I’ve read numerous articles over that last couple years about using your “true voice” when writing articles or copy for your website.  What the heck does that mean???  Well, let’s explore this question a bit more.

Finding your own voice when writing for your website is something worth exploring.  Why?  What is the purpose of using your “true voice”?  Does this mean you have a fake voice???

Your true voice is the voice inside your head…wait…listen.  That voice.  The one that just said, “what voice?”  It’s the voice that comes out when you are at your most relaxed and creative state of being.  It’s the voice that comes out when you are amongst your best friends, just sitting around relaxing and talking about life.

You know that voice…the one not filtered by our doubts, fears and insecurities. The unfiltered brilliance that we had when we were children, not worrying about looking good or saying the “right” thing.  That voice.

So why is it important anyway that your outer voice matches your inner voice?  Well, the only way I can explain it is, that it expresses who you really are.  And let me just say this, people don’t buy your products and services, they buy into you, and as a result buy your products and services.

What??? Some of you may disagree with me, but let me explain.

• Ever wonder why you would rather spend $50 more for a pair of shoes made from Kenneth Cole than one made with the exact care and materials from a no-name brand company?
• Ever wonder why it is two different websites can offer the same information and yet one is 100x more popular than the other?
• Ever wonder why as horrible Starbucks coffee is (sorry just my opinion), people still wait 15 minutes on line for a cup of joe?

Because they are buying the brand called YOU.  They are buying into their vision, commitment and reliability.  These businesses/people have voiced who they are and have consistently stayed committed to their “voice”…love them or hate them.

There are no pretenses…just what’s so.  I promise you this, people know when you are being someone you are not.  The only person you are fooling is yourself.

If you are a cursing, loud-mouth type of guy trying to play it straight, good luck!  If you are a sweet, southern bell trying to express her self with vulgarity because you saw someone else do it and were successful at it, well then, you are doing yourself and your visitors a disservice.

So how do you find your true voice? Well, it’s going to take a bit of exploration.  For many of us, we have perfected the art of hiding our true voice that it’s going to take a bit of investigative work to find it.

So let’s get our Magnum P.I. groove on and get out our little notebooks…

One exercise I found to be helpful is to write in a journal.  Don’t just write your thoughts of the day, what you did and didn’t do, blah, blah, blah.  Use it to write continuously for at least five minutes on a particular topic…something that really interests you and get’s you excited (in a good or bad way).

Don’t judge what you write and do not attempt to edit it.  If curses come out…yippee!  If it’s just a pouring of emotions, be with it.  If it’s pure anger, then let that bad boy out.

After about a weeks worth of journal entries, go back and review what you’ve written and try to pick out what your inner voice is trying to express.  Notice the tone in the writing.  Is it fun?  Is it serious and significant?  It is authoritative?  Is it techy?  Is it philosophical?  Is it sweet and soft?

This is your voice and this is the voice you want to express when writing for your website.  This is the voice that will allow you to be transparent and allow others to tap into who you are and your vision. This is the voice that people will buy into.  This is your true product ….YOU!

What do you think?  Do you think you’ve found your true voice? Do you think this technique would work for you and your online business?