Feature Article

What AI Copywriting is Great For (and what's not so great about it!) 

AI copywriting has roots in the 1950s with the exploration of machine-generated language and later evolved into word processors with spell-checking in the early 1980s. 

Its direct link to today's generative AI platforms can be traced through those early spell-checking and grammar tools, which laid the foundation for creating various forms of text.

How AI Copywriting Works 

AI copywriting works by using machine learning algorithms trained on vast amounts of text data to understand language patterns and generate human-like content. 

Users input a prompt, such as a topic or desired tone, and the AI uses its learned knowledge to create new text like blog posts, marketing emails, or product descriptions. 

The process involves AI learning from the input, processing the request, and iterating on a human-like response that can then be refined and personalized by the user.

Operative word: human-like.

What AI Can Do Really Well

Copywriters and marketers have discovered AI is really good for:

• Generating drafts quickly (emails, ads, blog outlines).
• Brainstorming headline or subject line variations.
• Doing fast research and summarizing trends.
• Helping them beat writer’s block.

Bottom Line: AI gives you speed, efficiency, and volume.

So, that's the good news...

 What AI can’t replace

Okay...so we've established AI is great at heavy lifting. But heavy lifting will only get you so far.

But converting qualified prospects into profitable clients and customers demands that we go beyond AI's limitations.

Only a human copywriter can inject your copy with the deeper elements that move prospects to take action.

Things like:

• Emotional intelligence—understanding why people buy.
• Brand voice—nuance, tone, and personality that make copy feel authentic.
• Strategic thinking—how copy fits into the bigger marketing funnel.
• Human empathy—the ability to truly connect with a reader’s pain or desire.

3 Reasons To Be Careful When Using AI To Write Copy

Although there are a number of caveats regarding the use of AI to write here are here are 3 that need your consideration:

REASON #2: According to ChatGPT, AI ‘may struggle’ to do either of these two things: 

Craft persuasive arguments as to why your ideal customers should invest in your product or service.

Counter prospect objections to buying your stuff.

Not sure about you but isn't that the whole point of showing up every day?

REASON #3: AI can get you penalized by Google...In March 2024, Google announced a clampdown on spammy and low-quality content and followed up with its spam update in June 2024. 

After the update, businesses that had published lots of unmoderated (read copy and paste) AI content on their blogs found their websites had been hammered by the algorithm. 

Some had slipped down the rankings, but others had disappeared from Google completely!

So, there's THAT...

The Future of Copywriting

The businesses and writers thriving now are using a hybrid approach:

AI as a tool → to generate ideas and accelerate production.

Human copywriters as strategists and storytellers → to craft messages that resonate, persuade, and convert.

Think calculators and accountants: calculators didn’t eliminate accountants, but accountants who refused to use calculators got left behind.

AI won’t replace human copywriting. 

But the smart money is on copywriters (and entrepreneurs) who know how to harness it without losing the human touch.

Make sense?