The AI adoption picture is nuanced
In this episode, I share some fascinating insights about AI usage among writers and the impact it’s having on their business.
Last month, I sent out a simple 10-question survey to my community about AI usage, fears, and business impact.
I received 157 complete responses from writers across every experience level, from brand-new freelancers to 15+ year veterans. What they shared was, in some ways, congruent with what I’ve been saying for the past few months on the topic of AI integration in our businesses as freelancers.
But in other ways, the data was very surprising and went against some of my assumptions.
You can download the full report here.
Overall, here’s what I discovered: The story we’re telling ourselves about AI and freelance writing — both the doom-and-gloom version and the “AI will solve everything” version — is missing something crucial.
The real story is way more nuanced. More interesting. And way more hopeful.
Below is a very short, high-level summary of what I uncovered. There’s way more detail in the audio.
And, again, you can download my full (and free) PDF report on the survey findings here: The Truth About AI and Freelance Writers: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next.
Key stats & signals
- Adoption is real: 93% use AI to some degree; ~74% are regular or fully integrated users.
- Impact splits three ways: 34% say AI elevates their work or enables new offerings; 41% mainly see time savings; ~25% report little or negative impact.
- The “integration dividend”: Fully integrated users were ~6.5x more likely than non-users to report revenue growth.
- Client disclosure: 49.7% haven’t told clients they use AI. Among those who did, reactions skew positive/neutral 4:1 over negative.
- Security is the true brake: Confidentiality concerns are the only fear strongly correlated with hesitation.
- Market reality check: 86% report their business is doing about the same or better than a year ago.
What’s working (and what isn’t)
- Winners focus on value, not speed. Positioning AI as a quality and capability lift draws nearly double the positive client reactions versus “it helps me go faster.”
- Dabbling doesn’t pay. Occasional users see flat results; systematic workflows create compounding gains.
- Efficiency ? income, unless pricing and packaging evolve. One in three sees clear AI benefits without revenue growth because time savings get reinvested in the same low-margin work or “free” add-ons.
Four writer personas
- Velocity Builders (29%) – Fully integrated, confident, doubling down. Next move: tighten packaging and raise fees.
- Cautious Optimizers (28%) – Consistent users, worried about client perceptions. Next move: use “value” framing when discussing process.
- DIY Skeptics (23%) – Occasional or non-users, held back by security/ethics. Next move: private-mode workflows and clear data policies.
- Value Elevators (20%) – Regular users leveraging AI for strategy and advisory. Next move: document outcomes and increase rates.
Practical moves you can make this week
- Map your workflow and insert AI where it upgrades research, planning, analysis, repurposing, and client communication—not just drafting.
- Reframe your client narrative: “AI helps me spend more time on strategic thinking and client-specific insight.”
- Audit deliverables from the last 6 months and convert “extras” (competitive intel, repurposing plans, frameworks) into defined, billable components.
- Triage security: adopt approved tools/workspaces for NDA-sensitive work so you can move forward without risk.
Recommended paths forward
- Efficiency Path: Do the same work faster. Good entry point; not durable on its own.
- Capability Path: Expand offerings and depth; move up the value ladder.
- Leadership Path: Guide clients on their own AI integration and workflows; highest leverage.
Resources & next steps
- AI Advantage Bootcamp: Registration opens around October 20. Be on the lookout for details. And subscribe to my email list if you’re not already.
- Share the episode: Know a freelancer rethinking their positioning with AI? Send this their way.
Timestamp Overview
00:00:00
Ed introduces the episode by sharing survey results on AI usage among freelance writers and copywriters, revealing nuanced and surprising insights.
00:03:37
Nearly 75% of survey respondents are already using AI regularly or have it fully integrated into their workflows, while only 6.4% are not using AI at all.
00:05:27
Writers’ experiences with AI split into three camps: 34% see elevated work and new opportunities, 41% mainly save time, and 25% report no meaningful impact or even issues.
00:08:55
Ed explains his own shift in mindset, moving from viewing AI as just a writing tool to seeing it as a thinking partner, which unlocked greater benefits.
00:09:34
Nearly half of respondents (49.7%) haven’t disclosed their AI use to clients, but when they do, client reactions are far more positive or neutral than negative.
00:12:39
The number one fear among writers is client perception if they reveal AI usage, much more so than concerns about quality, originality, or job security.
00:18:58
Speed and time savings are the top benefits cited (41%), but a significant portion (34%) use AI to elevate their work and take on new types of projects.
00:23:26
Contrary to negative social media narratives, 86% of writers report their business is the same or better compared to last year, suggesting selection bias in public forums.
00:27:25
Looking forward, 60% plan to increase AI integration in the next six months, showing growing momentum among engaged writers.
00:29:11
Ed’s analysis shows that fully integrated AI users are 6.5 times more likely than non-users to report revenue growth; dabbling offers little measurable benefit.
00:36:29
A key insight: 32% of writers see significant AI-driven improvement in work quality but no increase in income, highlighting the need to adjust pricing and service packaging.
00:43:39
How AI is positioned to clients matters; presenting AI as a value elevator (not just an efficiency tool) roughly doubles positive client feedback.
00:46:52
Ed outlines four writer personas: Velocity Builders, Cautious Optimizers, DIY Skeptics, and Value Elevators—advising listeners to identify their type for better strategy.
00:54:43
Random dabbling with AI doesn’t move the revenue needle—mapping workflows and integrating AI systematically is now essential.
00:59:09
Ed describes three paths for writers: starting with efficiency, moving to expanded capabilities, and ultimately becoming a strategic leader for clients—emphasizing the need for ongoing adaptation.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Claim your free book:
Discover the secrets to a thriving writing career in Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. — Download your FREE copy
2. Stop losing projects to better-equipped writers
My AI Advantage Hub gives you new and proven capabilities every month that make you more confident and competitive — better research skills, stronger writing, smarter client conversations, creative problem-solving, and the confidence to say yes to opportunities you’d normally decline. It’s your monthly system for expanding what’s possible in your business. — Learn More
3. Work with me for 90 days
Need a trusted “sparring” partner to tackle your most pressing business challenges? I occasionally offer an intensive 90-day coaching program for freelancers at all income levels. We work together 1-on-1 to identify your most critical business obstacles, come up with innovative solutions and develop a customized, actionable plan. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com with “90-Day Accelerator” in the subject line to learn more.
4. Banish 6-figure burnout
One of my core specialties is helping 6-figure freelancers earn more in less time with less stress. If you’re at that income level but you’re burning out and want to create a business that actually serves you, let’s connect. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Boardroom” in the subject line and I’ll get back to you with more details.
