Why You Absolutely Need a Human Writer
Let’s get straight to the point: the question “Why do I need a writer?” is on everyone’s mind, and it needs to be addressed. While it may seem innocent, this question can be quite insulting to writers. So yes, keep asking it, but also challenge yourself to consider, “What can AI do for me that a human writer cannot?”
Better Prompts, or Maybe No Prompts at all?
Unless you are living under a rock, in a basement, deep in a cave or underwater, you likely know about and have used prompts. And you probably also know that the more specific your prompts are, the better your output will be. And, as most AI applications allow you about 4000 characters in your prompts – around 600 words – you are essentially writing most of your content already. All of this leads me to ask, "What's the point?”
I have to ask: If you are writing 600+ words just for a prompt, is AI really doing that much for you? I challenge you to reconsider this strategy.
My point is that writers can write prompts for you. I'm sure you think you're saving so much time using AI, but how much time are you wasting coming up with prompts or asking AI for rewrites because your prompts suck? Stop this nonsense. Stop spending time thinking up prompts and go back to hiring quality writers.
Personality
Before AI took center stage, writers held the responsibility of adding that essential “punch” to content. We knew how to take a mediocre piece and turn it into something captivating. We ensured the brand voice resonated and added a touch of humor or sarcasm where appropriate. Writers bring unique skills that can elevate your content, making it not just readable but truly engaging for your audience.
AI lacks the ability to grasp the nuances of your target demographic. Even a seemingly great prompt can fall flat when it comes to connecting on a deeper level.
You Want to Connect? Get a Human Writer
Let’s say you’re a Boomer (which is not a crime) and you need your marketing content to connect with Millennials, Gen Z, or other groups. AI is far more likely to make you sound like a doofus who is trying too hard. A human writer can craft language that makes you sound authentic and engaging without the cringe. AI doesn’t always get that right. And you could end up sounding like a fool and alienating the folks you’re trying to reach.
Furthermore, a human writer understands—and embodies—your brand's voice. We know how to use puns, employ subtle humor, and harness the natural rhythms of conversation. Why would you settle for anything less?
Content You Want to Own
You don’t own the copy you ask AI to write for you. The Copyright Alliance asserts that no one can own that content, and there is no copyright protection. Read that again. If you’re getting all this FAST and FREE content from AI, you don’t own it. Then, there is a blurry line when it comes to AI-generated content that has been massaged, supplemented, punched up, or otherwise fiddled with by a human. Give that some thought before you decide to have AI write ALL or ANY of your content.
Consider the blurry line that exists when AI-produced content is modified by a human. Are you prepared to deal with that ambiguity? When you hire a human writer, you get a clear ownership agreement. There’s no question about who owns the content. Plus, a competent writer will ensure that your work is original, free of plagiarism.
TL;DR: A human writer is like a cheat code for creating content that you own.
Research in Non-Negotiable
Let’s be blunt: AI utterly fails at research. It can make things sound good, but accuracy? That’s a different story. If you’re composing an opinion piece, it might be OK. But make sure you’re injecting YOUR opinion and not the opinion of the bot. And, if you are using AI for research-based content, you better build in some extra time because you’re gonna have to check it all.
For example, I asked AI to write a paragraph about my business (Lewis Carter Creative) using this tiny prompt:
“Write a quick paragraph about Lewis Carter Creative.” And here is what I got:
Lewis Carter Creative is a bold and modern marketing and content studio specializing in clever storytelling, standout branding, and strategic design. Whether you need sharp copy, scroll-stopping visuals, or an entire brand voice overhaul, Lewis Carter Creative delivers work that’s smart, stylish, and built to connect. With a knack for humor, a love of great ideas, and a no-BS approach, this studio helps businesses cut through the noise and actually get noticed.
While this might sound nice at first glance, it’s riddled with inaccuracies.
· I’m not a “marketing studio.” What is a "marketing studio" anyway? I’m a writer; plain and simple.
· I’m not a branding expert by any stretch. I’m not the best choice to help you develop your brand, but once you (and your branding team) have your voice, I can help you with content in that voice.
· I’m not a graphic designer and have never claimed to produce “scroll stopping visuals.”
· What exactly is content that is “built to connect?” The language is awkward, and I feel like it's designed to confuse.
It feels confusing at best. Picture this: someone calls Lewis Carter Creative after reading that muddled paragraph. How furious would you be? This paragraph is nothing but a collection of clichés and buzzwords that fail to truly represent Lewis Carter Creative.
My point? A human writer would do a lot more research. Part of the writing process is research, and I can tell you that on many projects, I spend just as much time (if not more) on thorough, thoughtful research. A human writer can construct sentences that read well, make sense and convey information. Your audience will fade if you just keep throwing word jumbles like this at them.