Write Like a Friend, Not a Robot: How to Chat Up Your Readers with Conversational Copy

Ever been to a website that sounds like the Terminator reading off a monotone sales script?

Then there are websites that sound like a friend is talking to us:

We become engaged, stay long enough for the full story, and maybe even want to become part of that story.

That’s because we are more likely to bond and respond with those that sound like us. In copywriting, this is the art of conversational copy.

There’s science supporting this; when we engage in casual conversation, our brains release oxytocin. That's the fun little hormone responsible for creating social bonds and trust.

So, by making your writing more conversational, you're essentially forging a bond with your reader.

The good news is that writing conversationally is easy, once you know what to look for.

Today, I’m going to show you how to transform your writing into conversational writing with:

• 5 simple tips

• 3 ChatGPT prompts

• Some pictures and Terminator analogies (because I love the Terminator tbh)

Tip 1: It’s all about the contractions

When writing conversationally, use contractions like "wouldn't" and "don't." They make your writing sound less formal and more natural.

Surprising Fact: Linguistic studies suggest that contractions, while simple, can significantly change the perception of your writing and make it more approachable.

Tip 2: What’s up, Doc? Hit em’ with a question.

Transform your piece from a lecture into a conversation with questions. This invites your readers to think, engage, and interact.

Did you know? According to cognitive scientists, questions in writing can stimulate the brain’s curiosity zones, leading to increased reader engagement!

Tip 3: Go Active Voice or Go Home

Use an active voice for more direct, engaging, and conversational sentences. Instead of "The blog post was read by millions", say "Millions read the blog post.”

The easiest way to do this is to use action verbs, especially in headlines.

Do X, Be Y, Achieve Z.

Tip 4: Talk to me, Goose. Write in first-person.

Use 'you' and 'your' to make your reader feel like you're speaking directly to them. This creates an intimate, personalized feel.

Tip 5: It’s your brand, man. Now write like it.

Give your brand a unique voice by injecting personality into your writing. Show your brand's true colors with whatever amazing avatar your brand should look, feel, sound, and smell like.

Is your brand inspirational? Or matter-of-fact?

Is your brand playful? Or authoritative?

Is your brand the Terminator? Or John Connor (the youthful, relatable, young version played by Edward Furlong)?

When you’re done writing, look at your copy. Does it represent your brand? Can you hear it?

Okay, you made it this far, here are the ChatGPT prompts for ez-mode.

"ChatGPT, help me rewrite this sentence to sound more conversational:”

"ChatGPT, can you make this more engaging and conversational:

"ChatGPT, transform this formal invitation into a friendly, casual one:

Final Takeaway for Conversational Copywriting

Conversational writing is all about making your reader feel like they're part of the discussion.

It's an approach that builds social bonds, fosters trust, and more importantly, makes your content enjoyable to read. So, start turning those monologues into a dynamic, two-way convo with a friend by applying these tips and prompts.