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ChatGPT vs. Copywriter: How to Know if Your Email Was Written by a Bot

Uncover innovative ways of using AI in your email marketing, without losing human connection.

a man is smiling and wearing a polo shirt
By Yaron Been
Martine Smit
Edited by Martine Smit

Updated February 26, 2024.

a person receiving an email that could be AI generated

As AI gains prominence in email marketing, marketers have leveraged the convenience and effectiveness of AI-generated email content, with 44% of marketers using generative AI to create email copy. This shift towards automation highlights AI's capacity to deliver targeted, personalized content at scale. But how does AI-written content measure against human-written content, and can recipients tell the difference?

Meet the expert

Yaron Been is a renowned growth coach and eCommerce entrepreneur, having built and scaled multiple 7-figure stores. He also hosts The EcomXFactor Podcast and has managed over $10 million in Facebook ad campaigns for various DTC brands.

How to identify AI-generated emails

The battle between AI content creators and AI detectors has created a dynamic landscape for identifying AI-generated emails. While some tools claim to detect AI-generated content, the reality is that many brands are using AI in their email marketing.

Here are some clear signs an email has been written by ChatGPT:

  • Lack of consistency: Bots are consistent in their writing style and tone. Look for patterns of repetitive phrases or a lack of variation in sentence structure.
  • Generic phrases: AI uses generic phrases or clichés more frequently. They might not provide personalized or context-specific content.
  • Grammar and spelling errors: While AI has improved in this area, some bots may still produce grammatically incorrect or awkward sentences. Look out for errors that a human writer is less likely to make.
  • Response time: If you receive an immediate response to your email, it could indicate automation. Bots can reply instantly, whereas humans might take longer to compose a thoughtful response.
  • Personalization: Bots struggle with true personalization. The email's lack of specific details about your interactions may be a sign of AI.
  • Contextual relevance: Assess whether the content of the email aligns with the context of your previous communication. A bot may not understand or respond appropriately to nuances.
AI can be such a helpful tool, but it's not on the level of being able to handle entire projects by itself. AI content still needs the "human touch" to overlook and manage content. It's an incredible advancement but not strong enough to replace people yet.

» Need help with crafting the perfect email marketing campaign? We can help.

How to effectively use AI in email marketing

Finding ways to inject genuine, personalized touches into your emails can set your brand apart. The focus should remain on delivering exceptional customer experiences, regardless of who or what generated the email. Here are a few ways you can leverage AI to enhance your email marketing strategies:

AI-generated variations

Take your existing email flows and content and feed them into AI algorithms. Task the AI with generating fresh angles or variations for your email campaigns

With AI's ability to create content rapidly, you can swiftly set up split tests to determine which variations perform best. This data-driven approach allows you to optimize your campaigns effectively.

» Discover the top ChatGPT prompts for email.

Competitive analysis

Analyze your competitors' strategies and content. Then, use AI to adapt your own messaging, adjusting your tone of voice or angles based on templates from your competitors. This approach can help you stay competitive and aligned with industry trends.

Unleash your creativity

Use AI as a foundation to spark your creative thinking. Once AI generates content, you can add layers of personalization and your unique touch to make it sound more human and align with your brand's voice.

Key takeaway

AI amplifies creativity and streamlines email marketing efforts. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and strategy. By harnessing the potential of AI, you can drive more effective and engaging email campaigns.

4 benefits of AI-generated emails

AI-generated emails offer several benefits that can enhance communication and efficiency in various contexts.

1. Better copy with less effort

a screenshot of ChatGPT 3.5 with the prompt of writing a sales email


AI can be a game-changer for those starting in email marketing or struggling with copywriting. AI-generated copy can surpass a beginner marketer's efforts in quality and persuasiveness. It's a valuable resource to create engaging content that resonates with your audience.

2. Saves time

AI-generated emails can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as sending out routine updates, responses to frequently asked questions, or appointment reminders. This frees you up to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.

3. Improved open and click-through rates

AI's ability to harness and analyze large amounts of data enables precise targeting, ensuring content resonates with individual consumers. This results in tailored content, coupled with personalized subject lines, that gets attention and enhances user engagement, improving open and click-through rates.

4. Cost-effective

By automating the content creation process, companies can reduce hiring costs. The speed and accuracy of AI ensure timely and consistent output, enabling businesses to allocate resources more effectively and optimizing the overall operational costs while maintaining, or even enhancing, the quality of email marketing campaigns.

» Learn how to use ChatGPT for your email campaigns.

Embracing the future: AI-powered email marketing

In the broader context of email marketing, the question of whether ChatGPT or a human wrote an email may become less relevant as AI continues to evolve. What matters is the value email campaigns bring to users and the relevance of the content to your audience.

Combining the efficiency of ChatGPT with a human copywriter has the potential to craft email marketing campaigns that captivate, engage, and drive conversions. If you want to create authentic email campaigns incorporating AI and human creativity, Mayple can help you strike the right balance.

» Want to use AI for other channels? Here's how to use ChatGPT for your advertising.