Let’s be honest: we’re living in the golden age of AI tools. With ChatGPT and other AI writing platforms getting better by the second, the question isn’t just can they write your blog content—it’s should they?
As someone who’s worked with amazing human copywriters and also spent more hours than I care to admit experimenting with AI tools, I’ve got some thoughts. The truth is, both have their place, but the choice comes down to what your goals are, how much time you have, and how much risk you’re willing to take with your brand voice.
This article is going to break down the pros and cons of hiring a copywriter versus using AI, highlight the key risks of each approach, and help you make the best decision for your business.
The Case for Hiring a Copywriter
Ah, the trusty human copywriter—there’s a reason they’ve been around for decades. Hiring a professional isn’t just about getting words on a page; it’s about partnering with someone who can understand your brand, your audience, and your goals in ways that AI simply can’t (yet).
The Benefits of Hiring a Copywriter
- Personalized Voice and Creativity
A skilled copywriter can craft a tone that feels like you. They can weave in jokes, cultural references, or a conversational flow that AI still struggles to nail. - Audience Insight
Human writers understand nuances—like how Gen Z speaks differently from Boomers, or how subtle shifts in word choice can impact your messaging. - Strategic Thinking
Good copywriters don’t just write—they strategize. They can structure your blog posts to guide readers through a journey, create SEO-focused content, or craft compelling CTAs that actually convert. - Consistency Across Platforms
A copywriter ensures that everything—from your website to your email campaigns—feels cohesive and on-brand.
The Downsides
- Cost: Copywriters aren’t cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, hiring a pro might feel out of reach.
- Time: The creative process takes time. You’ll need to brief them, wait for drafts, and provide feedback.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, consider hiring a copywriter for cornerstone content (like your About page) and supplementing with DIY or AI for smaller tasks.
The Case for ChatGPT and AI Writers
When AI tools like ChatGPT hit the scene, they weren’t just game-changers—they were game-rewriters. Suddenly, anyone could generate professional-sounding content in seconds. But does fast and free always mean better? Not quite.
The Benefits of Using AI for Blog Content
- Speed
Need a 1,000-word blog post in five minutes? AI’s got your back. It’s unbeatable for quickly generating ideas, outlines, or first drafts. - Cost-Effective
Unlike a human, AI doesn’t charge by the hour. For businesses on a budget, it’s a no-brainer. - Great for Repetitive Tasks
Writing product descriptions, FAQs, or SEO meta tags? AI excels at these repetitive, formulaic tasks. - 24/7 Availability
AI doesn’t need coffee breaks or vacations—it’s always ready to go when you are.
The Downsides
- Lack of Originality: AI often pulls from existing content, which can make its writing feel generic or uninspired.
- Risk of Inaccuracy: ChatGPT doesn’t fact-check. If you’re writing on technical or niche topics, you’ll need to verify every detail.
- No Emotional Intelligence: AI doesn’t understand humor, cultural context, or subtle emotional cues the way humans do.
Pro Tip: Use AI as a collaborator, not a replacement. Let it handle the grunt work, but keep the creative, strategic parts in human hands.
The Risks of Relying Too Heavily on AI
Here’s where it gets tricky: while AI is amazing, it’s not without its risks. Over-relying on tools like ChatGPT can backfire in ways you might not expect.
1. Brand Voice Dilution
Your brand voice is what sets you apart. AI can mimic tones, but it’s not great at nailing a unique, authentic voice—especially one with quirks or personality.
Example: If your brand is sarcastic and edgy, ChatGPT might write something closer to “corporate-friendly and bland.” Not a good look.
2. SEO Penalties
Google is getting smarter at detecting AI-generated content. If your blog posts lack originality or depth, they could hurt your rankings.
3. Trust Issues
Audiences value authenticity. If they sense your content is churned out by a bot, they might question how much effort you’re really putting into your business.
4. Missing the Nuance
AI can’t anticipate emotional responses or cultural shifts. It might miss the mark entirely on sensitive topics or niche audiences.
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Here’s my honest take: you don’t have to choose one or the other. The best approach combines the strengths of both human creativity and AI efficiency.
How to Make It Work:
- Start with AI
Use ChatGPT to generate ideas, outlines, or rough drafts. It’s a great way to overcome writer’s block or speed up the initial stages of content creation. - Refine with a Human Touch
Take what the AI produces and edit it to reflect your brand’s voice, personality, and strategy. Add anecdotes, humor, or insights that only a human could provide. - Outsource the Big Stuff
For key content like your homepage or a major marketing campaign, hire a pro. Let the copywriter handle the high-stakes projects while AI takes care of the day-to-day tasks.
FAQs About Copywriting and AI
Q: Is AI writing good enough for professional blogs?
A: For basic content, yes. But for anything requiring personality, originality, or emotional depth, you’ll need human input.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a copywriter?
A: Rates vary widely, but expect to pay $50–$150/hour or $500+ for a full blog post.
Q: Can I train AI to match my brand voice?
A: To some extent. Providing examples and clear prompts can help, but AI will always have limitations.
Final Thoughts
So, should you hire a copywriter or use ChatGPT for your blog content? The answer depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. If you’re after speed and cost-effectiveness, AI is a fantastic tool. But for authenticity, strategy, and creativity, there’s no substitute for a talented human writer.
Here’s what I suggest: start experimenting. Use AI for low-risk tasks, collaborate with a copywriter for big projects, and find a workflow that works for you. After all, the best content comes from combining the best tools available—human and machine.
What’s your take? Are you team AI, team human, or somewhere in between? Let’s talk—I’d love to hear your experiences!
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