What it Looks like When ChatGPT Writes Marketing Emails

Recently, a conference client of mine asked me to create a series of emails to get attendees and vendors excited about their upcoming conference. Just for fun, the client sent me an email that was generated by my new nemesis: ChatGPT, a chatbot designed by OpenAI.

I was worried. I figured I’d have at least another year or so before ChatGPT took over my job (and the world). But then, after I read what ChatGPT created — I felt better. Not necessarily about the world we’re going to be living in, but the fact that I might have some job security until ChatGPT understands the art of content marketing.  

As you’ll see in the example below, what ChatGPT wrote wasn’t necessarily “bad,” but it just wasn’t good. And if you want somebody to stop and read what you’re writing, it has to be good.

Let’s take a look:

What ChatGPT “wrote”

 You’re invited to Sunday’s Awards ceremony!

The Healthcare Internet Conference celebrates excellence in healthcare marketing. We are delighted to celebrate the winners of three prestigious awards: the Award Winners for eHealthcare, the Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame, and the John A. Eudes Award for 2023.

The Award Winners eHealthcare recognizes the best digital communication initiatives that improve patient engagement, online marketing, and overall business success in the healthcare industry. This award recognizes the most innovative use of digital technology to transform the delivery of healthcare services and promote patient-centric care.

The Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame, on the other hand, recognizes the pioneers and innovators who have contributed to the growth and advancement of healthcare communication through the internet. This prestigious award honors the individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to healthcare internet communication and have set a benchmark for excellence.

Last but not least, the John A. Eudes Award for 2023 recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the healthcare industry through their commitment to promoting patient-centered care. This award is given to an individual who has shown exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovation in healthcare communication.

Come to the Sunday awards ceremony on Sunday, November 5, 2023 to raise a toast and eat with the winners! Their contributions to the healthcare industry have not only transformed patient care but have also set a benchmark for excellence in healthcare marketing. We are honored to celebrate their success and look forward to seeing their continued impact on the industry. Congratulations to our 2023 Award Winners eHealthcare, Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame, and John A. Eudes Award winners.

Here's what I wrote

Exclusive Invitation: Join us at Sunday’s Awards Ceremony

There’s no better place to celebrate the stars of healthcare marketing than Los Angeles! Join us for our Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 5 to hear about organizations and healthcare innovators who have not only transformed patient care, but set a benchmark for excellence.

Drinks and dinner are on us!

You’ll get to meet our three winners from these categories:

·      The eHealthcare Award recognizes the best digital communication initiatives that improve patient engagement, online marketing and business success in the healthcare industry.

·      The Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame identifies an innovator who contributed to the growth and advancement of healthcare communication through the Internet.

·      The John A. Eudes Vision & Excellence Award honors an individual who has shown exceptional leadership, dedication and innovation in healthcare communication.

We look forward to seeing you.

Let’s analyze

If you were able to slog through the ChatGPT email, you might’ve come to the same conclusions I did. Here are mine:

·      It’s long. Why use 264 words when you can get it done in 133?

·      Repetitive words. We get it, ChatGPT. The show “recognizes” winners — you’ve used that word four times.

·      A mistake. It’s the John A. Eudes Vision & Excellence Award, not the John A. Eudes Award.

·      Blah phrases. “On the other hand?” and “Last but not least”? Ugh.

·      Poor format. No bullet points; nothing bolded; no call to action.

·      Voiceless. It just wasn’t fun to read.

Why you still need a human to write your content (for now)

My criticism of ChatGPT is valid now, but it’s going to get better and better. One expert said that by 2025, 90% of online content will be generated by AI. Yikes.

But before you turn all your content marketing needs over to AI, here are some writing services that I can do, that AI hasn’t figured out yet:

·      Live conference editorial coverage (live-tweeting the event, blogging about sessions and video recaps)

·      LinkedIn makeovers

·      Physician interviews to add flavor to blogs or physician biographies

·      Patient stories

·      Podcasting

·      Ghostwriting blogs or managing social media accounts for the C-suite

PS: A special thanks to my client, Greystone, for letting me showcase the difference between my email and the ChatGPT email. I’d be remiss if I didn’t plug the Healthcare Internet Conference. And if you’re on their marketing list, you’ll be getting some emails about it very soon — all written by a human.