In partnership with

Here’s what’s on the menu today:

  • Let’s dive into how you can find, refine, and express your voice — so your readers don’t just read your emails, but feelthem.

When people sign up for a newsletter, they’re not just subscribing to content.

They’re subscribing to you — your ideas, your perspective, your tone, and most importantly… your voice.

In a world full of AI-generated blurbs and generic writing, having a distinct, human voice in your newsletter is not a luxury.

It’s a differentiator.

1. Why “Voice” Even Matters

Your writing voice is the personality behind your words.

It’s the difference between:

“Here are 5 tips to grow your email list.”

and

“Let me show you 5 battle-tested ways I’ve grown my email list — without losing my sanity (or my Sunday nights).”

The second line sounds like a human wrote it. The first sounds like a textbook.

And here’s the truth: People buy from people they feel connected to.

Your voice builds that connection.

2. The Trap of Trying to Sound Smart

Most new newsletter writers fall into the same trap:

They try to sound impressive instead of being relatable.

They use jargon, passive voice, and bloated sentences.

But readers don’t crave complexity — they crave clarity and connection.

You don’t need to “sound smart.” You need to “sound like you.”

That’s what builds trust, and trust builds monetization potential.

3. How to Find Your Voice (Even If You’re Not a “Writer”)

If you can talk, you can write with voice. Here’s how to tap into it:

  • Talk it out: Literally say your thoughts out loud before you type them. Use voice notes. Your natural phrasing, tone, and quirks will come through.

  • Use “you” more than “I”: Good writing feels like a conversation. Great writing feels like a personal chat.

  • Write drunk, edit sober: Not literally — but write freely, then clean it up later.

  • Read it out loud: If it sounds weird spoken, it’ll read weird too.

  • Imagine your reader: Picture a single person (not your whole audience) and write directly to them.

Shoutout to 1440:

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

4. Injecting Personality Without Being Cringey

You don’t need to be overly funny, sarcastic, or edgy. You just need to be you — consistently.

Some tips:

  • Share mini-stories or relatable moments. People remember anecdotes, not bullet points.

  • Use casual connectors: “Look,” “Here’s the thing,” “Real talk:”

  • Don’t be afraid to break grammar rules for effect.

  • Emojis, ellipses, dashes — these can add rhythm (if not overused).

💡 Pro Tip: Create a “Voice Bank” — a list of phrases, analogies, and catchphrases you often use. Sprinkle them in. Over time, they’ll become part of your brand.

5. How Voice Leads to Growth (and Revenue)

Your voice is your moat. It’s hard to copy.

  • It builds loyalty — people subscribe not just for your tips, but for you.

  • It reduces churn — readers feel like they’re part of your world.

  • It boosts monetization — when you sound human, people trust your recommendations more.

Your voice doesn’t just help you grow — it helps you sell.

6. Examples of Voice-Driven Newsletters That Crush It

A few creators nailing their voice:

  • Alex Llull (The Steal Club) – Witty, conversational, and useful.

  • Dan Koe – Deep and introspective, yet punchy.

  • Shaan Puri – Feels like a text from a smart friend.

All different. All human. All monetizing well.

7. Your Next Steps: Start Writing Human Today

Go back and re-read your last 3 emails. Do they sound like you? Or like “newsletter you”?

Challenge: Rewrite one of them using your true voice.

Bonus: Ask a friend to read your email out loud — does it sound like something you’d say?

The more human you sound, the more people stick around.

And in the newsletter game, attention is currency.

Voice is what earns it.

🧠 TL;DR

  • Your voice is your secret weapon.

  • Ditch the robotic tone. Write like you talk.

  • Be consistent, relatable, and real.

  • Voice builds trust → trust builds revenue.

✍️ Practice Prompt for This Week:

Pick one newsletter idea.

Write it like you normally would.

Then rewrite it like you’re texting your best friend.

Compare the two. Which one would you actually read?

Thinking of starting a newsletter?

I’ve partnered with the beehiiv team to set you up with:

20% off your first 3 months
A free 30-day trial, no credit card needed

It’s packed with features that make creating great content easier: AI tools that save time, landing pages that convert better, and a built-in ad network to help you earn more.

See you in the next edition!

With love,
Nikhil

Keep Reading

No posts found