I "Interviewed" ChatGPT About Copywriting in the Age of AI!
Let's see what the machine has to say about replacing us at our jobs...or not ;)
What’s it like being a young copywriter at a time when generative AI is on the rise?
Well, it’s heckin’ nerve-wracking, that’s for sure.
But once I got past the worry of being replaced by a machine, and listened to a couple of podcasts and read some articles, I realized that the way to survive and thrive as a creative is to make AI work for me / with me.
So for this newsletter, I’ll be sharing with you the transcript of a conversation I had with ChatGPT!
This is inspired by a fascinating podcast episode by Teka Teka News - do check it out. And of course, credit goes to the creators of ChatGPT for the responses generated in the following conversation.
REG: What is it like being a copywriter in the Philippines? Explain in 50 words or less and make sure it is specific to the Filipino experience.
CHATGPT: Being a copywriter in the Philippines involves crafting compelling content that resonates with the diverse cultural nuances and languages of the country. Balancing a mix of English and Filipino, while understanding local humor and references, is essential for creating effective marketing materials that connect with the Filipino audience.
REG: Give 5 tips for Filipino copywriters working or planning to work in the advertising industry in the Philippines, especially given the advent of Artificial Intelligence.
CHATGPT:
Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the nuances of Filipino culture, values, and languages. Tailor your content to resonate with different regions and demographics, showcasing an authentic appreciation for local customs and traditions.
Embrace AI as a Tool: Utilize AI tools to streamline research, generate ideas, and analyze data. While AI can aid efficiency, your creative flair, emotional intelligence, and ability to tell a compelling story remain invaluable assets in crafting engaging and relatable content.
Human Touch and Authenticity: Infuse your work with genuine emotion and relatable experiences. AI can't replicate the depth of human connection, so ensure your content evokes emotions and maintains a personal touch that resonates with Filipino audiences.
Stay Updated: Keep up with AI advancements and digital trends. Familiarize yourself with AI-generated content to differentiate your work and provide value that surpasses what automated tools can produce.
Continuous Learning: Adapt and refine your skills regularly. As AI evolves, so should your abilities. Invest in courses, workshops, and networking opportunities to stay competitive and ensure your creativity remains a driving force in the industry.
REG: In 2023 and beyond, are companies still looking to hire in-house copywriters, or is this something that will probably be left up to outsourced advertising agencies, freelancers, and AI?
CHATGPT: In 2023 and beyond, companies are likely to continue hiring in-house copywriters, but the landscape will be influenced by a mix of outsourced agencies, freelancers, and AI technologies. While AI can assist in generating content and handling routine tasks, human copywriters bring creativity, emotional resonance, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances that are difficult for AI to replicate. In-house copywriters provide consistent brand voice and immediate collaboration, while outsourcing and freelancers offer specialized skills and fresh perspectives. The key is a hybrid approach that leverages both human expertise and AI tools for optimal results.
REG: So you're saying that even with the advent of AI, copywriters don't need to worry about keeping their jobs?
CHATGPT: Copywriters may need to adapt their roles and skill sets in response to the growing presence of AI, but their jobs are not necessarily at risk. AI can handle certain tasks like generating basic content and analyzing data, but it lacks the creative and emotional intelligence that human copywriters bring to the table. Copywriters who embrace AI as a tool to enhance their work and focus on areas that require human ingenuity, such as storytelling, cultural nuances, and emotional connection, are likely to remain valuable in the industry. It's more about evolving alongside technology rather than fearing job displacement.
REG: Besides ChatGPT, what other AI tools can copywriters to hone the following: - writing skills - strategic thinking - visualization Especially since a lot of copywriters aren't necessarily visual thinkers, and since the natural progression for copywriters is to become creative directors who have an eye for both copy and art.
CHATGPT: Certainly, there are several AI tools that can help copywriters hone their writing skills, strategic thinking, and visualization abilities:
1. Grammarly: This tool goes beyond basic spell checking, offering suggestions for style, tone, and clarity to enhance your writing skills.
2. Hemingway Editor: It helps simplify and improve the readability of your writing, guiding you to create clear and concise copy.
3. Google Analytics: Enhance your strategic thinking by understanding user behavior and optimizing content based on data-driven insights.
