Using ChatGPT to Speed Up Your Web Design Copy
TL;DR:
- ChatGPT creates quick first drafts for website headlines, body copy, and marketing text
- AI-generated content works best as a starting point that you then refine and personalise
- You'll save hours on initial copywriting, leaving more time for design and client work
- Always edit AI copy to match your client's brand voice and tone
- Use AI for brainstorming when you're stuck on messaging or calls-to-action
Getting website copy right takes time. You need headlines that grab attention, body text that explains services clearly, and calls-to-action that actually convert. ChatGPT can handle the heavy lifting on first drafts, giving you a solid foundation to build from.
Getting Started with AI Copywriting
ChatGPT works best when you give it specific instructions. Instead of asking for "website copy," tell it exactly what you need. Ask for three headline options for a law firm's homepage, or write product descriptions for an online shop selling handmade candles.
The more context you provide, the better your results. Include details about the target audience, the brand's personality, and what action you want visitors to take. ChatGPT can then generate copy that's much closer to your final version.
Making AI Copy Sound Human
Raw ChatGPT output often feels generic. It might be grammatically perfect but lack the personality that makes copy compelling. This is where your editing skills matter.
Read through the AI-generated text and look for places where it sounds robotic or overly formal. Replace corporate jargon with simpler language. Add personality that matches the brand. If you're writing for a friendly local business, the tone should be warm and conversational. For a tech startup, you might want something more dynamic and forward-thinking.
Check that the copy actually makes sense for your specific project. AI sometimes adds irrelevant details or misses important points about the business or service.
Practical Applications for Web Design
ChatGPT handles several copywriting tasks particularly well. Homepage headlines are a good starting point – give it the business type and key benefit, and it'll suggest multiple options you can refine.
Product and service descriptions work well too. Feed it the basic features and it'll expand them into proper marketing copy. You can then edit for accuracy and brand voice.
About page content is another strong use case. Provide the key facts about a business owner or company history, and ChatGPT will structure it into readable paragraphs that you can then personalise.
For calls-to-action, ask for multiple variations. Sometimes the AI will suggest button text or phrases you wouldn't have thought of, giving you fresh options to test.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't publish AI copy without reviewing it thoroughly. ChatGPT can make factual errors or include information that doesn't apply to your specific project. Always fact-check claims and verify that details are accurate.
The AI sometimes produces copy that's too long or detailed for web use. Online readers scan quickly, so you'll often need to trim AI-generated text down to the essentials.
Be careful with industry-specific terminology. ChatGPT might use the wrong technical terms or miss important details that matter to your client's customers. Always run specialist copy past someone who knows the industry.
Building Efficiency Into Your Workflow
Create a collection of prompts that work well for your typical projects. Save successful prompt formats so you can reuse them for similar websites. This builds consistency and saves time on future projects.
Consider using ChatGPT for content planning too. Ask it to suggest page structures or content themes for different industries. It can help you think through what information a website needs to include.
Use AI for brainstorming when you're stuck. If you're struggling with how to explain a complex service or product, ChatGPT can suggest different angles or approaches you might not have considered.
FAQs
Can ChatGPT write copy for any type of business?
Yes, but some industries require more careful editing than others. Legal, medical, and financial copy needs thorough fact-checking and often requires professional review before publishing.
How do I make sure AI copy sounds like my client's brand?
Study examples of their existing copy, social media posts, and how they talk about their business. Use this voice when editing the AI-generated text. Consider creating a simple brand voice guide to reference.
Should I tell clients I'm using ChatGPT for copywriting?
That's up to you, but remember you're still doing the strategic thinking, editing, and quality control. Many designers use various tools to speed up their work – AI is just another tool in your toolkit.
What if the AI copy doesn't make sense for the website?
This happens when your prompt wasn't specific enough, or when ChatGPT makes assumptions about the business. Try rephrasing your request with more detail, or use the AI output as inspiration rather than a direct starting point.
Jargon Buster
Prompt: The instructions or questions you give to ChatGPT to generate specific content
Brand Voice: The consistent personality and tone a business uses across all its communications
Call-to-Action (CTA): Text that encourages website visitors to take a specific action, like "Book Now" or "Get Quote"
Copy: Written content designed to inform or persuade, typically for marketing purposes
Wrap-up
ChatGPT can cut your copywriting time significantly, but it works best as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. Use it to overcome blank page syndrome and generate ideas, then apply your design skills to make the copy work perfectly for each specific project.
The key is finding the right balance between AI efficiency and human insight. Let ChatGPT handle the initial heavy lifting, then focus your time on the strategic editing that makes copy truly effective.