ChatGPT has a serious persuasion problem. While it may be smart and fast, its ability to write compelling sales copy falls short. And ChatGPT still struggles AI copywriting basics, as well as digital marketing content. Some believe prompts are the fix, but they're not…as this article will clearly demonstrate.
The Limitations of Prompts with ChatGPT
Let me explain why prompts don't work well with ChatGPT. This language model is designed as a logic machine, predicting the next set of letters based on patterns it has learned. However, sales copy, particularly in VSLs (Video Sales Letters) and emails, often relies on illogical elements to create intrigue and persuasion. Prompting ChatGPT with a series of commands will not lead to the desired results.
Examples of Promotional Emails Generated by ChatGPT
To illustrate this point, let's look at some examples of ChatGPT generating promotional emails using different versions of the model. Please note that I've modified the examples for better readability in this article.
ChatGPT-3.5 Example
Using ChatGPT-3.5, a previous version of the model, I input a simple prompt: “Write me a promotional email for a book authoring product.” The generated email starts with a formulaic approach, lacking creativity and sounding like a generic radio ad. It fails to capture attention or generate curiosity. Clearly, this approach is ineffective for producing persuasive sales copy.
ChatGPT-4 Example
Moving on to ChatGPT-4, a newer version of the model, the generated email shows some improvement but remains equally ineffective. While it introduces a product called “Bookcraft,” it falls into the trap of promoting the offer by mentioning its name right away. This approach lacks intrigue, tension, and emotional language, making it unappealing to readers.
Unlocking ChatGPT's Potential for Compelling Emails
Now, let's address the problem at hand and explore a solution to unlock ChatGPT's potential for crafting compelling emails. The key lies in leveraging in-context learning (ICL) before relying on prompts. ICL allows us to guide ChatGPT's thinking and provide it with a logical framework for generating persuasive sales copy.
The Components of In-Context Learning
To employ ICL effectively, we need three components: data, logic, and prompts. Let's delve into each one.
Data
Data refers to the information we want to incorporate into ChatGPT's thinking process. In this case, we'll consider the niche of book marketing and the target audience, aspiring authors. We also need to define the promises we want to make to the audience. Furthermore, I've added a special touch by including a quote from Tony Robbins to add credibility and inspire readers.
Logic
Logic helps ChatGPT understand the structure and flow of persuasive copy. We provide instructions such as avoiding exclamation points and refraining from using generic greetings. This helps ensure that the generated email adheres to the principles of effective sales copywriting.
Pre-Prompts & Formulas
Now, let's tackle what I call pre-prompts. Instead of using a single prompt, we can take inspiration from existing successful emails. For instance, I came across an email from Todd Brown that impressed me. I wondered how a similar email would sound if tailored to my friend Derek's book authoring offer. So, I copied Todd's email into a document, labeling it as an example for ICL purposes.
Generating Compelling Email Copy with ChatGPT
By combining data, logic, and pre-prompts with formulas effectively, we can now generate persuasive email copy using ChatGPT. Here's how the process unfolds:
- Log into ChatGPT-4 and paste the entire set of components we've prepared, including data and prompts.
- ChatGPT-4 generates the email, incorporating the provided information and following the logic and structure we've established. However, ChatGPT's output may require some fine-tuning to align with our goals.
- To refine the generated copy and make it more aligned with our objectives, we can provide a second prompt that instructs ChatGPT to follow the example more closely, word for word. This helps ensure that the generated email captures the essence of the original while incorporating our specific data and logic.
With this approach, we can obtain a unique version of the email we seek to replicate, while allowing ChatGPT to fill in the gaps and generate persuasive elements based on its training and understanding of effective copywriting.
Introducing Chat Mail: Simplifying the Process
Now, I understand that the process described above may seem complex and time-consuming. However, there is an easier solution available that simplifies the entire process. Introducing ChatMail, a powerful training tool I've developed that integrates the formulas and in-context learning directly into ChatGPT, eliminating the need for manual data input and prompts.
Best of all, ChatMail is completely free. By clicking here, you can access this tool and start generating near-endless EPIC-style promotional emails. “EPIC” stands for Engage, Promote, Inspire, and Consume, which encapsulates the four psychological triggers essential for effective sales.
Drive Sales with EPIC-Style Emails
Engaging the prospect involves using open loops, thought-provoking questions, and persuasive language. Promoting effectively entails creating intrigue and driving clicks. Inspiration is achieved through psychological tactics like reframing and anchoring. Finally, the goal is to encourage readers to re-consume the email and take action.
These tactics have been tested and proven to generate millions of dollars in direct sales. With ChatMail, you can harness the power of ChatGPT to effortlessly create epic-style promotional emails that captivate your audience and drive conversions.
Conclusion
In summary, prompts alone are not the solution to ChatGPT's persuasion problem. By leveraging in-context learning, combining data, logic, and strategic prompts, we can unlock the full potential of ChatGPT for crafting compelling and profitable email copy. Additionally, tools like ChatMail streamline the process, allowing you to generate epic-style promo emails with ease.