you better, they’ll trust you better.
So if you’re feeling frustrated about the lack of emotion or humor in your writing, let me show you how to find your voice so you can convey your feelings the way they deserve to be shown.
(Because we all want to be heard!)
Finding your voice
The process of finding your voice can be tricky and a little tedious. That’s why I like to make it as fun and easy as possible.
(I’m super lazy – that’s why all of my methods are easy.)
I lived with a lot of trial and error as I struggled to find my voice after diving headfirst into the world of copywriting. I kept writing, but I wasn’t happy with how my work sounded – clinical and academic. I enjoy reading a free, easy-going style, but I couldn’t seem to get my writing to sound like that.
As I worked, I discovered a few ways to make it easier for us lazy people. (Though I prefer to think of us as super-intelligent problem solvers.)
Think about the way you talk around your family or friends. What do you text or email them? Are you –
Quippy and funny?
Irreverent and off-beat?
Proper and correct?
Your personality should come out in your writing voice, but your voice should also reflect your brand. If you’re a luxury travel advisor who works with well-to-do travelers, it’s probably not in your best interest to be irreverent and off-beat (unless your clients dig that kind of language).
Or, you specialize in Millennial and Gen Z travelers. They wouldn’t be drawn to fine language with all the frills. Millennials and Gen Z-ers like it short and sweet. Because we’ve got the attention span of a two-year-old. Ya know?
As you go about your day reading emails, blogs, websites, and social media, watch for different styles of writing that you like.
Subscribe to email lists that strike your fancy and follow social media accounts you feel a connection with.
When you see an email, blog, or social media post you like, take a screenshot of it and save it in a folder on your laptop or phone. Once you’ve compiled a list, go through it and take note of the things you like.
What do you like about each of them?
Do you like the words they use?
Is their humor right up your alley?
Are they professional and to the point?
Now it’s time to practice your own special writing voice and style!
How to use your writing voice
Now that you’ve found some styles you like, it’s time for you to write. Because the only way you’ll be able to find your unique voice and style is by practicing.
As I mentioned in the previous section, look over the screenshots you saved and choose one (or several) of your favorites to use as your springboard.
Start out writing something small like a social media post, email, or DM. I mean, you could go big with something like a blog post. But it’s easier to start with something small and more informal.
Use the words or style you liked from your screenshots. Or is it the spirit and tone you’d like to capture? Mix and match the things you like to create your short copy.
Make your intro line, title, or preview text catchy, but not cheap and clickbait-y. You need a good hook, but don’t get cheesy. Study your favorite writing voice examples. How did they open their post or email? Did it intrigue you? Did it make you want to read more?
As you move into the body of your text, keep your screenshots in mind. Use them as examples, but change them where it doesn’t fit your style. And of course – never copy someone else’s work.
You don’t want to plagiarize! You’re capturing the essence of their writing – not all of their words verbatim.
Don’t forget about a call to action (CTA) at the end of your post or email. Make sure it reflects your style, but keep it direct. Use statements like,
“DM me to learn more!”
“Like if this sounds like you.”
“Sign up for my emails to receive your FREE Columbian coffee guide!”
“Have you felt like this before?”
Again, look at how your favorite screenshots ended their posts or emails.
Keep practicing different styles, words, and tones until you’ve found the writing voice that captures who you are.
With practice, you’ll find the right writing voice for you!
Do you need help finding your writing voice?
“But Emily, I’m struggling! I can’t seem to find my writing voice!”
That’s OK. Writing doesn’t come easy for everyone. That’s why I like to look at other people’s writing and use it as a well of ideas. It helps me narrow down my writing voice to a style that works as my “kindred spirit.”
I’ve been writing for a while but I’m still adapting and honing my voice. Give yourself room to grow. Practice makes perfect, as the old adage goes.
But I get it. Sometimes you just can’t find your voice.
And that’s OK.
If you can’t seem to nail your voice and style, ask a travel copywriter (like me!) for help. We’ll help you figure out how to write in your unique voice so that you can book more vacations with clients who align with your style.
Because your voice matters.
Your voice needs to be heard.
