How to explain privacy clearly in lay terms?

Explaining privacy practices requires clear, accessible language that avoids legal jargon while still being accurate and comprehensive. Write your privacy explanations at a reading level that your average subscriber can understand, typically around an eighth-grade level. Use concrete examples of what data you collect, why you collect it, and how subscribers benefit from sharing that information with you.

Layered disclosure works well for email communications, where you provide a brief summary of key practices with links to more detailed explanations for those who want them. Your signup forms might note that you'll use their email for weekly newsletters and occasional promotions, with a link to your full privacy policy for complete details. This respects both the quick scanner and the thorough reader.

Be proactive about explaining changes to your practices before they happen, not after. When you add new data collection, new third-party integrations, or new ways of using subscriber information, tell people directly through your email channel. Transparency isn't just about having a privacy policy; it's about actively communicating with the people who trust you with their information.