An Unfortunate Side Effect of Using AI for Copywriting

Here’s the thing…

If you change your writing style, your readers will notice.

And if using AI is what’s changing your writing style, your readers may riot. Or, as I’ve increasingly seen (and done), simply stop following you.

One of you replied to our copywriting newsletter, The Weekly Wink, with an astute observation:

This reader picked up on a crucial copywriting lesson.

It’s not that you should never say “here’s the thing” (although that is a telltale sign of ChatGPT). 

It’s that you shouldn’t suddenly start saying “here’s the thing” if you never said it before.

Especially if it’s coming from your AI bot.

Your Readers Can Tell if Your Writing Has Changed

If using AI has caused your writing style to change, it’s caused your readers to notice. 

And not in a flattering, look-at-her-flamingo-pink-nails way.

Like the Weekly Winker above, I too am on email lists of people whose newsletters sound a LOT different than they did a year or two ago.

It’s disappointing.

Because I subscribed for their take — not some robot’s.

I understand that AI can help people save time on content creation, and not everyone is a natural writer. I’m not trying to hold anyone to an impossibly high standard.

But especially if you used to write your own copy, and now you’re outsourcing it in a way that sounds nothing like you… sorry, but I do believe you’re better than that.

At least, you shouldn’t be surprised if people unsubscribe.

More AI Copywriting Tips

If you must use AI for copywriting (which we don’t really recommend), there are a few non-negotiables before you hit “publish.”

Here are a few of our top tips:

• Cut your AI writing in half
• Ditch these 60 AI buzzwords
• Don’t trust it with emotional copy

However you come up with your copy, try not to make any sudden movements with your writing style.

Stick to a consistent brand voice, or your readers won’t stick around. (This resource could help.)