Revolutionizing Nonprofit Communication: Utilizing AI Chatbots for Copywriting

In today’s digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we interact with technology, both personally and professionally. One of the most exciting AI applications currently gaining momentum is chatbots, computer programs designed to simulate human conversations through text or voice interactions.

Keep reading to explore the world of AI chatbots, learn about their role in copywriting, and take an impartial look at their benefits and limitations for nonprofits.

What is a chatbot?

To put things technically, chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to user queries and requests. They can be integrated into various platforms, such as websites, messaging apps, and social media channels, providing instant and personalized responses to users’ needs.

Odds are, you have interacted with a chatbot in some way. They are widely used in customer service to interact with more customers in a shorter amount of time or provide assistance after hours. The screenshot below shows an example of a customer service chatbot for Sprout Social, a digital marketing tool. After selecting “Looking to learn more,” the chatbot responds with more options to further guide the conversation (and hopefully get me to buy their product).

Chatbots and Copywriting

Currently, there is an emerging use for chatbots in writing, which includes anything from school essays to blog posts (including parts of this one). With AI copywriting, chatbots go a little further than their typical customer service use, utilizing the NLP and machine learning algorithms to analyze and understand the context and tone of the content, enabling it to generate high-quality, engaging copy that resonates with the target audience.

Currently, the most widely known chatbot is ChatGPT, but several companies have capitalized on ChatGPT or similar AI software to create their own AI copywriting sites, allowing people to choose the best service fit for them. One example pictured below is “Chat by Copy.ai.”

Benefits of AI Copywriting Chatbots

There are several benefits to using AI copywriting chatbots, especially for nonprofits:

Generating Ideas

AI chatbots can be programmed to suggest ideas for writing topics. This can be particularly useful if you’re struggling to come up with a topic for a blog post, article, or marketing content.

Providing Inspiration

If you are suffering from writer’s block, chatbots can help give you the little push you need to get started by using prompts, like in the example below.

Improving Writing Skills

Chatbots can provide instant feedback on your writing, pointing out errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They can also offer suggestions on how to improve your writing style to fit the audience you are trying to target.

Saving Time

Chatbots can help you save time by generating ideas, providing inspiration, and automating specific tasks, such as proofreading and editing. This can be particularly useful if you’re working on a tight deadline or have a lot of writing to do.

Saving Money

Saving time can equate to saving money. Plus, many of the chatbots are free to use or offer free trials, making it a cost-effective tool. 

Specific Uses for Nonprofits

Based on the above benefits, chatbots can be extremely useful for nonprofits. Several examples include:

• writing website copy with a focus on SEO.
• promoting a fundraising event.
• writing social media posts about upcoming opportunities, events, giving days, and donation impacts.
• writing thank you letters and emails to donors and volunteers.
• writing grant proposal introductions, summaries, and letters of intent.
• writing press releases.
• overall support with brevity, succinctness, and clarity.

Plus, AI and chatbot technology is on the rise, with models and uses being developed daily. For example, one company, Fundwriter.ai, has developed an AI platform specifically for nonprofits to use for grant writing, thank you letters, emails, and more.

Limitations of AI Copywriting Chatbots

While AI chatbots can be incredibly helpful, they do have limitations. It is important to understand these limitations, which may change if and how you use AI chatbots. 

Limited Understanding of Complex Issues

Chatbots may have limited understanding of complex issues, such as those related to social justice, environmental issues, and human rights. This could result in responses that are insensitive or inappropriate, which is why any content generated by an AI should be checked or only used as a starting point.

Lack of Personal Connection

Chatbots cannot provide the same level of personal connection that humans can. This could lead to a lack of empathy and understanding, potentially reducing donor loyalty and support. This is another reason why any content generated by an AI should only be used as a starting point.

Technical Difficulties

AI bots may experience technical difficulties, such as software bugs or connectivity issues. One prominent issue with ChatGPT is reaching network capacity, meaning too many people are using the tool, making it unavailable for others.

Risk of Hacking and Privacy Concerns

AI bots are vulnerable to hacking, bug, and glitches, which could result in sensitive data being compromised. For example, a recent glitch “allowed some users to see the titles of other users’ conversations.” Nonprofit organizations must ensure that their AI bots are adequately secured and/or do not contain personal or sensitive information.

Incorrect or Outdated Information

Since this technology is rather new and relies on information pulled from the internet, it is possible that some information the chatbot provides will be incorrect or outdated. Data points and sources will need to be double-checked for accuracy. 

Service Costs

Some companies charge for their services, either through a monthly/annual plan or word count. However, sometimes you are still able to use their version of a chatbot for free without signing up for their full service.

Overall, AI chatbots can be a valuable tool for nonprofits and anyone working in a copywriting capacity, helping to improve writing skills, save time, and generate ideas. As with any tool, however, it’s important to use it wisely and understand its limitations.