Writing for Yahoo! Contributor Network: Authentic Voice Importance

All writers need that one thing that stands out from the crowd - their own authentic voice. But how can you find yours? What is it exactly and what does the importance of an authentic voice have to do with Yahoo! Contributor Network? As a veteran Associated Content and Yahoo! Contributor Network writer, I've developed my authentic voice over time in order to give readers what they want. This has garnered a solid readership, as well as allowed me the opportunity to be published on multiple Yahoo! websites. As a Community Guide and all-around active member of the site, I have observed authentic voice in action from other Yahoo! Contributors as well.

What is authentic voice and how can I find mine?

Your authentic voice is simply the way that only you convey the message. To find yours, just be yourself and be honest. Don't mimic the way in which Sally relates to her readers. Instead, use your writing to talk to your readers the way you would with those you know. Write about those topics that dominate your personal life. Let your passion, knowledge, and style all shine through in the words you write. When you can do that, you have found your authentic voice. Use that voice in everything you submit to Yahoo! Contributor Network.

Veteran Contributor Kelly Herdrich recently shared with me how she found her authentic voice.

"I've tried out other voices and writing styles since I began writing for Associated Content, and now the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Every time, I come back to the real me--how I'd write you an email or talk to you in real life if you asked me a question. This is my authentic voice. My audiences get a glimpse of the real me. I'm a better writer when I shine through and share what I know."

Using this voice, Herdrich has been featured across multiple Yahoo! properties.

Why is authentic voice important for Yahoo! Contributors?

People want advice from those who have been in their shoes before. While research can certainly accent a piece, readers want more than just a study. They want to know someone has been there and understands. When a parent is struggling with discipline techniques, a study alone may not satisfy her needs. Her best friend may not have been through anything like this. But when your authentic voice shines through in a how-to article, you can be this frustrated mom's virtual best friend in her moment of need.

Herdrich's article "Discipline_Strategies_for_Every_Parent" is a perfect example of what an authentic voice can do for a piece of content. She took her own personal experiences and put them in a how-to format that is simple for parents to read and apply. As a fellow parent, I felt like I was right there with her experiencing what she described. An authentic voice is not one that just lists the facts, but takes the readers through both the physical and emotional aspects of the situation. Authentic voice is not just useful for more intimate topics, like parenting. It can also be used when discussing topics like technology and home improvement. Herdrich recently did this in an article for Yahoo! News about an iPhone update.

Can I still have authentic voice on Y!CN when I don't write in first-person?

Many Yahoo! Contributor Network articles are written in first person. But not all topics will be done this way. It is still possible to have an authentic voice in second or third person content. Be mindful of the words you use and be strong in your message. In the article "5_Ways_To_Ensure_Your_Dog_Stays_Healthy" I was able to get the message across in a strong and authentic voice. But I did so without using first person. By using phrases such as 'pet parent' I am still being myself and relating to readers. A person who has read both that article as well as "Parents,_Please_Educate_Your_Kids_Before_Adopting_A_Pet" would know that both articles were written by me. A regular reader or a random one could still feel connected to either, even though one piece was not in first person.

Combine authentic voice with value for the bigger picture.

Authentic voice is the foundation that the Yahoo! Contributor Network was built on. It started with Associated Content, whose original moniker was 'The People's Media Company'. The idea behind that was to have a place where people could find quality information from people just like them. This is not to say that Yahoo! Contributors are not professionals. In fact, many, like me, do this for a living. It simply means that they are writing from personal experience. In addition to the examples above, Sabah Karimi, Amy Brantley, Van Walker, and countless other contributors can be seen giving their unique perspective across Yahoo! sites.

To bring it all together, several other factors need to be added in with the authentic voice. Cater to the exact audience that would be reading each piece. Searchability is also important. If the readers can't find your work, the rest is for naught. Be sure to use proper SEO techniques. In addition to getting discovered and being you, also pay attention to grammar and detail. Answer a question or solve an issue, but without too much excess. A recent article I wrote on positive parenting and discipline could have contained much more information. But, by cutting it short and staying on point, I had a much a better chance of keeping a reader's attention until the end. While readers want to know how you came to your conclusion, they don't want your life story. Cut out everything that isn't necessary to illustrate the point. Also, be sure that your recent avatar accurately portrays your voice and style.

There are more techniques that can be applied as well to perfect your submission's authentic voice. However, these are the basics that every Yahoo! Contributor Network article should follow.

Extra Resources:

"Translate Voice into Words" - Yahoo! Style Guide
http://styleguide.yahoo.com/writing/define-your-voice/translate-voice-words

"SEO Basics" - Yahoo! Style Guide
http://styleguide.yahoo.com/resources/optimize-search-engines/seo-basics

More from Lyn:

How_to_Get_Your_Work_Published_on_Your_Favorite_Yahoo!_Sites

Which_Article_Topics_Earn_the_Most_Money_at_Y!CN?

The_Newbie's_Guide_to_Success_at_the_Yahoo!_Contributor_Network