Tag Archives: copywriting

Can you use ChatGPT for content writing?

Using ChatGPT for writing content

The simple answer is, yes you can. Can you really? It depends.

First, what is ChatGPT? It is a simple online AI chatbot created by OpenAI. It answers the questions you ask. It is an AI language model. It generates human-like text based on the prompt that you give to it. It can generate responses to questions, write stories and poems, and generate Twitter threads. It can be used with conversational AI applications to simulate human-like interactions.

I have used ChatGPT for a few weeks to write content for my clients. Does it mean my clients can fire me and start using ChatGPT themselves to generate blog posts, web pages and email messages? Sure, if they want to.

The problem is, although ChatGPT digs up good information and can also communicate in a language that is free of spelling and grammar mistakes, it is yet far away from being as good as an average writer. Why is it so?

Content writing must be convincing

There is no individuality in the writing in ChatGPT. It simply presents the information. Writing is less about writing and more about expressing, especially when you want to convince people.

For presenting information, yes, it is fine. For example, if I ask ChatGPT, “What is SEO content writing?” it gives a very well-written answer:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) content writing is the process of creating website content that is optimized to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This involves incorporating targeted keywords, phrases, and other optimization techniques into the content to make it more visible to search engines like Google.

The primary goal of SEO content writing is to create content that not only meets the needs of the target audience but also meets the requirements of search engines. This can involve writing content that includes relevant keywords and phrases, optimizing headlines and subheadings, using meta descriptions and tags, and incorporating internal and external links.

SEO content writing is a critical component of digital marketing and can help businesses to increase their online visibility and drive more traffic to their website. However, it’s important to note that creating content solely for search engines can negatively impact the user experience, and therefore a balance between optimization and creating valuable, engaging content for the reader must be struck.

Even if you want to publish this explanation of “What is a SEO content writing?”, suppose 10 people ask the same question to ChatGPT and they all publish the same answer?

Even if they change the wording, the explanation remains more or less the same and this will be detected by Google. There was a time when Google looked down upon machine generated content, but with the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google says as long as the content is of quality, original, and helpful, it doesn’t matter whether it is written by humans or machines.

As a content writer, my recommendation for using ChatGPT is, use it for grunt work, and then use your own magic.

How to use ChatGPT to write high-quality content

Quality content writing with ChatGPT

You can use ChatGPT to create an outline and find useful information. In fact, when it comes to finding some research data, ChatGPT is better than Google, but the only problem is that when you are searching on Google, you have an option of looking at multiple sources. ChatGPT on the other hand, just gives you the information. Whether you want to trust this information or not, is completely up to you.

I find it useful to generate lists of options. For example, if you give this prompt to ChatGPT: “List the 5 most important items to carry when going to watch a cricket match in a stadium,” it gives you a list of items along with small explanation of why you may need those items. You can use this information then to write a complete blog post.

The key is using the right prompt.

Remember that ChatGPT is a language model. You should be as detailed as possible. I have seen some people writing a complete paragraph, using even bulleted points, to generate a prompt.

Here is a typical prompt you can use:

Act as an expert copywriter. Write a 500-word blog post on the benefit of using humor in copywriting. Cover at least five points. Use bulleted points to sum up main points. Include two real-world examples. Write in casual language. Write short sentences. Write in active voice.

As you can see, you need to tell ChatGPT what persona it should adopt while writing. You must also tell it the format in which you want the content to be written. In some prompts, you can also tell ChatGPT what information to exclude.

Until a few months ago many content writers and copywriters were claiming that AI writing tools will never be able to replace writers. Even I had written a few sentences discounting the fears of software like ChatGPT replacing writers. Things have changed a bit. Especially with the advent of ChatGPT.

Such tools will be able to help bulk writers write lots of content. If you “regenerate response” you may be able to generate variations of the same content, but I believe that soon, the more people start using it, the more similar-sounding the content will become.

When will ChatGPT replace you as a writer?

Will ChatGPT replace writers?

ChatGPT cannot do thinking for you. If you simply write SEO articles and blog posts, then ChatGPT has already begun to replace you. It is just a matter of your clients finding it out.

