“Clarity, Consistency, Conversion | Human-Led Strategy with AI Speed“
"Building Brands That Convert, where Copywriting meets AI and Content Strategy. Your trusted growth partner in the age of intelligent creativity"
Audrey Chia
Founder, Close with Copy
How Did the AI Wave Redefine My Path as a Copywriter?
When I first launched my consultancy, I never intended to enter the world of AI. Like many marketers and content strategists, I was deeply focused on helping brands convert through words and stories.
Then, ChatGPT arrived , at the exact moment I decided to go full-time with my consultancy. A client messaged me, “Hey Audrey, you are going to be replaced,” and sent me the link to ChatGPT.
That wave of panic was real. But instead of retreating, I made a decision , to pivot. I chose to learn how to leverage AI instead of fearing it.
I had to make this tough decision , do I stick to copywriting as I know it, or build a more AI-human type of consultancy instead?
That single choice became the foundation for everything that followed. It wasn’t about abandoning creativity; it was about expanding what creativity could mean in an AI-augmented world.
Can AI and Human Creativity Coexist , or Even Collaborate?
There’s still skepticism in the creative space. Many seasoned professionals say, “AI isn’t human enough.” On the other end, startups think they don’t need copywriters because AI can do it all , and then wonder why their content falls flat.
The truth lies in between. AI is not here to replace creativity but to enhance it. The best results happen when both worlds merge.
The best people to use AI for copy are copywriters. The best people to use AI for design are designers. The best people to use AI for sales are salespeople.
When we, as humans, bring our judgment, storytelling, and empathy to the process , and let AI handle the structure, volume, or ideation , we hit that sweet spot. It’s not human versus machine; it’s human with machine.
Why Are 99% of Businesses Still Stuck With AI?
Most teams believe they’re already “AI-native.” They use GPT daily, so they assume they’re fully leveraging it. But I often ask , are you truly using AI to its maximum advantage?
For instance, one of my clients went from using seven prompts to create one LinkedIn post to using one smart prompt that generates seven posts in their exact tone. Same tool, completely different outcome.
AI success requires both top-down alignment (frameworks, workflows) and bottom-up training (upskilling teams). Without that shared foundation, organizations remain stuck in experimentation mode.
What’s the Biggest Misconception About AI in Branding?
The most common mistake I see? Blindly trusting AI’s confidence.
GPT can sound smart , but sounding smart isn’t the same as being strategic.
AI might tell you to use blogs, emails, and ads, but it won’t clarify why. The missing ingredient is human clarity , defining the value proposition, target audience, and channel focus before prompting.
Taking everything as-is is the biggest mistake any business can make.
Marketers need to guide AI, not obey it. Strategy is the road map; copy is just the vehicle. Without direction, even the best technology goes nowhere.
What Skills Will Keep Us Irreplaceable in the Age of AI?
In just two years, I’ve seen GPT evolve from a junior copywriter to a senior-level marketer , even a creative director, when prompted well.
That pace of change is thrilling and terrifying at the same time.
So, what makes humans irreplaceable? Strategy. Relationships. Adaptability.
Copy can be generated. Vision cannot.
If you’re in sales, double down on human connection. If you’re in design, master the latest tools. And if you’re a marketer, don’t just write the message , build the framework behind it.
The goal isn’t to resist AI but to evolve alongside it.
If you have that growth mindset, you can turn fear into motivation.
That mindset , not a skill or a title , is the true competitive edge.
When Everything Sounds Polished, How Do You Stand Out?
As AI becomes the norm, perfection will become the baseline. Everyone’s content will sound polished, optimized, and eerily similar. That’s when humanity becomes your advantage.
The brands that win will be the ones that are raw, authentic, and unfiltered , the ones that show real people, real stories, and real imperfections.
When everyone zigs with AI, we need to zag with humanity.
As I like to remind myself , if the world zigs, be the black sheep.
How Should Businesses Begin Their AI Journey Without Overwhelm?
AI can feel overwhelming because it can do everything. The trick is to start small.
Ask yourself:
- What is the most time-consuming or repetitive task right now?
- Can it be automated or AI-assisted?
- Can I test it in a single department before scaling?
One client of mine paired a copywriter with a custom AI email tool trained on their best-performing emails. That simple pilot saved hours , and proved that small, focused tests can drive big returns.
The right approach isn’t AI everywhere , it’s AI where it matters most.
Is AI a Threat or an Opportunity?
It’s both , and which one it becomes depends entirely on us.
Just like my parents once had to adapt from typewriters to computers, we’re now adapting from computers to AI. They could have resisted, but instead, they embraced. Today, they use GPT to write memos, songs, and more.
A tool is a tool. What you do with it is all that matters.
That mindset is what separates those who thrive from those who fear.
AI isn’t here to erase us , it’s here to expand what’s possible.
What’s Next for AI and Branding by 2030?
One prediction I’m confident about: AI influencers will be here to stay.
We’re already seeing early versions, but as avatars become more lifelike, the line between human and AI creators will blur. Imagine leasing out a digital version of yourself , your “AI twin” , to collaborate with brands in real-time.
That future isn’t far. I’ve been experimenting with avatar tools myself, and let’s just say , 2.0 is coming.
So, What’s the Future of Branding in an AI-Driven World?
In a world shaped by technology, it’s not about choosing between AI or authenticity.
It’s about mastering both.
The future belongs to brands that are human at heart and AI in execution , those that use machines to scale efficiency but keep creativity, empathy, and originality at the core.
Because when everything else is automated, being human will always be your greatest competitive advantage.
