Are You Using AI For Content Writing?
Every writer has been asked this question at least once. The idea of writing by using bots seems out there, but it has been a reality for the last two years. Many writers are transparent about using bots, some strongly oppose it, and some use them as a tool rather than a full-fledged content generator machine.
Whether you’re using it to cut some corners, avoid writer’s block, or wrap your head around some complex topics, AI tools have proven to be a go-to place for help.
This guide will cover:
- Should you use AI for your content?
- A mini-guide on effectively using AI tools to spice up your content
- The pros and cons of relying on AI while writing
So, Should You Write Using AI?
AI can undoubtedly act as your cheap assistant. But, as with any assistants—you’ll get what you ask for. And how you ask for things is crucial here.
AI needs to be guided by you. Not the other way around. The quality of your input will define the quality of the output. Don’t expect AI to carry your creative load—that’s a writers’ job.
The goal is to understand what AI can and can’t do. Here’s what you need to get the most out of any AI tool in writing:
- Give precise instructions. AI tools can respond best to clear, detailed prompts. Imagine you’re writing a code but with words.
- What exactly do you want? In which way do you want it? What is the tone, what are you covering, what’s your structure, and who are you talking to? Use the same questions you need to answer yourself before writing and feed the bot with the thought process behind the piece.
- AI knows how to think like, well, AI. By giving it direction, we feed it with human reasoning and there is a bigger chance they’ll “think” (to some extent) as a human.
- Editing is a must. Don’t leave it unattended. AI can’t understand the nuances, the tone, and the weight of some words.
- You’ve probably noticed that AI has a habit of coming up with lines that sound straight out of a 19th-century British novel, like “I delved into the matter with meticulous attention to detail.” Avoid structures filled with adverbs, phrases not used in spoken language, or human-written pieces.
- Moreover, these long, wordy phrases are often without much meaning. These describe situations and processes without specific examples or further proof. These parts need to be edited manually and include more in-depth information.
Now that you understand the main premise of working with AI, let’s get to the practical advice.
AI Writing How-To: A Mini Guide
Using AI for writing is not about asking it to write from scratch but to pump your existing capabilities. So, start seeing AI as a tool to get you somewhere, not a final destination. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Discover new angles and brainstorm ideas
Before you start writing, AI can help you explore new topics and give you fresh ideas. Ask it for examples or unique angles to explore. This can jumpstart your brainstorming and help you see details you otherwise wouldn’t.
- Get unstuck and structure your thoughts
AI can help you overcome writer’s block and structure future content. If you notice you’re staring at a blank page for 10 minutes, ask AI to give you some concepts, definitions, or even an outline to streamline your thoughts better.
- Expand vocabulary and add style
During writing, AI can help you find synonyms and other alternatives. If your sentences sound bland or overcomplicated and stuffy, think about optimizing the wording. AI can be a powerful thesaurus and can list all variations, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases that may replace what you wrote.
- Simplify complex ideas
AI can explain complex concepts in simpler terms. Do you want to be explained like you’re five? Or maybe you need a bullet list explaining all the nuances of a crypto project, fact by fact? AI’s got you. By using simpler language, analogies, and examples, the bot can make content understandable across various age groups and expertise levels.
- Refine your sentences
AI may not be exceptionally good at spurting a whole in-depth quality article, but it’s great for refining those awkward sentences that don’t quite land. It can enhance readability, improve flow, and make sentences more concise and clear.
- Don’t skip editing
Giving clear, specific, in-depth prompts allows you to get a better output. But, no AI output is spotless and you will need to trim or add things up. Fine-tune, fill any gaps, and add your insights and ‘’human touch’’ which makes a piece uniquely yours.
Google’s AI Content Policies
Google’s approach to AI content is clear—it values any kind of content, as long it’s high-quality and user-first. This means that as long as AI-generated content meets Google’s standards of relevance and quality, it’s not likely to be penalized, and you will be fine. To stay on track, keep Google’s E-E-A-T framework in mind:
- Experience: The writer’s firsthand knowledge or direct experience with the topic.
- Expertise: Specialized, in-depth understanding of the subject area.
- Authoritativeness: Recognition as a credible source in the topic or industry.
- Trustworthiness: Accuracy, honesty, and transparency in content.
High-quality, user-focused content will always align best with Google’s principles, no matter how it’s created. Staying aware of these principles keeps you on track with Google’s quality standards and positions your content to rank well.
Conclusion: Making AI Work for You, Not Replacing You
When used thoughtfully, AI can be a valuable partner in content creation, helping you brainstorm, polish drafts, and add structure. But AI works best when you already have clear ideas and goals. The right input leads to better output, while an unclear prompt often results in subpar content. Think of AI as a tool to refine your voice and speed up the process. While it can offer great support, it’s still up to you to bring the insights, personality, and creativity that make content stand out.
If you’re purely generating with AI, you are not really adding value because anyone could replicate it if they wanted to. What they can’t replicate is you, your human touch, your experience and opinions. That is valuable information and it should be reflected in your content. So, keep learning, stay curious, and use AI to support your journey as a writer—never to replace it.