Grab the mic: Your brand voice isn’t enough

Are you overlooking your organization's greatest marketing asset? Spoiler alert: It's your own voice.

If you’ve hesitated to post on social media, thinking it’s “not your role” or that your organization’s branded accounts are enough, it’s time to rethink.

The truth is, your voice has the power to connect, inspire, and amplify your organization’s mission in ways no branded post ever could.

Why? People trust people more than brands. Here are a few mind-blowing stats to back this up:

Content shared by individuals gets 561% more reach than branded posts

Organizations with engaged leadership see 202% higher performance than those without it

Authentic, personal posts generate 64% more engagement than generic shares

In other words, when you share your perspective, it has the potential to reach more people, resonate more deeply, and ultimately drive more impact than anything that comes from an organizational account.

In 2025, being visible and authentic online won’t be a nice-to-have—it will be non-negotiable for arts leaders who want to grow their organization’s reach and relevance in their communities.

By stepping into the digital spotlight, you will:

• Deepen trust with your community

• Rally support for your mission

• Strengthen connections with donors, partners, and patrons

How to get started

It’s natural to feel unsure about sharing your voice online, especially if you’re used to deferring to your organization’s marketing team. But here’s the thing: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be real.

Wondering where to begin? Here are a few recommendations.

First, pick a platform. Once disdained as a snooze-worthy Facebook alternative, LinkedIn is now a go-to platform for building connections, sharing ideas, and growing your personal brand. It’s a great place to start if you want to:

• Reach decision-makers who fund, partner with, and advocate for the arts

• Foster deeper conversations about the arts’ role in the community

• Build thought leadership by sharing your expertise, stories, and advocacy

Second, identify thought leaders in your sector who exemplify effective social media engagement. By following them, you can gain insights into successful strategies and adapt their approaches to enhance your own online presence.

Next, build your LinkedIn network. Think local. Building a network of local professionals on your LinkedIn page is essential for creating meaningful connections. A strong local network doesn’t just build relationships—it creates a foundation for partnerships, funding, and community engagement.

Start by identifying individuals and organizations tied to your mission—local business owners, community leaders, educators, donors, and patrons. Engage authentically by commenting on their posts, sharing relevant local updates, and tagging them in conversations when appropriate.

Consistency is key—regular engagement helps nurture relationships and strengthens your presence as a trusted advocate for the arts in your local area.

Once you’ve built your network, the next step is to consistently share meaningful content. Start by committing to one post a week and, as you get more comfortable, ramp up to at least three posts a week. Each post is an opportunity to inspire and connect with your community.

Wondering what to write about?

Share Stories That Reflect Your Audience’s Values and Aspirations

People are drawn to stories that mirror their own experiences, values, and dreams. Look for ways to highlight stories that resonate with your community:

• Write about how the arts has met a tangible need in your own life

• Share how your programming aligns with local culture or traditions

• Celebrate the impact your work has had on someone in your audience

• Shine a light on behind-the-scenes moments that show your team’s dedication to serving the community

The goal is to make your audience feel seen, valued, and connected to your mission.

Highlight Local Partnerships and Collaborations

Nothing says customer-centric like showing your commitment to your community’s ecosystem. Share stories about how you’re partnering with local schools, businesses, or nonprofits to bring the arts to more people.

• Tag a local business sponsoring your next event and thank them publicly

• Share a quick story about a school outreach program and its impact on students

• Highlight local artists or musicians contributing to your projects

When people see you investing in the community, they’re more likely to invest in you.

Use Your Voice to Advocate for the Arts—Locally

Your audience is made up of people who care about your community. Use your platform to show how the arts make a tangible difference right where they live:

• Share stats about the economic impact of the arts in your area.

• Speak to the role your organization plays in fostering creativity, education, and connection.

  Show your personal passion for making the arts accessible to everyone in your town.

Position yourself as a local advocate, not just an arts leader.

Hack LinkedIn’s Algorithm for Maximum Impact

If LinkedIn is your chosen platform for connecting with your community, understanding its algorithm can help you maximize your reach and engagement.

From Richard van der Blom’s most recent breakdown of LinkedIn’s algorithm updates, here’s how you can make the most of your posts:

• Timing is everything. Post midweek mornings (8-10 AM) to capture your audience’s attention at the start of their workday. Engage with comments early—within the first two hours—is crucial for boosting visibility.

• Mix in varied content types. Don’t just use text-based posts. Native video posts and carousel documents perform well when designed thoughtfully. For videos, the short, vertical format (think TikTok) tends to grab more attention, while carousel documents should focus on education, with concise slides (less than 50 words each).

• Prioritize depth and value. Focus on “dwell time” by crafting content that keeps users engaged longer. You might be surprised to hear that long posts (20-24 sentences, 300-400 words) are what distinguish top performers. But they must have a clear structure, engaging hook, and actionable insights. Use slightly complex language (readability index 4-7) to stand out while providing real value to your audience.

• Promote consistency over frequency. Posting regularly—once or twice a week—is more effective than flooding the platform. Focus on crafting thoughtful, high-quality content that aligns with your mission and resonates with your audience.

• Don’t overuse external links. LinkedIn deprioritizes posts with links that direct users away from the platform. If you need to share a link, place it in the comments or focus on creating engaging content that keeps users on LinkedIn.

Don’t be shy

Embrace the power of your voice and step into the digital spotlight. By showing up authentically and consistently, you can build trust, foster relationships, and keep your community engaged with your mission.

Start today, and watch how your voice transforms the way your organization connects with the people who matter most.