AI writing vs real writing – What’s best for your business?

Is AI writing good enough? Or do I need to hire a professional copywriter?

Ah… that is the question so many are asking right now.

I think you need to hire a professional copywriter, but, of course, I’m biased. So, to compensate for that, I’m going to play devil’s advocate and try to be as fair as possible. Is there a time and place for AI writing?

…Maybe. Probably. Sure. Why not?

If you are curious about AI writing and trying to decide between relying on AI or hiring a professional copywriter for your business, this article is for you. Let’s dive in…

Disclaimer: As a professional writer, I would never, ever use AI writing. I generate 100% of my personal work and client work organically. I’ve experimented with AI writing for research purposes ONLY. I stay plugged in to trends within my industry so that I can report back to my clients. Ok… I had to say that. I digress...

AI writing vs a real writer – How to choose

When to explore AI writing solutions

• If other businesses similar to yours exist, you can probably get away with AI writing. For example, if you need content for your restaurant, gym, or boutique, then the reality is that your business is not really a new concept, and chances are there is already a ton of content out there for AI to lean on.

• If business is already good and you feel that generic writing gets the job done well enough, then AI writing is probably sufficient for what you need. Now, if you want to differentiate your business, stand out, scale, and beat the competition, then generic content is not going to set you apart. Only custom content can do that.

• If you have a broad target audience (IE: Anyone who is hungry in a geographic area) then AI writing may be an affordable way to help you communicate your business agenda reasonably well.

• If you are a startup and don’t yet have a large marketing budget to produce custom curated web content, I think AI writing is an option worth exploring.

When to hire a real writer

• If your business is more nuanced, and the services you provide are highly niche (IE: You are a therapist who specializes in counseling married couples), then I would suggest you consider hiring a real writer – especially if your target audience is well-educated. AI writing looks and reads like AI writing to anyone fluent and literate in the written language, and that’s worth keeping in mind. AI writing has many limitations, and it is often obvious to spot.
  
  Read more: 5 Major Limitations of AI writing - What AI users need to know

• If you have a specific target audience or an ideal client, then you should consider hiring a real writer. The more defined your target audience is, the more curated your content needs to be.

• If you have an original, unique vision and need copywriting to support that new thought, business, or invention you have created, then I strongly suggest you consider hiring a real copywriter. AI can only regurgitate previously articulated thoughts. If original brand expression is important to you, then AI writing is unable to give you what you want. The more specific your vision, the more human your writing needs to be.

• If you/your brand has a unique brand voice, then you should consider hiring a real writer. A real writer can impersonate a thousand different voices and styles with originality, and despite the claims, AI is struggling here. If you need something witty, poignant, moody, crisp, or empathetic, AI writing will disappoint you.

The bottom line

Ultimately, if you want to be more competitive and differentiate your business, custom curated content will be more effective than generic content. And if you value the originality of your brand, then your content needs to be as uniquely original as you. AI is not unique. At best, it can imperfectly regurgitate previously published content in a somewhat organic way.

Is that enough for your business or brand? If so… go for it! But if not, please contact me.

Read more: A professional writer's response to AI writing & Why writers should not panic