Create your "brand voice"!

As of now, most companies have a Facebook fan page, Twitter handle, Flickr account, and YouTube channel. The continued support and utilization of these outlets should continue through the marketing and advertising plans. The use of these outlets,however, needs to be monitored and updated more regularly. More importantly, they need to be used effectively.

Before I finally got close with social media this summer by working on some social media projects for FIAT, I didn’t really pay much attention to the so called “brand voice”. One of the biggest indicators of success, especially on Twitter, is the brand’s voice. How are you perceived to the audience? However, I realized not every company see the importance of creating a “brand voice” and failure to do so will lead to ineffectiveness of social media. Some companies are sending out tweets and updates as a corporation, not as a personable brand.

Here is a good article that I want to share with everyone: http://mashable.com/2009/03/09/twitter-brand-voice/

Basically, it pointed out 8 approaches that can help a company to create brand voice.

1. DO see it as a branding exercise.

2. DON’T imitate the voice of the community.

3. DO let it all hang out.

4. DON’T just use Twitter as an RSS feed.

5. DO define your communication channel.

6. DON’T just talk about products & services.

7. DO have a casting call for your Brand Voice.

8. DO have a voice on Twitter, but first have a listen.

Having a brand voice also means engaging in the same voice. A brand voice can be clearly seen by @OldSpice, @TheMermaidNYC, and @ExpressLisaG.