Can ChatGPT combine the Customer Journey and the Hero's Journey into Compelling Marketing Copy?

In 2014, after the death of my wife of 20 years, I desperate to find new ways to live life. I heard about a workshop called the Hero's Journey at a place called Spillian. Spillian is a historic estate and retreat center located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It is situated on 33 acres of beautiful woodlands and meadows, providing a peaceful and secluded environment for guests to relax and rejuvenate.

One of the unique features of Spillian is its focus on creativity and imagination. The retreat center offers a variety of workshops and events that encourage guests to tap into their creative side and explore new ideas. There is also a library filled with books on art, literature, and philosophy, providing inspiration for guests to delve deeper into their own imaginations.

One such workshop was the Hero's Journey which they advertised as a dare to re-imagine yourself. as an answer to the hunger for a quest and the yearning to change your paradigm.?I was hooked and called to find out more. I spoke with founder Leigh Melander, Ph.D. who takes study of the frivolous and mytholgy to a new level. She was especially familiar with the Hero's Journey and after talking to her, I signed up for a 5 day retreat. It is one of the memorable experiences of my life.?

Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey is a mythic story pattern that was described by Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces". It is a universal archetype that can be found in myths and stories from cultures all around the world.

According to Campbell, the Hero's Journey follows a basic structure consisting of three main stages: departure, initiation, and return.

1. In the departure stage, the hero is called to adventure and must leave the ordinary world behind. This may involve a mentor or guide who provides the hero with the tools they need for their journey.
2. In the initiation stage, the hero faces a series of trials and challenges that test their strength and character. This often involves confronting their own fears and weaknesses. The hero may also encounter allies and enemies along the way who help or hinder their progress.
3. In the return stage, the hero returns to the ordinary world, having achieved their goal or completed their quest. They may have gained knowledge or abilities that can be used to help others, or they may have become a changed person themselves.

Overall, the Hero's Journey is a framework for understanding the structure of many great stories and myths, and it is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

In general, I have always believed that journeys are a powerful metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery. Additionally, journeys can also serve as important metaphors for business, particularly when it comes to branding, marketing and customer experience. Just like a hero's journey, a customer's journey with a business can involve a series of stages or steps, each with its own challenges, rewards, and transformational moments.

Customer Journey

Over the years, as I studied Search Engine Optimization, Inbound Marketing, and Content Marketing I came to understand the stages of a customer journey. The customer journey in digital marketing refers to the series of steps that a potential customer goes through when interacting with a brand or product online. The journey typically consists of several stages, each of which represents a different level of engagement with the brand.

1. Awareness: The first stage of the customer journey is awareness, where the customer becomes aware of the brand and its products or services. This can be through social media, search engines, or other online channels.
2. Interest: At this stage, the customer has developed an interest in the brand and is exploring its products or services in more detail. They may visit the brand's website or social media pages to learn more.
3. Consideration: In this stage, the customer is actively considering the brand's products or services and comparing them to alternatives. They may be reading reviews, comparing prices, or seeking out more information.
4. Decision: At this stage, the customer has decided to make a purchase and is ready to take action. They may add products to their cart or sign up for a service.
5. Retention: After a customer has made a purchase, the retention stage involves keeping them engaged with the brand and encouraging them to become repeat customers. This can be achieved through email marketing, loyalty programs, or other forms of personalized communication.
6. Advocacy: The final stage of the customer journey involves turning satisfied customers into brand advocates. This can be achieved through social media sharing, customer reviews, or word-of-mouth recommendations.

Overall, understanding the customer journey is essential for creating effective digital marketing strategies that target customers at each stage of their journey and provide the right information and incentives to encourage them to move forward towards making a purchase and becoming loyal customers.

