Winning the Freelance v. Bot War

Anyone else tired of hearing how bots are going to wipe out freelancing?

Chat GPT, BARD, whatever. None of that should be of concern to serious freelancers.

While there is some truth to the rumor that bots could generate content successfully enough that some writers could be out of work soon, it’s not a done deal. Nor is it a widespread truth, and here’s why:

 

[bctt tweet=”Bots will not save your client’s brand or reputation. #freelancewriting #freelancing” username=”LoriWidmer”]

Let’s use an example sent to me by our own Gabriella, whose reaction was just as incredulous as mine over this HARO (Help A Reporter Out) response to her query:

Regarding your request for Real estate brokers: Whatsafety technology have you added to your office? My name is Hxxxx jane, Realestate brokerage owners at (website URL removed). Let me answer this question frommy own experience in this field. Here is my take on your query: I wouldsuggest our best way of security, which protect on-site workers and consumerswho come to our office. Two-Factor Authentication: We are using Two-factorauthentication (2FA), which is an extra layer of security that added toonline accounts of our company to ensure that only authorized personnel haveaccess. 2FA requires us to provide two forms of identification: a passwordand a second factor, such as a fingerprint or a security token. By adding 2FAto our online accounts, we protect sensitive information from cyber threats,such as hacking and phishing. —————————————————————————————————————————If you

Got that? Hurts the eyes, doesn’t it? While I can’t swear that this was bot written, it does have all the earmarks.  How can I tell? This was the Subject line. Yep. The subject line. Not the message body. That was just as poorly punctuated, but somehow shorter.

This person may be real. The company is indeed real. However, the business has zero to do with real estate. It’s a cutting tool manufacturer. Because that kind of response is perfect for the real estate market, right?

Reasons Why Writers Are Safe

That’s just one reason why I think we writers have little to fear with the advent of AI and bot-style writing. I argue that some writers already wrote like bots, but I digress. Then again, they may be the ones in danger of being replaced …

For those professional writers who are working with higher-end clients, I think there’s little to fear because:

• Companies rely on communication to attract business
• Brand alignment is crucial for coherent messaging
• Reputations are hard-won and easily damaged
• Smart clients won’t go cheap

Ah, but there will be clients that think taking the cheap way will work.

Those are not your clients.

No way you should be clinging to clients who would replace you with an application just to save a buck. They don’t value writing nor do they value the skills veteran writers can bring to the table.

Instead, you want the clients who see you as an asset, a partner, a trusted collaborator. Because if you’re doing it right, you are all of those things.

But you might be a writer who still competes for work on job boards. If so, you might have some worrying to do. Or some work to do to insulate you from the impact of bot-generated content. Do the work. It will be worth it.

Start here:

• Stop using job boards/postings as your primary source of clients
• Find better ways to attract clients (try reading a few of these posts)
• Step up your marketing game (read some of these posts to get your game on)
• Learn the warning signs that a client doesn’t value your skills
• Fish in deeper waters
• Always aim higher

I know it sounds like a tough climb from job boards, but it isn’t. If I can, you can. Really. Respect your talent and skill. Do something today that improves your freelance writing business.

You with me?

Writers, what are your thoughts on how bots will impact your business?