Authenticity is more than a marketing buzzword – it’s a survival skill. We know that consumers crave emotional connections to brands, but digging deeper gives us the most important thing we need to consider when creating content. An authentic voice will resonate with audiences and promote curiosity about a brand and brand loyalty. Here are three ways to create content that is authentic.

Authentic Writing Tips

Writing that is authentic activates emotion by making the reader feel that they know the author. Even if you’re writing about something as simple as garden hoses, it’s the way you package your writing that makes it authentic. Maybe you describe your garden, or a particular plant that is finicky about water. Those peeks behind the curtain make readers feel like they know you, and that they can trust what you have to say. This doesn’t mean your content needs to be all about you (in fact, that’s just as bad as not injecting any of yourself into your writing) – but it should have a distinct voice.

Freewrite

Ask anyone who writes for a living about their routine and most will tell you that it includes freewriting. This is a quick exercise (as little as 3-5 minutes) where one begins writing and doesn’t stop during the assigned time. If the writer runs out of ideas the last word written is repeated. While this generates a lot of nonsense, it is also a place to mine for gems: pieces of writing that resonate.

How To Do It

Before starting a piece of content set a timer for 3 minutes and then write the topic at the top of the page. Then just write. It doesn’t have to be the piece of content, just let your pen (or fingers) wander. When you run out of things to say, just repeat the same word until you get a new idea (it might be totally unrelated but that’s fine).

After the timer dings, read through your writing and mark sections that you like. With practice your brain will start making all sorts of connections, many of which will find ways to fit into your writing.

Collect Examples

Whether you take voice memos or text yourself, collect quotes from the content you read that resonates. Read over these before sitting down to write content and you’ll soon write better than ever.

How To Do It

Create a series of voice memos on your phone, a text document in the cloud or a note on your phone and use it to track. You don’t need a fancy notebook or software – these can actually hinder your progress by making it more about the how and where than just the act of recording.

Don’t Go Overboard

Every writer has made the mistake of making their work too much about themselves. Your reader wants to hear your voice, to understand your experience and to connect emotionally with your writing. What they don’t want is to read all about you and very little about the title. Make sure that you always stay focused on the matter at hand and leave your audience wanting more.

How To Do It

When you’re reading content print out a post or two that give enough about the author to pique your interest but doesn’t go overboard. Highlight the personal pieces and look at the amount of colored sentences contrasted to those left untouched. Do this with your own writing to make sure you’re keeping a good balance.

Can Digital Firefly Marketing Help?

Our content writers are here to help. If you need content written that captures the feel of your brand and remains authentic contact us today for help. Not sure how authentic your content seems? Get a free content audit from DFM and find out where your content could use help.