How to be a Human in Your Newsletter (Especially if You're Using Robots

AI 🤖 is not the original writing killer.

People have been writing like robots long before AI came along. Templates and copywriting formulas have been around for decades. Non-writers rely on them to craft messages, and fair enough—they work.

But these days, my inbox is a graveyard of “newsletters” that all follow the same tired formula. Many are from the same person or brand.

It’s always:
1… 2… 3… pitch. Every time.

And I get it. If writing or marketing isn’t your thing and you're trying to sell something, you want to follow a proven framework. Fair.

The problem is, every message begins to look the same, lacking personality and void of things that set you apart from the other sales emails in people’s inboxes. If people can’t see who you are - beyond the frameworks - they probably aren’t going to stick around.

So, how do you keep your emails human and still make sales?

1. Add personal happenings

The buzzword is “storytelling,” but that can feel lofty or intimidating. Just share a bit about what’s going on in your business or personal life. Try to tie it back to something your audience can relate to.

Example:
If you’re a business coach, talk about how your work-life balance got out of balance this week and how you plan to correct it. This kind of honesty is relatable and relevant.

2. Always ask: “So what?”

Your readers aren’t opening your emails as a favor. (Except me. I’m a fan. Send me an opt-in.)

So, every sentence should earn its keep - ask yourself, So what?

Example:
You’re writing about how your power went out on vacation. So what?
Well, maybe it forced you to slow down. Play games. Actually relax. 🏝️
That’s something your burned-out readers can relate to, and maybe want for themselves.

3. Ruthlessly edit AI

If you’re using AI to draft your emails (smart move), just remember: edit, edit, edit. AI is a great first draft. It has speed, insight, structure, and charisma (seriously, it does). Buuuttt no matter how good it gets, it will not replace your emotion, personal stories, and insights.

Example:
Here’s what ChatGPT wrote for a LinkedIn post I was drafting:

“📱 I didn’t want to read the article.
But I listened to the 2-hour podcast.
Not because the article wasn’t good.
Not because I don’t read.
Not even because I was multitasking.
I just… didn’t want more screen time.”

No one talks like that. 🙅‍♀️

Here’s how I rewrote it:

“I was listening to a 2-hour podcast while washing dishes and realized… I would never sit at my computer and read this as a blog post. Not because the content wasn’t good—but because I’m already on screens way too much.”

Same message. Real voice.

4. Change up your CTA

Don’t end every email with a link to buy something or book a call. People will start skipping your endings, which means fewer clicks and less trust.

Try these instead:

• Link to a blog post, article, or Instagram story that digs deeper into what you just wrote about.

• Link to someone else’s great resource - show them you’re paying attention to the world outside your product.

• Ask them to reply. Seriously, this is the GOAT 🐐 of CTAs if you ask me. (You didn’t ask, but you should have.)

When people reply, you get free marketing research and conversation starters for future content.

Here are a few ideas to get you started (pick one per email):

• What are you struggling with right now?

• What do you hope for in [topic]?

• What do you want to ask me?

Writing about yourself is hard, even for writers.

So try this instead:
Read your draft from your reader’s POV.
Is it human? Is it helpful? Would you want to read it?

Remember, robots and frameworks are fine - in moderation.

Your Turn:
What’s something you want to talk about in your emails… but don’t know how to tie it to your audience?

Drop it in the comments. I’ll help you make the connection.