AI assisted interface copywriting
My process for brainstorming copy ideas with ChatGPT
I wanted to share my process on how I brainstorm copy ideas with ChatGPT. I think the general example people share is asking ChatGPT to come up with the copy. But my process is a bit different and I wanted to share some other examples of how I use ChatGPT because ChatGPT can do so much more than just giving copy ideas.
Note: I am using ChatGPT 4 in these examples
Starting with a rough draft
I always start with a rough draft of what I want the copy to be. These days I like to do voice to text during the rough draft phase since something about just talking it out I find helpful and gets me in the flow. Lets say I was working on copy for a modal and the rough draft I came up with was:
“When adding a new data integration, note that the integration takes around 5 hours. Once the data integration is connected, the data will do a refresh sync every 12 hours. If a data sync doesn’t happen properly, we will let you know if there is something you need to do to fix this issue. We will reach out and we are here to help.”
From reading this rough draft I see room for improvement and ways I’d like to improve the copy. This is where I find ChatGPT very helpful. To help brainstorm, iterate and refine.
Adjusting the redundancy of words and character count
I felt like the rough draft seemed overly redundant with the same words being used and I wanted to address this as well as reduce the character count. So I asked ChatGPT the following:
ChatGPT’s suggestion is much better which is:
“New data integrations take approximately 5 hours to activate. Subsequent data syncs occur every 12 hours. In case of sync issues, we'll promptly inform you of any necessary actions. Our team is always ready to assist.”
But we can further explore and refine the copy before finalizing it.
Adjusting the character count
I’m actually okay with the length of the copy but for exploration purposes, I wanted to see if we can further reduce the character count and see if the copy is still effective and clear to understand.
I asked ChatGPT the following:
The new copy ChatGPT suggested is the following:
“New data integrations activate in 5 hours, with bi-daily syncs. We'll alert you for any sync issues and assist as needed.”
This could work but I felt that bi-daily syncs would mean different things to different users therefore I think going with the previous copy is more effective and understandable to users since I want to make it clear that data syncs happen every 12 hours.
Explorations on the tone
Before finalizing the copy I also like to explore the tone of the copy, there are many things we can explore but I wanted to explore a version that is more playful and a version that is more professional.
I asked ChatGPT the following:
The more playful version ChatGPT recommended was:
“Get ready to sync! 🚀 New integrations take a short 5-hour nap before they're up and running, syncing every 12 hours. If they're feeling shy and don't sync, we'll ping you with a fix. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
The more professional version ChatGPT recommended was:
“We are pleased to inform you that new data integrations will be operational within 5 hours and will undergo scheduled synchronizations every 12 hours. Should any synchronization discrepancies arise, you will receive prompt guidance for resolution. Your successful data management is our commitment.”
I like emojis but they wouldn’t work in this context and the professional version didn’t sound right since I do want to maintain a level of playfulness but again it’s all about exploring before finalizing the copy. You can also ChatGPT for more examples of playfulness and professionalism if you want to explore more ideas.
Brainstorming the level of proficiency
I also like to brainstorm variations on the level of proficiency of the copy. I want to understand if I can make the copy easier to understand without impacting the overall messaging and just to see a more complex version for exploration purposes. I asked ChatGPT the following:
The easier to understand version:
"New data links are ready in about 5 hours. They update every 12 hours. If there's a problem, we'll let you know what to do. We're here to help!"
The more complex version:
"Upon initiation, new data integrations necessitate approximately a 5-hour activation period. Ensuing data synchronizations are executed bi-daily. In the event of synchronization anomalies, our team will proactively engage with you to delineate requisite remedial actions, ensuring optimal integration functionality."
I felt the easier to understand version could work but I preferred the previous version since this version sounded like I was talking to a friend instead of a user.
And the complex version was overly complex and not easy to understand.
Internationalization
Another thing ChatGPT can help with is translating the copy to different languages if you have users across the globe.
I asked ChatGPT the following:
French Translation:
"Les nouvelles intégrations de données prennent environ 5 heures pour s'activer. Les synchronisations de données subséquentes ont lieu toutes les 12 heures. En cas de problèmes de synchronisation, nous vous informerons rapidement des actions nécessaires. Notre équipe est toujours prête à vous aider."
Spanish Translation:
"Las nuevas integraciones de datos tardan aproximadamente 5 horas en activarse. Las sincronizaciones de datos subsiguientes ocurren cada 12 horas. En caso de problemas de sincronización, le informaremos de inmediato sobre las acciones necesarias. Nuestro equipo está siempre listo para asistir."
I find it helpful to get these translations to put into your actual designs to see how the translated copy might impact your designs.
Thanks for reading! I hope you find this helpful. If you have any ChatGPT copy tips, reach out to me on Twitter I’d love to learn more.