Write Like You Talk — Not Like a Textbook

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Write Like You Talk — Not Like a Textbook

So many digital product creators think they need to write like a professional marketer. They try to sound smart, polished, academic — like a brand-new version of themselves.

But here’s the truth: smart doesn’t always sell.

Clear sells. Simple sells. Real sells.

And the best way to write copy that connects?

Write like you talk.

Not like a textbook. Not like a corporate memo. Not like your college professor would approve of.

But like you’re explaining your product to a friend who’s actually excited to hear about it.

Why Simpler Writing Converts Better

When someone lands on your page, they’re not trying to be impressed by your vocabulary. They’re trying to figure out, quickly, if your product is right for them.

The longer it takes to understand what you're offering, the faster they bounce.

Here’s what simpler writing does:

  • Removes confusion
  • Speeds up decision-making
  • Makes your message feel real
  • Builds trust — because you sound human
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Reminder: Your job isn’t to impress. It’s to express — clearly, confidently, and without friction.

The “Grade Level” Rule

There’s a reason top-performing copy — even in big industries — is written at a 5th to 8th grade reading level.

Not because the audience isn’t smart.

But because clarity is kind.

In fact, studies show that lowering your grade level often increases conversions, reading time, and trust.

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Test This Yourself: Run your product page through Hemingway App. You’ll see what grade level you’re writing at — and what to simplify.

Simple Copy vs. Bloated Copy

Let’s look at a few quick examples.

❌ Bloated:

  • This all-encompassing system is designed to synergistically enhance your ability to organize content assets across various verticals.

✅ Simple:

  • Organize your content — and finally keep everything in one place.

❌ Bloated:

  • With over 30 customizable templates, you’ll unlock the potential to ideate, schedule, and execute your social content in a highly structured and effective manner.

✅ Simple:

  • 30 done-for-you templates to plan, write, and post your content faster — without overthinking.

❌ Bloated:

  • Learn how to establish a high-converting digital funnel with this expansive, step-by-step resource.

✅ Simple:

  • Build a sales funnel that actually works — with clear steps and zero fluff.

Tips to Write More Like You Talk

Here’s how to make your writing feel more natural — and way more effective.

1. Start with a voice memo

Before writing, record yourself explaining the product out loud — like you're telling a friend about it. Then transcribe and clean it up.

You’ll be amazed how clear your message becomes when you stop trying to “write” and just talk.

2. Use contractions and casual phrasing

Use:

  • “You’ll” instead of “you will”
  • “It’s” instead of “it is”
  • “Let’s” instead of “let us”

It reads like a person, not a robot.

3. Cut unnecessary words

Don’t say:

  • “In order to” → Just say “to”
  • “Utilize” → Just say “use”
  • “Leverage this resource” → Just say “use this guide”

Your reader doesn’t need fluff. They need flow.

Swipeable Copy Rewrites

❌ “This PDF includes 12 frameworks to streamline your product launch planning process.”

✅ “12 plug-and-play frameworks to help you plan your next launch without the stress.”

❌ “An easy-to-navigate toolkit designed for creators and freelancers who want to build an online brand presence.”

✅ “A simple toolkit to help you grow online — whether you’re a freelancer or just getting started.”

A Quick Clarity Checklist

Use this to polish your product pages, sales messages, or even captions:

  • Would I say this sentence out loud — just like this?
  • Is there a shorter, simpler way to say this?
  • Am I using filler phrases I can cut?
  • Does this sound like me — or like someone trying to impress?

If you wouldn’t say it in a voice note to a friend… it’s probably too much.

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You can still be emotional, persuasive, and inspiring with simple language. In fact, it’s easier — because your reader doesn’t have to fight through complex sentences to feel something.

Entrepedia Perspective

When we first started creating product pages for our library, we overwrote everything.

We were trying to sound polished. Professional. Perfect.

But it backfired.

We had beautifully formatted pages — with paragraphs that no one was reading.

So we simplified.

We wrote more like we talk. Used bullet points. Shortened sentences. Removed buzzwords. Made the benefits obvious.

And almost instantly, our conversions improved.

People finally “got it.”

And that’s when we realized: you don’t need perfect writing. You need real clarity.

So now we use the same principle across all of our pages — and we always ask:

“Does this sound like something you’d actually say?”

If not… we cut it, fix it, or simplify it.

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Simple doesn’t mean sloppy. You can still sound professional — just in a way that’s warm, helpful, and human. And that’s exactly what makes people trust you.

Clear Beats Clever

Your customers aren’t looking for clever. They’re looking for clarity, confidence, and ease. When your copy sounds like a real human — and feels like it was written for them — that’s when it connects.

And when your words connect, you don’t have to push the sale.

You just guide it.

So forget the fancy words. Forget the business-speak. Forget trying to sound “professional.”

Write like you’re helping someone. Because you are.

Let’s keep going.

In the next chapter, we’ll look at the #1 trap creators fall into when trying to be clever — and how to avoid confusing your customer just to sound smart.