Discovering Your Authentic Voice: The Key to Standing Out on Social Media
In the world of social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of following trends. When one brand or person does something that works, everyone rushes to replicate it, hoping for the same success. Many individuals in social share that keeping up with trends feels overwhelming, and it's easy to lose your unique voice in the process.
But here's the thing: chasing trends might bring temporary visibility, but it rarely leads to long-term success. The real secret to standing out in the crowded digital space is discovering and honing your authentic voice. You don’t need to be a carbon copy of the brands around you. In fact, the more you lean into what makes you unique, the more you’ll resonate with your audience and break through the noise.
I’ve seen this firsthand with many of my past clients, particularly during my time with OLIPOP. We focused on showing our healthy soda product in a completely different light—using creative collaborations with artists, photographers, and videographers to showcase the product in a nostalgic yet visually stunning way. This wasn’t just about following a trend; it was about finding our voice, tapping into something authentic, and sharing our brand’s story in a way that felt true to who we were.
The moment something no longer felt like “us,” we let it go. It wasn’t about fitting into a box or doing what was expected—it was about constant innovation and staying aligned with our authentic voice.
So how do you find your authentic voice? Start by asking yourself one powerful question: What unique aspect of your brand or story needs to shine through that hasn’t been fully conveyed yet?
This is an exercise that can lead to incredible insights. Grab your notebook, let your pen flow, and explore what comes up. Don’t worry about how it sounds or whether it fits into any existing mold. Focus on what feels true to you and your brand.
Sometimes, we get in our own way by thinking we need to follow a certain formula for success. But real breakthroughs happen when we let go of those preconceived notions and approach our brand from a fresh, innovative perspective. Your authentic voice is your biggest asset—it’s what sets you apart from the competition and helps you build a lasting connection with your audience.
Take your time with this exercise. Reflect on what makes you and your brand unique, and embrace that. Remember, the brands that succeed in the long run are the ones that stay true to themselves, not the ones that simply follow the latest trend.
By discovering and developing your authentic voice, you’ll not only stand out—you’ll also create a brand that feels genuine, relatable, and inspiring to your audience.