My AI Journey

This last year or so, I have embarked upon a new journey to understand AI and ChatGPT. It has been a fascinating and rewarding experience that has greatly enhanced the development of content for my articles and marketing. I found this journey has involved several key stages, which repeat many times, such as:

1. Discovery: This stage involved learning about the basics of AI and natural language processing, and how they are applied to develop ChatGPT. One can start by exploring various resources available online, such as research papers, articles, and tutorials.
2. Research: In this stage, one can dig deeper into the specific functionalities of ChatGPT, such as its ability to generate text, answer questions, and provide recommendations. This can involve experimenting with different input prompts and exploring the various options and settings available.
3. Consideration: At this stage, one can begin to consider how ChatGPT can be used to develop content for articles and marketing. This may involve brainstorming ideas and strategies for leveraging ChatGPT's capabilities to enhance the quality and effectiveness of content.
4. Implementation: This stage involves putting the ideas and strategies into action, by developing content using ChatGPT as a tool. This may involve working with ChatGPT to generate new ideas, improve existing content, and tailor content to specific audiences.
5. Evaluation: Finally, the journey can be evaluated by measuring the success and effectiveness of the content developed using ChatGPT. This can involve analyzing metrics such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, and using this data to refine and improve the content.

Overall, embarking on a journey to understand AI, ChatGPT, and their applications in content development can be a transformative and empowering experience. By leveraging the power of AI, businesses can create content that is more engaging, effective, and tailored to their specific audiences, ultimately leading to greater success and growth.

Like a customer who jumps from consideration to interest as new fancies meet them, I am constantly jumping from consideration, implemtation, and evaluation of various ideas I have for AI-driven content and marketing. Or perhaps I am just in the iterations of the initiation stage of a Hero's journey. Regardless, with this long expository introduction, I now present you with my current experiment.

Non-Scientific Experiment

I am interested in the emotions of experience with regards to renting hotel rooms (given my travel marketing business as well as my ownership in a small retro resort called the Meadowlark Motel I think this makes sense?) - It struck my it would be interesting to integrate the mythological and emotional aspects of the Hero's Journey when understanding a motel customer's journey in renting a room with the traditional digital marketing customer's journey. Here are my experiment with ChatGPT...

First I asked:

Write a story about the customer journey for renting a hotel room , make it mythological in the manner of the Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell

The Result:

In the ancient land of Mythos, there lived a young adventurer named Adria. She had always been curious about the world beyond her village, and her restless spirit finally led her to embark on a journey to a distant city. Along the way, she came across a magnificent hotel, and she knew she had found her resting place for the night.

Adria stepped into the lobby, where she was greeted by the welcoming smiles of the staff. They offered her refreshments and led her to a comfortable seat by the fireplace. As she sipped on her tea, Adria noticed a map of the city on the wall. She felt a sense of excitement as she studied it, realizing that there were countless possibilities for adventure in this new place.

The first stage of Adria's journey was the call to adventure. She had left her familiar village behind and was now entering a new, unknown world. The hotel represented a safe haven, a place of refuge where she could gather her strength and prepare for the challenges ahead.

The next stage was the threshold, as Adria entered her hotel room. She felt a sense of awe as she gazed around the room, taking in the luxurious furnishings and the breathtaking view of the city below. This was her sanctuary, her home base for the next leg of her journey.

As Adria settled in, she felt a sense of anticipation for the experiences that awaited her. She knew that there would be obstacles to overcome, challenges to face, and new friends to meet. But for now, she could rest and rejuvenate in the comfort of her hotel room.

The next morning, Adria awoke to the sound of birds singing outside her window. She felt a sense of energy and purpose as she prepared for the day ahead. She met with the hotel concierge, who helped her plan her itinerary and offered recommendations for the best sights to see in the city.

Adria set out into the city, and she encountered many trials along the way. She got lost in the winding streets, faced unexpected setbacks, and encountered difficult people. But she always returned to the safety and comfort of her hotel room, where she could rest and reflect on her journey.

As Adria's adventure drew to a close, she realized that her journey had changed her in profound ways. She had discovered new strengths within herself, and she had gained a deeper appreciation for the world around her. And throughout it all, her hotel room had been a constant, reliable presence, offering her a safe haven and a home base for her journey.

In the end, Adria returned to her village, forever changed by her journey. But she knew that she would always carry with her the memories of her time in the city, and the lessons she had learned along the way. And she knew that whenever she ventured out into the world again, she would always have a trusted ally in the form of her hotel room.

Let's make it specific to me

I was excited because it seems to have potential for marketing content. I focused in the specific amenities and location of my own resort:

Rewrite that story with the same conditions, just make the setting a small roadside motel with country in amenities,?critically acclaimed mountain food with a twist restaurant and funky speakeasy in the smoky mountains

The result:

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains, there lived a young adventurer named Adria. She had been traveling for days, longing for a place to rest her weary feet. Just when she thought she could go no further, she spotted a small roadside motel, nestled amongst the trees.

