Words and Storytelling? Are You a Writer, Content Developer, or an AI Bot?

The writing started a long time ago - even before the pic - and this opportunity was some of the most fun I've ever had in any job over the years.

Now the industry calls it 'content development,' yet it's still putting words together and storytelling, and I get to continue doing it today as a freelance copywriter sharing articles and insight for the healthcare industry and for my marketing colleagues -- all remotely!

The ability to write compelling copy or tell a story is nothing short of sheer magic. IMO, those who can do it are truly blessed. There will always be a job for a good writer and storyteller.

This blogpost is about bridging the past with the future. 

Back in the day covering sports for a local newspaper, there were many times under pressure when I had to churn out 14 column inches on a game story in 40 minutes to hit the early deadline. News deadlines? Remember those?

Lunacy you say. I loved it!

The trick for me was a can of Coke and two packs of plain M&Ms. Caffeine-laced fuel put the mind and keyboard into overdrive. The process then turned surreal, one where I could almost separate myself from the actual work. The mind pace slowed while hitting the keystrokes feverishly and wondering aloud if it all would make sense.

As I said, most times it was sheer magic and 40 minutes later a story with a beginning-middle-and end was born.

Exciting for sure, yet the evolution of getting a story out quicker, sooner, and almost real-time was hitting the industry in the throes of upheaval.

The ability to tell a story isn’t lost in today’s technology, especially since chat AI surfaced. Storytelling and the pressure to produce effective content remain, but all so different. 

Instead of a creative in-the-moment game recap, stats and quotes, content starts with a strategy whether building brand or driving demand. 

Data replaces stats, and the message or story follows personalized to every reader who we think we know what they are actively looking to buy. Oh, and it better include the correct keywords, SEO, and be able to hook the reader to our brand or into our lead funnel. 

Whew…exhausting, and way more complicated to hit that mark today. It’s nothing short of another piece of magic given a story is in there somewhere.

So, what’s your take on creating content? Can it still be a pure form of storytelling?

Hit me up at jam3strategicmarketingandpr.com for more insight.

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