Hey, Grow Newsie reader!

Have you ever received a newsletter that felt like it was written by a robot?

You know the type—stiff, formal, packed with corporate jargon. You probably deleted it within seconds.

Now think about the newsletters you actually read. They feel different, don't they? Like a friend sharing valuable insights over coffee.

That's the power of conversational writing.

Today, I'm breaking down exactly how to write in a conversational tone that makes readers actually want to open, read, and engage with your newsletter.

Sponsored by: INTERCOM

Before we dive into the how, let's talk about the why.

When you write conversationally, three things happen:

1. You build trust faster. Readers feel like they're hearing from a real person, not a faceless brand. This authenticity creates immediate connection.

2. You hold attention longer. Conversational writing is easier to read and digest. Your subscribers actually finish reading instead of skimming and bouncing.

3. You spark action. When readers feel personally addressed, they're more likely to click links, reply to your emails, and share your content.

Research shows that emails with a conversational tone have higher open rates and click-through rates compared to formal, corporate-style messaging. Your subscribers are drowning in promotional emails—stand out by being human.

Stop writing "Dear subscribers" or "Hello everyone."

Instead, write as if you're emailing one specific person. Use "you" and "I" liberally.

Formal: "Readers who are interested in growing their newsletters will find value in these strategies."

Conversational: "If you're trying to grow your newsletter, these strategies will help you."

See the difference?

This one's simple but powerful.

Don't write "do not" when you'd say "don't" in conversation. Don't write "it is" when you'd say "it's."

Contractions make your writing sound natural and less robotic. They're how people actually talk.

Questions do two things: they engage readers mentally and create a dialogue feel.

Sprinkle questions throughout your newsletter. Ask rhetorical questions that make readers think. Ask direct questions that encourage replies.

"Have you tried this?" "What's stopping you?" "Sound familiar?"

These simple questions pull readers into the conversation.

Long, complex sentences kill conversational flow.

Break them up. Write punchy sentences. Mix short and medium-length sentences for rhythm.

See what I'm doing here? Short sentences create momentum. They're easier to read on mobile devices too.

Remember your English teacher saying never to start sentences with conjunctions?

Forget that rule.

And embrace how people actually communicate. But make sure it feels natural, not forced.

Starting sentences with "and" or "but" creates conversational flow and helps connect ideas smoothly.

Ditch the jargon. Skip the fancy words you'd never use in conversation.

Don't write "utilize" when you mean "use." Don't write "implement" when you mean "do." Don't write "facilitate" when you mean "help."

If you wouldn't say it to a friend at lunch, don't write it in your newsletter.

Nothing says "conversational" like a personal anecdote.

Share your wins, your failures, your "aha" moments. These stories make your newsletter memorable and relatable.

Last week, I made a huge mistake in my newsletter subject line and lost 30% of my usual opens. Painful? Yes. Worth sharing? Absolutely—because you can learn from it.

Perfect grammar is overrated in newsletters.

Sentence fragments? Sometimes effective.

Starting with "Because"? Works when it feels right.

One-word paragraphs?

Powerful.

The key is intentionality. Break rules to create emphasis or rhythm, not out of carelessness.

Here's the ultimate test: read your newsletter aloud before sending.

If you stumble over sentences, they're too complex. If it sounds stiff or formal, it needs more conversational elements. If you wouldn't say it this way to a friend, rewrite it.

Your ears will catch what your eyes miss.

Even with these tips, it's easy to slip up. Watch out for these pitfalls:

Being too casual. Conversational doesn't mean unprofessional. You can be friendly and still maintain credibility. Don't overuse slang or get too informal for your audience.

Forgetting your audience. A conversational tone for B2B executives looks different than one for creative freelancers. Know who you're talking to and adjust accordingly.

Overdoing it. You don't need to apply all nine tips in every paragraph. Pick the techniques that feel most natural for your voice.

Ready to make your next newsletter more conversational?

Here's what to do:

Remember, developing a conversational writing style takes practice. Don't expect perfection immediately. Start small, experiment, and pay attention to how your engagement metrics respond.

Conversational writing isn't about being unprofessional or dumbing down your content.

It's about respecting your readers' time and attention by communicating clearly and authentically. It's about building real connections in an inbox full of noise.

When you write like you talk, readers feel it. They engage more. They trust you more. They stick around longer.

And isn't that exactly what you want for your newsletter?

Keep growing!

With love,
Nikhil