Adria stepped into the lobby, where she was greeted by the friendly smiles of the staff. They offered her a seat by the fireplace and handed her a menu for the restaurant. As she perused the menu, she noticed the unusual twists on classic mountain dishes, and her mouth watered with anticipation.

The first stage of Adria's journey was the call to adventure. She had been wandering through the wilderness for days, longing for a place to rest and refuel. The motel represented a safe haven, a place where she could gather her strength and prepare for the challenges ahead.

The next stage was the threshold, as Adria entered her motel room. She felt a sense of relief wash over her as she settled into the comfortable bed, surrounded by the rustic country decor. This was her sanctuary, her home base for the next leg of her journey.

As Adria rested, she felt a sense of excitement building within her. She knew that there would be obstacles to overcome, challenges to face, and new friends to meet. But for now, she could relax and enjoy the comforts of her motel room.

The next morning, Adria awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. She felt a renewed sense of energy and purpose as she prepared for the day ahead. She headed down to the restaurant, where she was greeted by the smells of sizzling bacon and homemade biscuits.

Adria set out into the mountains, where she encountered many trials along the way. She got lost in the winding trails, faced unexpected setbacks, and encountered difficult terrain. But she always returned to the safety and comfort of her motel room, where she could rest and recharge.

As Adria's adventure drew to a close, she realized that her journey had changed her in profound ways. She had discovered new strengths within herself, and she had gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. And throughout it all, her motel room had been a constant, reliable presence, offering her a safe haven and a home base for her journey.

In the end, Adria returned to her own life, forever changed by her journey. But she knew that she would always carry with her the memories of her time in the Smoky Mountains, and the lessons she had learned along the way. And she knew that whenever she ventured out into the world again, she would always have a trusted ally in the form of her roadside motel.

It is not actual, it is metaphorical

Then I realized that ChatGPT was misunderstanding the customer journey as being the actual physical journey, so I refined to be specific about the customer purchase journey:

Now rewrite the story focusing not on the actual journey, but the customer journey to purchasing online

The result:

In the modern world, Adria was an intrepid explorer of the digital realm. She had always been fascinated by the endless possibilities of the internet, and she knew that there were countless treasures to be found in the vast online marketplace. So when she needed to purchase a new pair of hiking boots, Adria turned to her trusty computer and began her journey.

The first stage of Adria's journey was awareness. She became aware of her need for new hiking boots, and she knew that the internet would be the best place to find them. She began her search, using keywords and filters to narrow down her options.

As she browsed through the many websites that offered hiking boots, Adria felt a sense of overwhelm. There were so many options to choose from, and she wasn't sure which ones would be the best fit for her needs. She needed guidance.

The next stage was consideration. Adria began to research the different brands and models of hiking boots, reading reviews and comparing prices. She looked for websites that offered detailed product descriptions and customer feedback, and she evaluated the trustworthiness of each site based on its design and security features.

As Adria narrowed down her options, she entered the decision stage. She compared the pros and cons of each pair of hiking boots, taking into account factors such as durability, comfort, and style. She looked for discounts and promotions, and she calculated the shipping costs and delivery times.

Finally, Adria reached the action stage. She made her decision and clicked the "buy now" button, entering her payment information and confirming her order. She received a confirmation email and a tracking number, and she eagerly awaited the arrival of her new hiking boots.

As Adria's journey drew to a close, she reflected on the experience. She realized that the customer journey to purchasing online was not so different from a physical journey. It involved stages of awareness, consideration, decision, and action, just like any adventure. And just like a physical journey, it required a sense of curiosity, courage, and perseverance.

In the end, Adria felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. She had found the perfect pair of hiking boots, and she knew that they would serve her well on her next outdoor adventure. And she knew that whenever she needed to purchase something online, she had the skills and knowledge to navigate the customer journey with confidence.

E-commerce Left Field

As you can see, ChatGPT lost the important essence of the article - which was to write about renting rooms. It became ecommerce oriented. I suspected that the questions I asked were vague in some way, so I wrote a new question with very specific information in one query:

Write a story about the digital customer journey for renting a hotel room at a small rustic road-side motel in the Smoky Mountains, make it mythological in the manner of the Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell

The result:

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains lies a small and rustic road-side motel. The owner, a wise and weathered woman named Mary, has long known the power of the digital customer journey. For Mary, each potential customer is like a hero on a quest, seeking the perfect room and experience to fulfill their needs.

