Your freelance writer is missing the mark on your brand voice. How can you ensure they capture it accurately?

1 Brand Voice

Your brand voice is the consistent expression of your company's values, personality, and way of communicating with your audience. It's what sets you apart from competitors and fosters a unique connection with your customers. When a freelance writer misses the mark on capturing this voice, it's often because they lack a clear understanding of these core elements. To rectify this, provide them with a detailed brand voice guideline that includes examples of tone, language, and the emotional impact you aim to achieve. This resource will serve as their roadmap to writing content that feels like it's truly coming from your brand.

2 Clear Briefs

A detailed brief is the cornerstone of accurate content creation. It should outline not only the topic and format but also the subtler nuances of your brand voice. Discuss your target audience, the purpose of the content, and how it should make the reader feel. Clarify your expectations regarding tone—whether it's professional, casual, witty, or authoritative—and provide examples of previous content that hits the mark. By giving your writer a comprehensive brief, you're equipping them with the tools to produce content that aligns with your brand's voice.

3 Feedback Loop

Constructive feedback is essential for any writer to hone their craft, especially when it comes to capturing a specific brand voice. When providing feedback, be specific about what doesn't align with your brand and offer suggestions for improvement. Highlight sections of their work that resonate well and explain why they work. This not only helps your writer understand your preferences but also encourages them to replicate those successful elements in future content. Remember, feedback should be a dialogue that helps both parties grow and achieve the best possible outcome.

4 Regular Check-ins

Consistent communication is key to keeping your brand voice on track. Schedule regular check-ins with your freelance writer to discuss ongoing projects and review any challenges they're facing in capturing your brand voice. Use these sessions to reinforce the importance of your brand's voice and share any updates or shifts in your branding strategy that they should be aware of. This ongoing dialogue ensures that both you and your writer are aligned and can quickly address any discrepancies before they become bigger issues.

5 Creative Freedom

While it's important for writers to adhere to your brand voice, allowing some creative freedom can lead to more authentic and engaging content. Encourage your writer to infuse their unique style into their writing, as long as it complements your brand's tone. This can help prevent content from feeling robotic or formulaic, which can disengage readers. Trust in your writer's creativity and expertise, and you might find that their fresh perspective adds a new dimension to your brand's voice.

6 Revision Process

The revision process is a crucial step in ensuring that all content accurately reflects your brand voice. Encourage your freelance writer to submit drafts early in the process so that there's ample time for review and revisions. Approach each draft with an eye for detail and consistency with your brand voice guidelines. If necessary, work closely with your writer through multiple revisions until the content meets your standards. This iterative process not only improves the final product but also helps the writer internalize your brand voice for future projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?