To make sure that you are not replaced by ChatGPT, you need to be more creative. You must have a voice that helps your content stand out.

Actually, this advice was applicable even when ChatGPT was not there. Copywriters and content writers are available on the Internet a dime a dozen, and to be frank, there are very few clients who can distinguish a great content writer from an ordinary content writer. Most of the clients are just interested in filling up their web pages and blog posts to somehow improve their search engine rankings. So, this sort of competition better copywriters and content writers have always faced.

But it’s a blessing in disguise. Copywriters and content writers who can compellingly express their ideas will be in greater demand because mediocre writers will be replaced by software options like ChatGPT.

How can you compete?

Improve your writing skills. Communicate instead of merely writing. Polish your creativity. Develop a unique voice. Focus on quality over quantity.

Remember that ChatGPT is a general language model. It may not be able to write content for a particular audience. It cannot understand the undetectable nuances. This is where you can beat ChatGPT as a content writer.

5 reasons for hiring a copywriter for better content

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5 reasons for hiring a copywriter

As a business owner, you must have heard this constantly- hire a copywriter.

But why?

Why should you invest in hiring a copywriter when you see no value in it?

If you have wondered the same, then it is very important for you to understand the key benefits of hiring a copywriter.

Once you know how valuable the services of a copywriter can be, you will be jumping up to find an expert copywriter that fits your business needs.

In this post, we will discuss why hiring an expert copywriter can boost your company’s growth.

Create a brand identity that stays with customers

Have you created something that you are proud of?

It is time that your audience feels the same way about your brand.

A copywriter can capture the essence of your brand and help you bring it to life.

Well-written content is the foundation of creating a memorable and recognizable brand.

It not only gives your brand a human voice that the audience can empathize with but also highlights your unique selling proposition.

When your audience can relate to your brand ethics, they are less likely to forget it.

Hiring a copywriter will ensure that you have made an impact on your audience’s minds.

Copywriting techniques are useful to hook readers, hold their attention, and incite some action from them that would move them one step ahead in the sales funnel.

Expert copywriters know how to write winning content that builds positive brand identity and generates ROI.

Showcase your brand’s ethical values by hiring a copywriter

Your brand ideals must be such that the audience can relate to that messaging.

And the best way for you to convey your brand messaging is through powerful copy.

Words that can convey what your brand stands for in an effective manner.

And this is where a copywriter enters.

While creating brand awareness, the copywriter also writes engaging content around your brand values and ethics.

They tell a story about their brand that makes the audience connect with your brand emotionally.

In addition, with the help of a copywriter, you can also connect to your customers and talk about your products while keeping your values intact.

Hire a copywriter and generate organic traffic through SEO optimization

SEO optimization is one of the most vital aspects if you are looking to build brand awareness.

Having SEO-optimized content will help you reach the maximum audience organically.

Copywriters can help you with their SEO skills to ensure your content ranks well on search engines.

Ranking on top will increase organic traffic to your website. A skilled copywriter will provide SEO-optimized content while developing your blogs and websites.

They will do everything that they can to ensure you are seen, which is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional copywriter. This includes researching for relevant keywords, applying keywords in your content, and optimizing information.

Expert copywriters make their living writing content and are well aware of how to write content for both Google and the real online audience.

When you hire copywriters for your business, they ensure that you not only get noticed by the search engine algorithms but also by the readers who are looking out for information.

Hiring a copywriter who knows your business and believes in it, will get you the maximum advantage.

Try to look for someone who shares the same values as your brand.

This will make it easier for you to build relationships with your audience.

Hire a copywriter who is equally enthusiastic about your brand

Finding someone who is equally enthusiastic about your brand as you are might not be easy to find but is a valuable asset to have.

A passionate and driven copywriter with similar ethics as your brand will ensure that your business skyrockets faster.

Finding someone with a similar belief system as yours is the best kind of partnership you can find.

A copywriter who believes in what he is writing will generate copy that will be convincing and engaging.

The content will come from the heart and will speak to the masses in a much more convincing manner.

However, hiring someone with no knowledge or interest in your product can result in mediocre copy that will do just as much damage to your brand reputation.

