If you’ve just started exploring AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Claude.ai to help with your marketing content, you're likely excited … but a little overwhelmed.
AI can be a powerful tool to save time and boost creativity, but like any tool, it works best when you know how to use it.
As a total AI-nerd, here are my top ten tips, in order of importance, that will help you get the most out of your AI-generated content.
1. Be clear and specific with your AI prompts
One of the most important factors in getting good outputs from AI is being clear and specific in your prompts. You’ve got to give AI context.
The AI will only produce useful content if it understands what you're asking.
Vague prompts like "Write a blog about skincare" can lead to broad, unfocused content.
Instead, be specific: "Write a 500-word blog about the benefits of natural skincare products for women in their 40s." The more detail you provide, the better the AI can tailor its response.
2. Start with simple, short AI prompts
When you're just beginning to use AI, start by giving it simple, straightforward prompts.
For example, instead of asking for a full blog post right away, try smaller tasks like “Write a two-sentence introduction for a blog about skincare.” Starting simple helps you understand how the AI responds and allows you to refine your approach before moving on to more complex content requests.
3. Edit and refine AI outputs
AI-generated content is a great starting point, but it always needs a human touch.
Always (ALWAYS!!!) edit what AI products to add personality, correct the tone, or fix minor inaccuracies or biases.
Use it as a draft rather than a final piece of content.
For example, if the AI writes something that doesn’t quite align with your brand's voice, tweak it until it fits. This editing process allows you to retain full control over your message while saving you the time it would have taken to create the content from scratch.
4. Give feedback to the AI
If the AI doesn't get things right on the first try, don’t hesitate to give feedback. Most AI platforms allow you to refine prompts.
If the output isn't what you expected, adjust your request and try again. You can say things like "Make this sound more professional" or "Shorten this paragraph."
This feedback loop will help the AI improve its responses over time, and you’ll learn how to phrase your prompts for better results.
5. Set parameters
AI can generate a wide range of content, so setting clear parameters will help ensure it provides exactly what you need.
If you're looking for a specific length, format, or tone, be sure to specify it in your prompt.
For example, "Write a 200-word social media post in a friendly tone promoting our eco-friendly products." Setting boundaries ensures that the AI stays on track and gives you content suited to your needs.
6. Use AI for idea generation
AI is fantastic for brainstorming ideas, especially when you're stuck. Whether you need blog topics, email subject lines, or social media post ideas, ask the AI for suggestions.
For instance, "Give me five blog ideas about natural skincare trends in 2024." This can provide a fresh perspective and help you overcome writer’s block.
7. Leverage AI for research
Beyond content creation, AI can assist with quick research on topics or customer trends.
While it’s not a substitute for deep research, AI can give you a great starting point or help you gather general information fast.
For example, you might ask, "What are the top skincare concerns for women in their 40s?" Just be sure to verify facts and details, as AI can sometimes embellish the truth and make up great sounding but totally fictional information!
8. Experiment with different tones
One of the fun aspects of using AI is the ability to easily switch between different tones of voice. You can ask it to generate content that is formal, casual, or humorous and see which tone resonates most with your audience.
For instance, try asking it to rewrite a blog in a more conversational tone, and then compare the results. This experimentation will help you discover the best way to engage your customers.
9. Test with shorter content
While it’s important to keep your prompts simple when starting, it’s also wise to begin with shorter forms of content like social media posts or short emails.
These smaller pieces are easier to manage and refine, giving you a chance to see how AI-generated content can fit into different formats.
Once you’re comfortable, you can scale up to longer content like blogs or website pages.
10. Use AI as a partner, not a replacement
Remember, AI is a tool to assist you, not replace you.
It’s best used as a partner in your creative process, helping to speed up content creation, generate new ideas, and structure your thoughts.
However, YOUR expertise, brand voice, and final edits will make the content shine and connect with your audience.
Now, go and play with AI!
By being clear with your prompts, refining outputs, and using AI to brainstorm and research, you can create high-quality content efficiently while maintaining your unique brand voice. Remember, the AI is there to assist, but the final magic comes from your expertise!
Ready to take your AI content from blah to brilliant?
Download my free cheat sheet, "From Blah to Brilliant: Transform AI Outputs with the Right Prompts", and unlock the secrets to getting the best results from AI tools. Whether you're crafting emails, blogs, or social media posts, these prompts will elevate your content in no time!
Need a human touch to take your content to the next level?
Let’s chat! Whether you're struggling with your website copy, emails, or marketing materials, I’m here to help you turn ideas into powerful words that connect with your audience.