How Can I Best Use AI to Write Content?

As you might expect, this is easily one of the most common questions I hear right now. It's not “Should I use AI?” because that ship has sailed. The real question is: How do you use AI to write content without sounding like a robot or everyone else?

Let me lead with you most absolutely can do this. Not all content generated by AI has to take your voice, chew it up and spit it out, replacing you with content that is zombie-like, without any affect at all. That being said, here goes:

1. What is AI actually good for when writing content?

AI is excellent at helping you get started, when you have brain freeze and nothing seems to grab you at the moment.

It can:• Generate topic ideas• Organize your thoughts• Create outlines• Draft first versions

• Suggest headlines or hooks, but what AI cannot do well on its own is sound like you. Your stories, perspective, experiences, opinions, humor, and voice are what make people want to read your content. AI doesn’t know those so it is best to consider AI your thinking partner, and not the final author. One of the best parts is AI is available for you 24/7 and so if the content muse calls to you at 3AM, it's there for you to partner with.

2. Should you let AI write the entire post?

You can, but that doesn’t mean you should because when people rely entirely on AI, the content often feels generic. Actually, the word "feels" might be incorrect because in my opinion, there is NO FEELING. AI is always technically correct but emotionally flat and readers can sense it immediately. They want the emotion and need to feel something after reading your words.

The best approach is to use AI as your collaborator.

Use AI to create a first draft. Then rewrite, tweak, refine, insert humor (if appropriate), add examples, and adjust the tone so it actually reflects how you speak and think. Make sure the final content is free of words and phrases you have never used in your life, and would sound strange coming out of your mouth. Maybe that's the best test of all: can you actually say this and feel comfortable using the words?! Your job is to humanize the output.

3. What prompts produce better AI content?

The quality of the prompt determines the quality of the result. Instead of writing:“Write a LinkedIn post about FILL IN THE BLANK," use something like: “Write a conversational LinkedIn post explaining FILL IN THE BLANK WITH PROS AND CONS, use a practical tone and include three tips.” Better prompts always lead to better drafts and AI will begin to recognize the tone you are looking for. Be as specific as possible, and "over-prompt" rather than giving AI too little. (This is very true when giving instructions to humans as well!) Regardless, the first draft is JUST the first draft, and you're going to use that and take the content much further.

4. How do you avoid sounding like everyone else using AI?

Remember that AI doesn’t have your personal stories, feelings insights, humor, or character. IT'S NOT YOU! AI is the starting point, and provides you with structure and a framework. The rest has to be ALL YOU. When I read your content, I want to hear you, and if I don't, I will usually move on.

5. Can AI actually help you create content faster?

AI can make you faster than you ever thought was possible because instead of starting with a blank screen, you start with focus. It's like brainstorming with a very smart person that can shoot out ideas in rapid-fire fashion.

AI helps remove the fear and loathing of getting started, so you can create more consistent content, regardless of what you need. Short or long-form, it becomes much easier to write regularly when your "writing buddy" is available 24-7.

Let's be clear that writers are not being replaced. AI is simply changing how writing happens.

The people who will benefit most are those who learn how to use the technology wisely while maintaining who they really are and what they want to say.

If you let AI be more than a tool, you are slowly but surely going to lose your brilliance and that I fear might be happening already. I see it on social media and in some of the newsletters that come my way. Don't let AI "dumb down" your content. Your voice is what makes your content magnificent.