Sound Branding
Voice
Why Your Brand's Voice is Crucial
What is Voice Branding?
In a world where voice assistants, podcasts, and telephone hotlines are part of everyday life, a brand's voice is becoming increasingly important. Voice branding means developing a brand-specific voice that aligns with a company's identity and values.
Why a Consistent Brand Voice Matters
Just as logos or colors make a brand visually recognizable, a consistent voice ensures acoustic recognition. A clear, well-coordinated voice strategy offers:
- Emotional Connection: Voices create trust and empathy.
- Consistency: A uniform voice across different platforms ensures recognizability.
- Differentiation: A brand-specific voice stands out from generic voice assistants.
How Companies Develop Their Voice Identity
A brand's voice should answer the following questions:
- What values should the voice convey? Serious, friendly, or dynamic?
- What sound fits the brand – deep and calming or young and fresh?
- Which channels are crucial: telephone, voice assistants, advertising?
Examples of Successful Voice Branding Strategies
Tech companies often opt for neutral yet friendly voices in voice assistants. Luxury brands, on the other hand, prefer deep, calming voices that convey exclusivity.
Best Practices for a Strong Acoustic Identity
Those who want to use their brand voice strategically should:
- Develop a professional voice talent or AI-supported voice.
- Use the voice consistently across all touchpoints.
- Conduct targeted tests with the target audience to optimize impact.
Conclusion: Voice as a Branding Tool
A distinctive voice makes a brand unique and creates a deeper connection with customers. Investing in voice branding means betting on a medium that will become even more relevant in the future.
Author
Christoph Groß-Fengels
Founder 42 Sounds