How to Find Your Blogging Voice

Growing your blog starts with finding an authentic voice that connects with your readers. Your voice will shape your blog’s personality and help you build a strong relationship with your audience.

However, many bloggers struggle to discover their unique voices and writing style. This article will help you find your blogging voice by providing tips and best practices. By the end, I hope you’ll understand how to infuse your writing with personality, passion, and authenticity.

Note: I enjoy writing about topics that interest me. The contents of this article are for educational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.

Define Your Voice #

Developing your blogging voice begins with properly defining your voice. Think about the attributes that will make your writing unique and memorable.

Be Authentic

Above all, your writing should feel true to who you genuinely are. Be honest and write from the heart. Avoid overly formal, stiff, or impersonal language that feels inauthentic. Strive for sincerity and speak to your readers as you would a friend. Your authentic voice will attract readers who connect with your genuineness.

An authentic voice comes from writing about what you’re truly passionate about. Don’t force a specific voice; let it naturally evolve from your interests, experiences, and personality.

Take time for self-reflection to identify the core values and perspectives you want to express through your words. Tap into your authentic self to discover a unique voice that only you can share.

As you write, be mindful of slipping into a “blogger voice” that copies how others talk instead of your natural tone. Resist cliches, jargon, and overly trendy phrases that don’t align with your personality. Focus on using your own words and perspective to develop an honest, sincere style that reflects who you truly are. Your authenticity will resonate with readers and help forge a real connection with your audience.

Use Humor and Personality #

Adding humor and personality to your writing can make your blogging voice stand out. However, use humor in a way that stays true to your authentic self.

Start by considering the kind of humor that fits your natural personality - are you more inclined towards silly puns, sarcastic quips, or witty jokes? Reflect on the types of jokes, stories, and funny anecdotes that make you genuinely laugh. As long as the humor aligns with your sense of what’s amusing or interesting, feel free to include it in your blog.

Experiment by infusing some of the humor naturally into your blog posts. You don’t need to constantly strive for hilarious comedy - even subtle wit can bring personality to your writing and make it more enjoyable to read. Sprinkle in lighthearted jokes, fun wordplay, or amusing comparisons where appropriate to match the tone of your content.

Be cautious, however, of trying too hard to be “funny.” Forced humor often falls flat and can undermine your authenticity. Let the humor arise organically from the subject matter in a way that feels true to your style. And avoid jokes that could offend or be insensitive to certain readers.

Adding personality to your writing also means including vivid descriptions, anecdotes, or stories from your own life that bring your posts to life. Sharing personal experiences related to your topic honestly and unfiltered can help establish a memorable voice that keeps readers coming back for more.

So whether you have a witty, silly, or deadpan sense of humor, infuse your natural personality into your blog through lighthearted wordplay, apt comparisons, and relatable anecdotes. Just make sure all humor and stories align with your authentic self and stay respectful of diverse readers. With practice, you’ll find just the right balance of wit and wisdom to develop your own identifiable voice.

Adopt an Informal Tone #

An informal, conversational tone is a hallmark of many successful blogs. You can foster a genuinely engaging blogging voice by speaking to readers as you would a friend.

Start by visualizing your readers as real people - imagine having an everyday discussion with them, not lecturing to a faceless audience. Think about how you would naturally explain or express an opinion to a good friend who’s curious and genuinely wants to understand your perspective. You’ll likely speak in a more easygoing, personable way without excessive formality.

Now translate that similar conversational tone to your blog. Use contractions, second-person pronouns (“you”), and everyday vocabulary instead of long or technical words. For example, say, “Let’s talk about…” instead of “I aim to discuss…” or “You can do this by…” rather than “The reader may accomplish this aim through the following steps…”

Informal storytelling is also crucial. Relate anecdotes, personal experiences, and folksy sayings that help illustrate your points in a down-to-earth way. Avoid obtuse jargon and academic language that creates distance between you and the reader. Even simple techniques like referring to readers using “you all” instead of “you guys” can make your tone more inclusive and friendly.

However, never let your informal tone become overly casual or unprofessional. There’s a fine balance between a conversational style while still coming across as credible and trustworthy. Avoid slang, trendy Internet shorthand (“LOL” or “OMG”), or excessive exclamation points that make your blog appear immature.

Ultimately, an authentic informal voice comes from being your genuine self - the person you’d be in an everyday discussion with a good friend.

So speak from the heart, maintain a personable yet credible tone, and visualize engaging in a friendly conversation with each reader you write for. With practice and consistency, an easygoing, down-to-earth tone can become the foundation of an engaging blogging voice all your own.

Show Vulnerability #

Being willing to show vulnerability and share your weaknesses or doubts can add a relatable human dimension to your blogging voice. Readers appreciate seeing that even experts struggle at times and make mistakes.

Begin by reflecting honestly on your uncertainties or areas where you still have questions about your blog’s topic. Even seasoned professionals have things they’re still figuring out. Don’t feel that Every post needs to come across as an expert proclamation full of certainty. Instead, consider where you can acknowledge what you’re still learning genuinely. This vulnerability signals to readers that growth and learning are ongoing processes.

You can also share stories of failures or times you’ve been wrong. While it may feel risky, showing you’re imperfect like everyone else helps form a deeper connection with readers. Use self-deprecating humor in moderation to acknowledge your shortcomings in a lighthearted way. When managed appropriately, vulnerability and the right tone can make your voice unusually relatable and likable.

Avoid using vulnerability as an empty platitude or insincere plea for sympathy. Only share weaknesses that you genuinely feel and have learned from. Express doubt or admit mistakes for the right reasons - to become more transparent and prove that growth never ends. Make vulnerability a choice rooted in honesty, not a tactic to appear more humble.

When done authentically, being willing to show vulnerability through:

• Admitting what you’re still figuring out
• Acknowledging past errors
• Using self-deprecating humor in moderation
• Speaking from a place of honesty

Readers appreciate seeing the willingness to grow.

So don’t be afraid now and then to peel back the facade of certainty and share your authentic struggles. This vulnerability reveals the messy, imperfect realities we all face - and connects you to readers on that human level.

Epilogue #

Discovering your authentic blogging voice takes time, effort, and practice. Be patient with yourself and focus on writing consistently from a place of honesty and self-reflection.

Your unique voice will evolve as you build experience and connect more deeply with your readers and topic. But remember, the foundation of any great blogging voice begins with sincerity.

Write from the heart, infuse your words with genuine humor and passion, and speak to readers in a way that honors your authentic self. If you keep these principles in mind and remain true to who you truly are, a distinctive voice that resonates with audiences will soon emerge. Start writing from a place of sincerity today - and your authentic blogging voice will follow.