The best way to go about this is to have a conversation with your copywriter and give them a detailed briefing about your product, brand, and brand values.

This will make them aligned with your thought process and produce a better copy.

Build trust and customer loyalty by hiring a copywriter

The trust you build with customers during your initial interaction is ever-changing.

Every time you post something from your brand, there is a chance to build a higher trust quotient and turn the potential buyers into brand advocates.

A copywriter is vital to ensure that the content posted on behalf of your brand is effective.

Almost 80% of people reported consuming content from brands over the last year – whether it was written, verbal, or visual.

The more the number of people consuming content, the more the chances to attract your target audience.

Once you do manage to gain attention, the next step is to gain their trust and not break it.

A copywriter creates high-quality content consistently to build customers’ trust.

Hiring an expert copywriter will help you – Drive sales, pull in new traffic, build brand loyalty, engage the masses, and reflect your values.

Conclusion

Hiring a copywriter has a lot more benefits than you can imagine.

They help you save time and effort by writing exceptionally high-converting copy for your business.

While you may be an expert yourself, hiring a copywriter will allow you to focus on more important things to improve your business.

A copywriter with his or her word placement skills can attract the target audience and encourage them to act.

Needless to say, good content is required for your website to perform well, both in terms of search rankings and engagement.

That being said, if you are lacking time to concentrate on your content, it is time to consider hiring a copywriter.

Writing content for a Mass Control Bait digital asset

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Writing content for Mass Control Bait digital assets.

Digital marketers often talk about Mass Control Bait. What is it?

Although the phrase “Mass Control Bait” sounds quite ominous, it is simply an offering that you make to people so that they share their email ID with you.

Many websites entice you to download that awesome e-book or white paper but before you do that, you need to fill and submit an online form with your company details, contact information, designation, and profession.

They are gathering data from you and in return, they allow you to download something that you think may be useful for you. In return, they ask for permission to subscribe you to their email updates or send your routine marketing messages.

What are different types of Mass Control Bait digital assets?

Mass Control Bait can be anything you can offer for which people will gladly provide you their contact details.

As mentioned above, it can be an e-book or a white paper carrying useful information or industry data.

It can be a poll result that can reveal crucial market trends or user behavior traits.

It can be a webinar or a workshop recording that was previously exclusively available to paid members, but you are offering it to all those people who subscribe to your mailing list.

It can be an auto responder course. I remember a few years ago I used to offer an auto responder course in SEO content writing to all those people who subscribed to my newsletter.

How to write effective content for your Mass Control Bait digital assets?

First of all, create a digital asset people would desperately want to download.

Your piece of content must have the ability to make a real difference in people’s life otherwise, they will not download it.

In the past couple of years, I have written multiple e-books, case studies, and white papers for Mass Control Bait campaigns.

In most of the cases clients come up with their own content ideas and unless they are paying me, I do not interfere much except for doing my best writing for the topic.

Two things are very important for creating effective Mass Control Bait digital assets:

The topic (so that they give you their email ids).
The quality and relevance of the content (so that they remain your subscribers).

Some people think that they can create a very attractive and irresistible and once people have submitted their email ids, they should not bother much about the quality of the actual content. Wrong approach.

Do not consider Mass Control Bait digital assets as an actual “bait” to collect email ids. You do not want to spam people. You want to build relationships.

Offering them to download a Mass Control Bait digital asset is like giving them a gift to agreeing to keep in touch with you.

If you give them lousy content, they will make it a point to not only unsubscribe themselves as fast as possible, but also make sure that all email messages from you go to their spam folder. Much deserved.

Take your Mass Control Bait digital assets seriously. They represent your brand.

When people read your business e-book or white paper or a report, they are forming an impression of you even when they do not realize it.

For example, if I ask you to download an e-book from my website, the sort of experience that you have with the e-book will reflect on the attitude you have towards me or my content writing services.

Hence, writing content for your Mass Control Bait digital assets should be taken as seriously as you take the content writing of your main website.

Content writing advice: In the beginning it is important to associate your name with what you do or offer

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Yesterday I was explaining this concept to one of my clients. He had sent me links to websites like Accenture and Bains and said that he wanted to emulate their writing style and terminology.

