Write Like Your Customers Talk

Formal language is out, slang is in. Customers want to feel like they’re having a conversation, not receiving a generic message that could be sent to anyone.

worker speaking to a customer in conversational tone

Are you tired of receiving emails that sound like they’re written by a robot? Do you find yourself tuning out of messages that sound too formal or rigid? If so, you’re not alone. If you’re a marketer, it’s especially important to take note of this problem. Customers want to feel like they’re having a conversation, not receiving a generic message that could be sent to anyone. That’s why it’s crucial to write like your customers talk.

As marketers, it can be tempting to use lofty, formal language in our campaigns. Thinking that by using big words, we’ll sound smart and impress our audience. However, the truth is, stuffy formal language is out, and slang is in.

When we talk to our friends and family, we use casual language, slang, and idioms without even thinking about it. In fact, when we try to sound too formal, we often come across as insincere or even distant. The same is true for our marketing campaigns. If we want to establish a personal connection with our customers, we need to talk to them in a way that feels natural and approachable.

Why Use Conversational Language?

For starters, using conversational language can help build trust and rapport with your audience. When people feel like they’re talking to a real person rather than a faceless corporation, they’re more likely to engage with your brand and ultimately make a purchase. In fact, a study by the American Marketing Association found that “conversational language can increase the likelihood of a sale by up to 20%”. That’s a significant percentage that can make all the difference in the success of a marketing campaign.

When you write like your customers talk, you create a sense of familiarity that makes it easier for them to connect with you. This is the same reason why we’re more likely to buy from a friend or family member than a stranger. We feel like we know them, which makes us more inclined to do business with them. A study by HubSpot found that emails written in a conversational tone had a 14% higher response rate than those that were overly formal or corporate.

Additionally, using a conversational tone can help to defuse tense or difficult situations. When customers are upset or frustrated, the last thing they want is to be spoken to in a way that feels cold. Using language that resonates with them can diffuse the situation and turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Lastly, conversational language makes your message more memorable. People tend to remember things that are said in a relatable and engaging way. You have an opportunity to create a message that sticks in people’s minds long after they’ve read it and helps increase brand awareness and customer loyalty in the long run.

How To Write Like Your Customers Talk

The key is to identify the language and tone that resonates with your customer base. This requires research, data analysis, and a willingness to take risks. But the payoff is worth it. 

The first thing to do is identify your target market. Then you can figure out what conversational language is for them. Identifying the language that resonates with your customer base is key to creating a successful marketing campaign. What slang do they use? What colloquialisms are common in their area? What phrases do they find relatable? By taking the time to understand the language of your customers, you’ll be able to craft messaging that speaks directly to them.

One way to determine these things is to conduct surveys or focus groups to gather feedback on your messaging. Another is to utilize analytics to see which posts and messages get the most engagement. Using tools like Google Analytics can help you identify keywords and phrases that your audience is searching for. This information can then be used to create more targeted messaging that speaks directly to your ideal customer.

It’s important to note that writing like your customers talk doesn’t necessarily mean using informal language in every situation. For example, if you’re marketing to a more mature demographic, using too much slang could come across as patronizing or inappropriate. The key is to strike a balance between being relatable and being respectful.

In addition to using conversational language, it’s also important to be candid and transparent in your messaging. People can smell a canned, impersonal message from a mile away. Instead, try to create content that feels authentic and genuine. Address the pain points and concerns that your audience is experiencing, and offer real solutions that will make their lives better. This approach can help build trust and establish your brand as an authority in your industry.

Of course, there’s always the fear that being too casual or informal will hurt your brand’s credibility. But the truth is, being robotic and overly formal can be just as damaging. Customers want to feel like they’re talking to a real person, not a marketing algorithm. By using conversational language and a more relaxed tone, you can create a message that feels human and relatable.

If you want to connect with your customers, you need to be willing to let your guard down and speak to them in a sincere, authentic way. This doesn’t mean you have to use improper grammar or be unprofessional – it just means you should aim to write in a conversational tone that feels approachable.

In conclusion, writing like your customers talk is essential for creating a successful marketing campaign. By using conversational language, you can build trust and rapport with your audience, make your message more memorable, and ultimately increase your chances of making a sale. But it’s important to find a balance between being relatable and being respectful, and to use data and feedback to inform your messaging strategy. With these tips in mind, you can create a message that speaks directly to your audience and drives real results for your business.

Looking for help with your marketing strategy? Contact us today and let our experienced team of digital marketers help you create a powerful campaign!

About Lisa | Spherical Strategies Content Creator & Copywriter

Lisa works with Spherical Strategies as a content creator and copywriter. She brings a deep understanding of human motivation to her mastery of writing by utilizing her education in market psychology. She has worked over the past several years as a private contractor, providing industry-specific content and editing for companies of all sizes.

Outside of her work as a content creator, Lisa is passionate about caring for her young son and is only slightly obsessed with gardening.