To the dismay of writers like myself, AI is great at copywriting! Marketers and advertisers can use AI copywriting to save time and money. But in order to use AI for copywriting, you have to understand the basics of both copywriting and AI.
Below, we explain how to get started with AI copywriting. We’ll discuss what AI copywriting can and can’t do, and then give you some ideas for less obvious ways to use it. We even include AI copywriting examples and sample prompts you can use yourself.
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is commercial writing used in marketing, mainly to attract customers. Any form of writing used in marketing is considered copy, from the text on a website page to a TikTok video script. Most copywriting relies on persuasive writing and using the right keywords in the right places.
How to use AI copywriting
Many of a copywriter’s traditional tasks can now be handled quickly by AI like ChatGPT or Grammarly. This is especially appealing to small businesses, which may not have professional copywriters on staff.
If you’re new to AI, here’s how it works: The user types a command, known as a prompt, into the text window of an AI program, and within a few seconds the AI completes the task. For example, if you wanted to write an Instagram caption, your prompt might be, “Write an Instagram caption for a photo of a burger with the hashtags . . .”
Your prompt can be as vague or detailed as you want. In digital AI copywriting, it’s especially important to mention any SEO keywords you’re targeting specifically, or perhaps even ask the AI to suggest some for you. The prompt can be as long as you need, but you have to mention everything in the same message, as most AI chatbots consider each new message a separate prompt.
Because AI is still relatively new, it can struggle with longer pieces like blog articles or involved web page copy. However, short-form copywriting like social media posts and product descriptions are simple enough for AI to handle, and because they’re used so frequently, it makes sense to automate them.
We discussed AI writing tasks before, but here’s a more specific list of marketing copy that AI can help with:
- ad copy
- social media posts
- marketing emails
- product descriptions
- meta descriptions and alt tags
- profiles and bios
- press releases
- video descriptions and image captions
- website copy
- content marketing copy
5 other ways to use AI copywriting
1 Generating ideas
You can use AI for more than just copywriting. AI works well for scanning vast amounts of online data and consolidating the results, which means it gives good advice and can inspire new ideas. In particular, try asking AI for recommendations on:
- content marketing topic ideas
- new audiences and consumer groups
- new marketing campaign ideas
- new advertising channels to reach your audience
- current marketing trends and outreach ideas
2 Keyword and hashtag research
Just like with general brainstorming, AI can quickly analyze an impressive amount of data for SEO keywords and social media hashtags. That makes it an effective digital marketing research tool, and cheaper than the premium alternatives. Just be sure to describe what kinds of keywords/hashtags you need and which audience you’re trying to appeal to.
3 Branding voices
Ads for lawyers don’t use the same language as ads for sports drinks. That’s because each brand has its own voice, similar to the tone a brand uses consistently in their copywriting. A branding voice is designed to appeal to their target customers, to “speak in a language they can understand.”
AI works well with branding voices because you can simply describe the kind of tone you want, and the AI will decide the appropriate word choice, punctuation, and sentence structure for the writing. This works even better if you use different marketing campaigns with different customer segments. You can alternate your branding voice depending on who the campaign is aimed at.
4 Outlining
If you prefer a human copywriter for nuance and emotion, you can still use AI to draft an outline. Simply ask the AI to create an outline for whatever copy you need, and it will deliver a basic structure or blueprint. Then, a less-robotic copywriter can take care of the actual language and wording.
5 Revisions and suggestions
One of the most useful applications of AI lies in proofreading (as we at Grammarly have known for many years). Once you’ve completed your copy, you can feed it into an AI program and have it scan the text for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Just be sure to use an AI trusted in language correction—some are known for making obvious grammar mistakes.
Likewise, you can ask AI to revise completed copy for touch-ups and minor improvements. For example, the AI might suggest new word choices or better phrasing for a call to action.
AI copywriting examples
Social media post
Prompt:
Write a TikTok video script that explains the difference between “there,” “their,” and “they’re.”
AI copywriting:
Hey, TikTok! Are you tired of confusing “there,” “their,” and “they’re”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a common mistake that can make you look unprofessional. But you can easily avoid this mistake. “There” refers to a place, “their” is possessive, and “they’re” is a contraction of “they are.” See? It’s simple. #grammar #writingtips #theretheyretheir
Marketing email
Prompt:
Write a marketing email introducing [company name] new generative AI, which can handle copywriting tasks. The email should be only one paragraph long, and the call to action should be an offer to try it free with this link: [link]
AI copywriting:
Dear [Recipient],
Are you tired of struggling with writing tasks? Do you wish you had a writing assistant who could take on those tasks for you? Look no further than [Company’s] generative AI writing assistance. With this powerful tool, you can take your writing to the next level without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for busy professionals who need to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently. Try it out for free today with this link: [link]. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Product description page
Prompt:
Write a product description page for [Company] about a new type of backpack. Include a bulleted list of features.
AI copywriting:
Introducing the new backpack from [Company]—the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality! Whether you’re heading out on a weekend adventure or simply commuting to work, this backpack is designed to meet all your needs. With its lightweight yet durable construction, this backpack can withstand the rigors of daily use while keeping your essentials safe and secure.
Features:
– Spacious main compartment with multiple pockets for better organization
– Padded laptop sleeve to protect your device on-the-go
– Ergonomic straps and back panel for comfortable carrying
– Durable exterior fabric that can withstand wear and tear
– Water-resistant coating to keep your belongings dry even in inclement weather
– Multiple color options to suit your personal style
With its sleek design and innovative features, this backpack is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish way to carry their belongings. So why wait? Get your hands on this backpack today!
AI copywriting FAQs
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is commercial writing used in marketing, mainly to attract customers. Any form of writing used in marketing is considered copy, from the text on a website page to a video script.
How can AI assist with copywriting?
For short-form marketing copy like social media posts or product descriptions, AI copywriting can generate your text for you in a matter of seconds. Additionally, you can use AI to generate new ideas, research new SEO keywords/hashtags, or outline long-form content like web page copy or blog articles.
What are the best AI copywriting prompts?
The best AI copywriting prompts include any relevant details like the length, tone, and location. It also helps to specify which keywords and hashtags you’d like to use, as well as who the target audience is.