Our hero, a weary traveler named John, begins his journey with a simple Google search for lodging options in the Smoky Mountains. His quest leads him to Mary's motel website, where he is greeted by stunning photos of the scenic landscape and cozy rooms.

John's initial discovery sparks a call to adventure, and he eagerly begins to research the motel's amenities and reviews. He reads stories of other travelers who have found solace and comfort at Mary's motel, and begins to feel a sense of hope and excitement for his own journey.

As John considers his options, he comes across a special offer for first-time customers. This marks the beginning of his journey into the unknown, a threshold he must cross to move forward on his quest.

With the click of a button, John makes his reservation and embarks on his journey to the Smoky Mountains. As he arrives at the motel, he is greeted by Mary herself, who takes him under her wing and guides him through the final steps of his journey.

Mary's motel becomes a threshold for John, a place where he can rest and recharge before moving on to the next leg of his adventure. He is comforted by the rustic charm of his room and the warmth of Mary's hospitality.

As John leaves the motel and continues his journey, he is forever changed by his experience at Mary's motel. His quest has taught him the power of the digital customer journey, and he carries this newfound knowledge with him as he continues on his path.

Renting not E-commerce

Well this is interesting, but obviously not good marketing copy. I don't think it would compel another potential guest to identify with the protagonist John and take steps to emulate him by renting also. So I pursued further:

Write the story so that it is compelling marketing copy for another potential customer in the future to read and feel the need to follow in John's footsteps...

The Result:

As you search for the perfect getaway in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, you long for a journey that will fill your soul and leave you transformed. Look no further than Mary's rustic road-side motel, where the digital customer journey meets the magic of the Hero's Journey.

Like John, you too will be called to adventure by the stunning photos and glowing reviews of Mary's motel website. As you delve deeper into the amenities and special offers, you feel a sense of excitement and hope building within you.

With the click of a button, you take the first step of your journey, crossing the threshold into the unknown. As you arrive at the motel, you are met by Mary herself, a wise and weathered woman who guides you on your path to the perfect room and experience.

Your room becomes a threshold for you, a place where you can rest and recharge before moving on to the next leg of your adventure. The rustic charm and warmth of Mary's hospitality envelop you, and you feel transformed by your experience.

As you leave the motel, you carry with you the power of the digital customer journey and the magic of the Hero's Journey. You are forever changed, your soul filled with the memories and lessons of your journey.

Join John and countless other travelers who have found solace and comfort at Mary's rustic road-side motel. Your journey awaits, and the digital customer journey will guide you every step of the way.

Final Version (For Now)

At this point, I don't have any firm conclusions about the current abilities of ChatGPT to actually write a compelling story combining Hero's journey with customer journey. However, I think this last version is very close. So I will make a few modifications myself...

The Result:

As you search for the perfect getaway in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, you long for a journey that will fill your soul and leave you transformed. Look no further than our classic rustic road-side motel, the Meadowlark Motel, where your digital customer journey will lead to the magic of the Hero's Journey.

Visit the website, where you will be called to adventure by the stunning photos and glowing reviews of the Meadowlark Motel. As you delve deeper into the amenities and special offers we provide, you will feel a sense of excitement and hope building within you.

With the click of a button, you take the first step of your journey, crossing the threshold into the unknown by booking a room. Then, when you arrive at the motel, you are met by Boyd the manager, a wise and weathered man who guides you on your path to the perfect room and experience.

Your room will become a threshold for you, a place where you can rest and recharge before moving on to the next leg of your adventure. The rustic charm and warmth of the Meadowlark's hospitality envelop you, and you feel transformed by your experience.

As you leave the motel, you carry with you the power of the journey and the magic of the Hero. You are forever changed, your soul filled with the memories and lessons of your trip.

Join countless other travelers who have found solace and comfort at the Meadowlark Motel. Your journey awaits, and we will guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion

I would probably not build a campaign around this, but it is definitely a fun bit of content to use in social media posts and perhaps a blog post. I think getting ChatGPT to understand the full intent is critical and either I am not yet up to the job or it isn't. Maybe some of you reading this can have some ideas on this. I will be working on my query and data skills, but I am glad it got me close and the time saved was invaluable.?