Communicating your brand message with Lindsey Johnson
As an author, do you ever scratch your head when you hear about your brand voice, your messaging, your copy?
What is the difference between them all and how in the world do you use them to market your book online?
That’s what my guest, Lindsey Johnson, is sharing today on the Book Marketing Mania podcast.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Brand Voice as an author
Your brand voice is essentially how you express your brand's personality through words and writing. This involves the tone, style, and emotional nuance you bring to all your communications, from social media posts to email newsletters and even your books.
Your brand voice should be consistent and distinctive, making it easier for readers to recognize and relate to you.
Brand Messaging as an author
Your brand messaging is the overarching theme or narrative of what you want to convey to your readers. It’s the big picture—the core message that underpins all your communications.
Your messaging should align with your values, mission, and goals as an author. It’s what you stand for and how you wish to be perceived by your readers.
Brand Copy as an author
Your brand copy is the specific words and phrases you use in your marketing materials. Think of it as your messaging in action. Whether it's book blurbs, social media updates, or blog posts, your copy should encapsulate your brand voice and communicate your messaging effectively.
What your brand communicates to readers
Lindsey suggests thinking of your brand as your audience's perception of who you are as a business. It’s more about how your readers SEE you rather than what you claim to be.
Your readers' perception is cultivated through your online presence and your interactions with them.
How you communicate your brand
How you present yourself is how readers will identify your brand. It's not just about the visuals but the whole experience you create for them.
Your voice is how you project your message into the world. Your voice will come through in your books, blog posts, social media, and any other communications.
Your messaging and copy need to work in harmony since messaging is the story you’re telling and copy is how you tell it.
For instance, while your messaging might convey that you’re an author who empowers women, your copy will include the specific phrases and calls-to-action that invite readers to experience that empowerment.
Write Copy That Isn’t Just “Buy My Book”
Here’s the golden rule of writing copy that doesn't sound salesy.
Focus on connecting with your audience rather than selling.
Lindsey recommends diving into your readers' emotions, feelings, and needs. When you understand these aspects, you know how to speak their language which results in more genuine connections.
Think about why you wrote your book and the core values it reflects.
Then, identify how these align with your readers' values and struggles.
🎧 LISTEN AND LEARN 📝
Lindsey is a messaging strategist and copywriter for women business owners and today she's sharing:
- How your brand, voice, message, and copy all show up in everywhere you market your book
- How to discover your brand voice
- How knowing both your values and your readers’ values help you connect
- How to communicate with your readers without always saying “buy my book”
- Creative ways to get reviews that share the transformation readers get after reading your book
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Lindsey's website
Lindsey's podcast
Lindsey's free 5-day Writing Workshop Challenge
🎙 RELATED EPISODES
How to design your author website (#8)
Tapping Into Reader's Needs as a Relatable Brand (#106)
Finding the Flamingo Advantage in your Brand (#112)