Chances are, you’ve heard about ChatGPT’s AI technology and its ability to crank out everything from break-up texts to college essays.
As content writers, we may smugly laugh at AI content and all its mistakes. “Robots aren’t coming for my writing job. ChatGPT can’t do what I can do.”
I ask you this with all the **** in my heart: Are you sure?
Here’s why…
If you work with smaller businesses that struggle to pay your fees monthly — or that grumble at paying $100+ for a blog post — the free (or the paid $20/month version) of ChatGPT will sound like a no-brainer.
Especially if the client doesn’t understand how your writing helps make them money.
If you’ve focused on likes and comments — not conversions — a client may think that a robot could easily do your job.
If the client gives you keyphrases and you write “SEO copy” around them, your client may think AI could do the job cheaper and better.
And that’s a you problem.
Because the client is right — if your content isn’t positioning, making them money, or actively engaging with an audience (which ties back to money) — a robot may be a better alternative.
It won’t be perfect, but it will probably get similar results for less money.
But here’s the alternative…
If you’re able to show your client that your blog posts drive Google traffic (which eventually drives conversions), you’re in a much better position.
Your content drives revenue. It’s harder to argue with that.
Plus, positioning yourself as a strategist makes you more valuable — and allows you to charge more.
After all, if ChatGPT is here to stay, why not be the person who advises clients on how to use it correctly and find ways to fold it into their overall strategy?
There may be some repetitive content tasks better served by ChatGPT (combined with some human editing, of course).
Yes, you’d still write content — especially sales pages and blog posts designed to position, engage, and convert.
ChatGPT can spew out words. Some of them are even good words. But they aren’t the best words for YOUR audience.
Only you (and your client) know that.
Can you still be “just a writer” in today’s ChatGPT world?
Yes, but you better bring something freakin’ awesome to the table.
Being “good enough” isn’t good enough anymore. You’ll be okay if you can write for industries that ChatGPT can’t serve well (like financial, technical, or medical) or if you specialize in thought leadership content.
You’re golden if you can write top-positioned blog content that drives traffic and conversions.
You will always be able to charge a premium for documented sales copy success — you’ve got skills and knowledge that ChatGPT doesn’t have.
Plus, this is also where good marketing comes into play. Case studies showcasing your optimization skills or specialized, customer-focused service offerings can keep you “safe.”
After all, a multi-million dollar B2B company probably doesn’t want ChatGPT writing their white paper.
If running the business side of your SEO writing business is tough and you’re not sure how to market yourself or package services — hire a coach. Invest in yourself. Spend the money. It will be expensive. It will be worth it.
You can thrive during uncertain times by working with someone who can shorten your learning curve and help you — or you can suffer in silence. It’s your choice.
I’ve had people ask how ChatGPT has affected sales of my SEO Copywriting Certification training.
I wondered how that was going to go too. 🤔
Fortunately, my sales have increased, and there’s an uptick in “tell me more” emails. It’s the same with my customized SEO writing training services too.
My guess is, writers are reading the robot room and realizing they need more advanced writing skills.
That’s a good call.
So what about you?
Because this is the time to make a decision. Are you going to compete with robots that will do all the writing for $20/month?
Or are you going to step up, showcase your knowledge and value, and gain the skills you need to compete?
After all, robots will only take your jobs if you let them.
Are you wondering if a bunch of low-quality content will suddenly flood the index? Here’s my take on Google’s 2011 Panda update and what it means to today’s AI content.
What do you think?
Are you worried about our robot overlords? Leave a comment!
