So I heard…ChatGPT is coming for my job? Nah… I was told that by countless people praising ChatGPT to the heavens. They said it’s a lifesaver and fixed all their blog post writing issues. Well, I tried it out. Not due to fear, but out of sheer curiosity. What I write as a Senior Copywriter is mostly promotional or informative content. Human empathy is a big component of that. I had a legit conversation with the AI…*tee-hee*… and I must say; it’s super helpful and quick, but in no way a contender for authentic human connection with words. Below are the results given, when I asked ChatGPT to write a SHORT email Ad for shoes on sale:

Subject: Shoes on Sale: Up to 50% Off!

Dear valued customer,

We are excited to announce that we are having a sale on our shoe collection! From now until the end of the month, you can enjoy up to 50% off on select styles. This is the perfect opportunity to snag a new pair of shoes for yourself or a loved one at a great price.

Our sale includes a variety of styles and sizes, so you are sure to find something that fits your needs. Whether you are looking for a new pair of running shoes, casual sneakers, or dress shoes, we have got you covered.

Don’t miss out on this amazing sale! Visit our website or stop by our store today to take advantage of these great deals.

Thank you for choosing our store for your shoe needs.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Pretty good right? But a bit stiff. Here’s my version:

Subject: Shop 50% Off Your Shoe Game!

Hey, you!

We’re super excited about our latest shoe sale! Right now ’til the end of March, save up to 50% off select footwear. Shop your faves, or buy a gift for a friend at 50% off!

We’ve got tons of styles to choose from and sizes for everyone! Get the hottest shoes for half off regular price! Shop active footwear, casual sneaks, or fancy styles for your active lifestyle.

March savings are happenin’ NOW! Visit us online or stop in-store today for these amazing deals!

As always, Thank you for shopping [store name].

…see ya soon!

[Your Name]

I wrote this on the fly and was just winging it. I did add a bit of a human element to the generic marketing email write-up. Don’t get me wrong, ChatGPT did a great job, but there needs to be a pull to sales writing, a sense of urgency, and approachability. Also, it’s not necessary to strictly follow grammar rules, especially if your target market is accustomed to the latest trending terminology on social media and so on. There are times you don’t have to be literal either and can assume your reader gets the gist of what you’re saying. ChatGPT did give me the sort of “wireframe” or layout to simply plug in and get the work done faster. I guess if you need to churn out content constantly ChatGPT is best. Honestly, for me; I wouldn’t use ChatGPT to even lay out the format or wireframe I need to write anything. It doesn’t write or communicate in a way that is natural. I’m sure over time they’ll improve that, but there are certain notes that need to be hit in order to create quality copy, and an organic flow. ChatGPT can’t invoke nostalgia, creativity, tone, or intuition. That’s a key element of what I do. ChatGPT is like a “point and shoot” sort of deal when it comes to copywriting, but it’s excellent at researching. ChatGPT is not a threat, it’s a help; efficiency, productivity, and, storyboarding. Like the picture in this post that I created above with Stable Diffusion; I asked it to show two rabbits in graffiti having a conversation. That’s what it came up with…I know a human can do better than that. But as time goes I’m sure these AI computer programs will get better. Not to take over, but help…right? Honestly though, as AIs evolve, so should we. Creatives should keep doing what they do best; inspire and feed the imagination.