These websites have good content and copy. But they use lots of fluff and jargon. They can do that. They are known brands. Even if they indulge in abstract content writing, people know what these companies do.

When you are a new business, it is very important that your message is unambiguous.

For example, I can throw around big and impressing words on my website, but by the end of the day, I am providing content writing services, or copywriting services for marketing purposes. These terms are important for me. These terms are also important for clients looking to hire a content writer or a copywriter.

Once you have built a brand for yourself, once people know what you do (you do not need to tell what Google does), you can be creative with your language, but for the time being, when you are a new business, use exactly the words and expressions that convey what you do and what you deliver.

How to get quality content written on a tight budget?

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How to get quality content written on a tight budget.

Many clients approach me with a tight budget. Even yesterday someone called me who wanted content for a single page website. When I told him how much I would charge, he was taken aback. To be frank, even I was taken aback at the way he was taken aback. After all, I needed to charge for the time I was going to spend writing his content. I hadn’t even quoted a very high rate.

When people think of getting content written for their websites, they think in terms of long-term writing requirements. Something like, “If I’m paying this much for one web page, over a period how much am I going to have to pay for 25 pages?”

This is a valid question. Everyone needs to plan. One must know what is the cost of writing content for the complete website and then plan accordingly.

The written content on your website is one of your biggest assets, or in fact, THE biggest asset. Does your website have a meaning without the text? Are you going to have empty boxes? Or are you going to fill those boxes with content full of spelling and grammar mistakes or uninspiring sentences and paragraphs? Don’t you want to motivate your visitors into becoming your customers and clients? It is the written text that is going to achieve that for you.

Although I believe in most of the cases clients talk about having a budget constraint simply because they don’t want to pay enough to a content writer (the only service they want to save the maximum on), some cases a genuine. How do you get quality content written for your website if you don’t have enough budget? You can do the following…

Get content written for a selected few pages

Some pages are important, for example your homepage, the services page and the about us page. These pages are business getters. Although other pages matter too, these are the pages that must look professionally written. If you don’t have enough money to pay for content for all the pages, just get your content written for a selected few pages.

Get the content written incrementally

There is no need to get the entire thing done in one go. You can get your content written incrementally. In the beginning, get the barebones content. Have enough content that your visitors get the needed information, and you can launch the website. It is far better than launching a website with inferior or unprofessional content. Then, next month, you can pay some more money to your content writer to expand upon the existing content.

Repurpose existing content

If you already have some content on your blog or website, perhaps you can consider repurposing it. For example, if I wanted to repurpose some content from this blog post, I could write a quick blog post on “How to write quality content incrementally”. This way your content writer won’t have to spend lots of time searching for new ideas and he or she can simply build upon your existing content, costing you less in the process.

Write the content yourself and then get it revised by a professional content writer

This may seem daunting, but if you really want to save some money, prepare the draft yourself. A content writer spends a lot of time preparing the first draft because most of the clients don’t give enough information pertaining to their businesses. Since you yourself will be writing the content, you will be sharing the information first-hand. Then, afterwards, your content writer can make it look professional.

Go for shorter blog posts

Thin content – blog posts and web pages less than 400 words – is often discouraged by Google, but there is no hard and fast rule. My philosophy in this regard is, having some content is better than having no content. There is no need to publish blog posts that are more than 1000 words. Just publish something around 300-400 words. The idea is to convey to Google that you are constantly updating your blog and the Google crawler should crawl and index the updated content from your website. I myself publish small blog posts when I don’t have enough time to work on comprehensive content pieces.

This may not help you improve your SEO compared to other businesses that are publishing bigger blog posts, at least the Google crawler will start crawling your website with greater frequency and once you can afford to publish bigger blog posts, they will be crawled and indexed faster.

There are many websites with less content. Although most of the business owners want as much content as possible to improve their search engine rankings and cover all the necessary keywords, your customers and clients don’t know that. So, even if you have less content, they may think that it is just your approach or design need. But make sure that whatever content you have, it is professionally written, looks well, and communicates to your visitors convincingly. That’s what that matters the most.