4. SEMrush: This SEO tool can help you strategize keyword placement and analyze competitor content, ensuring your copy is effective for both readers and search engines.
5. MindMeister or XMind: These mind mapping tools can aid strategic thinking and organization by visually mapping out ideas, content structures, and campaign plans.
6. Canva or Adobe Spark: For copywriters looking to develop their visualization skills, these tools offer user-friendly platforms to create basic visual content like social media graphics and presentations.
7. Figma or Adobe Creative Suite: For copywriters aspiring to transition into creative directors, learning basic design principles and using tools like Figma or Adobe software can help bridge the gap between copy and art.
8. Lumen5 or Vyond: These tools allow you to transform your copy into engaging videos, enhancing your visualization skills and adding a multimedia dimension to your work.
By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can refine your writing skills, think strategically about content, and gradually develop your visualization abilities, preparing you for roles that demand a broader creative perspective.
REG: What tips and future topics can you give: - a copywriter with a Substack (email newsletter/blog) called Buhay Copywriter - subscribers of the said Substack?
CHATGPT: Certainly, here are some tips and future topic ideas for your Substack newsletter "Buhay Copywriter" and its subscribers:
Tips for the Copywriter Substack:
1. Consistency: Regularly schedule and send out your newsletter to keep subscribers engaged and coming back for more.
2. Engaging Subject Lines: Craft attention-grabbing subject lines that entice readers to open your emails.
3. Varied Content: Mix up your content with a combination of educational articles, industry insights, personal anecdotes, and practical tips for fellow copywriters.
4. Interactive Elements: Incorporate polls, quizzes, or challenges to encourage interaction and feedback from your subscribers.
5. Guest Contributors: Feature guest articles or interviews from other experienced copywriters to provide diverse perspectives.
6. Subscriber Engagement: Encourage subscribers to reply with questions, feedback, or topics they'd like to see covered.
7. Visual Appeal: Use visuals and formatting to break up text and make your newsletter visually appealing.
Future Topic Ideas for Subscribers:
1. Navigating AI as a Copywriter: Explore how AI is impacting the industry and how copywriters can leverage it effectively.
2. Becoming a Creative Director: Provide insights and steps for copywriters aiming to transition into creative director roles.
3. Cultural Sensitivity in Copywriting: Delve into the importance of cultural awareness and how to tailor copy for diverse audiences.
4. Content Strategy and SEO for Copywriters: Guide copywriters in optimizing their content for search engines and user engagement.
5. Staying Inspired: Share techniques to overcome writer's block, find inspiration, and keep creativity flowing.
6. Effective Collaboration Between Copy and Design: Discuss the synergy between copy and visuals, and how copywriters can collaborate effectively with designers.
7. Mastering the Art of Storytelling: Dive deep into storytelling techniques that can enhance copy and engage readers.
8. Freelancing Tips: Offer advice on setting rates, finding clients, and managing the business side of copywriting.
9. Personal Growth for Copywriters: Explore ways for copywriters to develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability.
10. Industry Trends and Predictions: Discuss the latest trends in copywriting and speculate on the future direction of the field.
Remember, your Substack is an opportunity to build a community, share insights, and provide value to fellow copywriters. Feel free to adapt these ideas to your unique voice and perspective.
[Reg: What did you think of these suggested topics? Anything you’d like to see in a future newsletter? Leave a comment to let me know what you think!]
REG: Thanks for your input! I'm looking forward to "collaborating with you (and other tools like you) in the future. After all, even with the impressive power of machines and machine learning, nothing beats the unique, personal insights that humans can provide.
CHATGPT: You're absolutely right! Collaborating with AI tools like me can certainly complement your work as a copywriter, but the unique insights, creativity, and personal touch that humans bring to the table are irreplaceable. Feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance, ideas, or just a bit of inspiration. Best of luck with your Substack, and I'm here whenever you're ready to collaborate again!
***
As you can see, even AI acknowledges that there is nothing quite like human insights, experiences, and creativity. And even with generative AI becoming more popular, there is still a place for us writers - whether we choose to work in-house with a brand, with an advertising agency, or freelance. Of course, it’s important that AI be used ethically, whether you’re a brand or working for one.
Thanks for this informative read! This reminded me of the TED talk "Why tech needs the humanities" by Eric Berridge. Might inspire you with more topics :)