The Future of Copywriting: Will AI Kill The Writing Industry?

Livelihoods are on the line. But how much threat is AI, really?

Since ancient times, copywriters have developed compelling messages that draw in and engage people. In recent years, Artificial intelligence (AI) has progressively permeated every part of our lives, and copywriting is no exception. 

In the past, AI was mainly used in highly specialized applications, such as complex mathematical algorithms and computer simulations. Today, however, AI is used in many industries, from healthcare to finance and retail, to assist with tasks such as data analysis, automation, and customer service. For example, we've experienced facial recognition technology in law enforcement, natural language processing for customer service, and medical diagnostics. 

Additionally, AI is used for robotic process automation to reduce costs, for predictive analytics for business insights, and for autonomous vehicles for transportation. It's also used in education to provide personalized learning experiences for students. 

The copywriting profession is also transforming thanks to AI, but is it a good thing? 

AI enables authors to produce more focused, efficient, and exciting content using features like machine learning and natural language processing. As a result, copywriters can make material specifically suited to their audience's requirements while automating other repetitive chores and concentrating on their creative work. 

Natural language processing and machine learning

The future of copywriting is in the hands of two essential AI capabilities: natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. NLP can enhance a computer's capacity to process language by deriving meaning from text. It's primarily used in text analysis and automatic translation. Machine learning is a type of AI that grants computers the ability to learn independently by accumulating information from data. The collected data then generates language and makes predictions. 

Computer-generated copywriting is not new, but NLP and machine learning developments will enable computers to process language and naturally produce content. The computer will be able to understand the context of the situation and communicate with the reader allowing machines to create more meaningful, personalized, and engaging content. Predictive analytics can also track the impact of certain content and adjust it according to reader response.

Benefits of AI-driven copywriting

Longer articles: With the ability to focus more on the creative side of the job, writers will be able to create lengthier articles and spend more time researching, outlining, writing, and editing their pieces. Writers can create more detailed and exhaustive articles that will satisfy their readers. 

Higher engagement levels: AI-driven copywriting will allow writers to create more focused content on their audience and needs. This means that readers will be more likely to find what they are looking for and stay engaged with the content. 

Increased trust and loyalty: With more personalized content that speaks to the reader, AI-driven copywriting will help marketers create a more trusting relationship with their audience. This is a valuable asset that will help companies build long-term relationships with their customers.

Challenges of AI-driven copywriting

Loss of human creativity: While computers are great at following instructions, they lack the creativity and imagination essential for writing creative content. AI-driven copywriting will create a more robotic and impersonal tone in content, making it less engaging and persuasive. 

Need for more structure: While AI-driven copywriting enables writers to create longer and more detailed pieces, it will also require a more structured approach. Computers rely on rules and algorithms to make decisions, requiring a strict framework to work within. This can be challenging for creative writers who thrive on flexibility and freedom. 

Need for more consistency: Creativity and imagination can help writers connect with their readers and stand out from the crowd and clutter. However, these qualities can also lead to inconsistencies in content, making it less reliable and trustworthy. Since AI-driven copywriting can create consistent content by following a structure and rules, it fails in what marketers can do, which is create content that resonates with their readers - more likely to be successful.

Opportunities for copywriters in the AI era

Higher trust levels: Since computers are more likely to create consistent content with lower variations, readers will be more likely to trust the information they publish. This valuable asset for marketers will help them build a more trustworthy reputation. 

Higher engagement levels: AI-driven copywriting will enable marketers to create more personalized and relevant content tailored to their readers. This means that readers will be more likely to find what they are looking for and stay engaged with the content. 

More time for creativity: With a structure in place, writers can focus on the creative side of the job and create more engaging content. Computers are great at following rules, but they are less suited to creative tasks that require imagination and flexibility.

How AI will change the future of copywriting

AI is all around us and is making its way into almost every industry, especially true for the copywriting business. And while this may sound like a bad thing for the profession, we can still find many benefits.

For one, machines don't get distracted or bored and will more likely write what you want, faster. They'll also be able to create content that is precisely what you need it to be, which is not always something that many human writers can claim.

Most importantly, copywriters should turn into content strategists and be able to understand the needs of their customers better and create content that is both creative and tailored to those needs. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments to develop innovative and engaging content. Focus on quality over quantity and use data-driven insights to help inform your content ideas. Finally, take advantage of the collaboration opportunities available with AI to ensure that the content you create is high-quality and accurate.

AI technology will grow the more we use it and feed it, and it will continue to evolve and become more integrated into our lives.