How to Create a Brand Voice That Doesn’t Sound Like Everyone Else
If your brand voice feels like it could belong to any other business in your space, that’s a problem.
In a world full of recycled captions, corporate jargon, and watered-down messaging, your voice is either distinct or it’s forgettable. There’s no middle ground.
And while many brands obsess over fonts and colors, few take the time to shape a brand voice that actually sounds like them.
Let’s fix that.
What Is Brand Voice, Really?
Your brand voice is how your business sounds - in writing, in captions, in campaigns, in customer replies. It’s not just tone; it’s your perspective, your rhythm, your choice of words, your attitude.
It’s how people recognize you even when your logo isn’t on the page.
Design is what they see. Voice is what they remember.
Why Most Brand Voices Sound the Same
Here’s the hard truth:
Most brands default to what feels “safe.”
They mimic competitors. Or copy whatever’s trending.
The result?
A generic tone that blends into the feed
Messaging that lacks personality
Content that doesn’t build connection
When everything sounds the same, nothing sticks.
How to Create a Brand Voice That Stands Out
Here’s how to stop blending in and start sounding unmistakably you.
1. Know Who You’re Talking To, And Who You’re Not
Trying to talk to “everyone” guarantees you’ll connect with no one. Get crystal clear on your audience. Not just their demographics — but their mindset.
What are they frustrated with?
How do they actually talk?
What do they ignore, scroll past, or roll their eyes at?
Speak their language, not industry jargon.
2. Define Your Voice Using Contrast, Not Buzzwords
Skip the vague descriptors like “friendly, authentic, professional.” Everyone claims that.
Instead, define your voice through contrast:
Are you direct or diplomatic?
Playful or serious?
Minimalist or expressive?
Do you lean into humor, warmth, or edge?
Write this down as a guide and stick to it across every touchpoint.
3. Decide What You’ll Never Say
Creating a brand voice isn’t just about what you do say.
It’s about what you won’t say.
Maybe you never use corporate buzzwords.
Maybe you skip the “Hey bestie” trend if it’s not your vibe.
Maybe you never overpromise or sugarcoat.
Boundaries make your voice consistent, and consistent voices build trust.
4. Inject a Point of View
The boldest brands take a stand.
They don’t play neutral. They don’t try to please everyone.
Want to sound like someone worth listening to?
Start with something worth saying.
What do you believe about your industry that others don’t?
What frustrates you about the status quo?
What would you challenge or change?
Your POV is your edge. Own it.
5. Practice, Refine, Repeat
Your voice won’t be perfect on day one. That’s okay.
But once you define it, use it everywhere:
Social captions
Website copy
Emails
Internal decks
Client reports
Even out-of-office replies
The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Consistency isn’t boring. It’s branding.
Final Thoughts: Stop Sounding “Nice.” Start Sounding Like You.
If your brand voice could be swapped with another company’s and no one would notice, it’s time for a change.
In a world where everyone’s shouting the same things, the ones who win are the ones who sound like someone, not everyone.
Don’t just talk louder.
Talk sharper. Talk smarter. Talk like you.
TL;DR: How to Create a Brand Voice That Sticks
Know your audience better than your competitors do
Define your voice through contrast
Set boundaries on what you won’t say
Build your brand POV and use it
Stay consistent across platforms
