We invite everyone to join the latest debate that’s on the minds of every WGA Strike attendee: AI versus human copywriters.
By now, considering our previous discussions on the role we believe AI should play in creativity, it’s no surprise that sole reliance on AI for content is ill-advised. (Have you seen Lindsay Lohan’s latest Netflix release, “Irish Wish”? We’re pretty sure this is what happens when a robot writes an entire movie script: a baffling plaid fever dream with painful dialogue.)
Artificial authors can never replace the imagination and creativity of the human mind. Personal experience and empathy are vital cornerstones to connect with your audience and infuse your brand with humanity. No matter how hard it might try, AI will never fully grasp what it means to be human, nor will it authentically weave that essence into the written word.
However, it would be incomplete not to discuss how AI can enhance copywriting. As with most things, the answer lies somewhere in the middle, and the balance you strike will be unique to your copy needs. Here are a few ways to leverage AI to your advantage while ensuring your copy maintains a human touch:
Welcome to the fast-track:
AI doesn’t suffer from writer’s block, so even on an off day, your robotic writer has your back. Prompts, loose outlines, and jumping-off points await in the digital landscape. Hate writing social captions? Farm those out to AI. Need hashtag ideas? AI can be an incredible asset for shorter content such as snappy email subject lines, freeing you up to focus on the parts of wordsmithing you actually enjoy.
Data-informed copy:
Even without AI doing the actual writing, it can analyze vast amounts of data to provide valuable insights into audience preferences, behaviors, and trends. This data-driven approach enables more targeted and effective copywriting, resulting in better engagement and conversion rates.
Editing perfection:
While you must have a good eye to craft compelling copy, even the keenest eyes go crossed at some point. This is especially true when reviewing your own work, as it’s easy to miss mistakes even when you know what you meant to say. AI can be a valuable (and free!) editor, ensuring your copy is clear and free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Efficient research:
AI excels at providing quick hits and resources on countless topics. If you’re a copywriter delving into unfamiliar industries, AI offers an expeditious way to study up before you begin writing. It could also assist you in generating related blog or article topics.
Overall, viewing AI as a tool that can enhance any creative process is the best approach. While your copy still needs to sound personal and authentic, using AI to ensure your message is clear and your research is accurate can’t hurt. By incorporating AI into your copywriting toolkit, you can enhance your productivity, creativity, and effectiveness as a writer, ultimately positioning yourself for success in an increasingly digital and data-driven landscape.