Methods of artificial intelligence that assist with creative writing have been available for decades. Whether you know it or not, content specialists have been using them. The emergence of ChatGPT and upcoming breakthroughs like Google’s Sparrow are creating a flurry of responses. As a result, the AI conversation has been amped up across every industry. The technology is exciting. Writers are experimenting with it. Tech giants are scrambling.

Leaning Tree Marketing is like you… eager to learn more about it.

Will AI Copy Generators Replace Humans?

Some writers are intimidated by AI but shouldn’t be. As time goes on, it will become an increasingly important item in the digital toolbox of writing. Let’s be clear – AI will never fully replace human writers. (Especially for storytelling.) Why? One reason has to do with unique human experiences. The beauty of storytelling is that there are personal elements that can’t be duplicated by anyone, not even a robot. There is no technology out there that can mimic all the details of YOUR life experience. Nor the deep meaning, emotions, and lessons learned. Machines can tell stories that connect with other humans, but it won’t be your story. They can use words and images to encourage a listener’s imagination, but it won’t be your imagination.

 

Machines are not authentic or ethical. They don’t hold a higher purpose in life. But they ARE machine smart. Therefore, a combination of human-made content that uses AI technology as a tool…it’s the future of writing.

 

10 Ways To Use AI Technology For Copy

1. Research, Brainstorm & Ideation for Content & Keywords
2. Construct Copy for Blogs, Web Pages, and Long-Form Articles
3. Assist with SEO and Internal Link Structures for Websites
4. Provide Multiple Versions of Copy for Testing
5. Check for Plagiarism, Grammar and Spell Checking
6. Format Copy for Texts, Emails & Social Media
7. Aid in the design of Landing Pages for Paid Ads
8. Contrive Audio, Code, Images, and Video
9. Help to Build eCommerce Product Listings
10. Map out Customer Journeys

 

AI Is Still A Work In Progress

As you can see, there are many important uses for AI. At its best, the tools generate ideas, provide checks and balances, produce helpful data and build concepts. They have the potential to produce data in a short time. This means that you’ll be better equipped to make more informed decisions. (There is even an AI tool called GPTZero which detects whether something is written by a human or not.) On the flip side, it’s important to remember that AI technology is a work in progress.

For content specialists, most will agree that the process of using AI technology is time-consuming. (Setting parameters, reviewing copy output, editing, testing the data output, etc.) Because no single software can do it all, you’ll be required to test many. There are concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality and questions regarding plagiarism. There are errors, spam, and other issues that require a human to identify and resolve. Technology is never perfect and artificial intelligence is no different. AI is still a work in progress.

 

Machine Learning Intelligence

A computer-controlled robot that performs a task makes predictions or solves a problem falls under the umbrella of “artificial intelligence.” (“AI” for short.) Machine learning, (ML), is a form of artificial intelligence. It allows software programs to be even more accurate and precise in their ability to predict outcomes. When “smart” is in the description, it usually means that machine learning or AI is involved. Regarding content, it helps writers understand what customers want to read. It also helps writers achieve Google discovery, higher rankings, and more conversions. Machine learning improves human capabilities, but they do not fully replace them. You ARE a smart human. Make the machine work to your benefit.

Examples Of Smart Technology Issues

• SELF-DRIVING CARS. There are self-driving cars on the market today. In concept, they are intriguing. But do they replace human drivers? Would you trust a self-driving car with your life or the lives of your children? Probably not. What is missing is the human subconscious, the grey area that contains unique values, life experiences, and ideologies.
• CHATGPT. Designed to carry out conversations with people, ChatGPT works in some situations, but not all. It’s great for generating keywords and ideas. (For nearly everything.) Yet, it still can’t truly understand the complexities of human conversation. If you’re looking for this tool to write long-form content, it will be a frustration. Search engines are smart, they’ll be on to you as well. Don’t leave your readers longing for human involvement.
• TEXTING MESSAGING. Our phones and AI are in cahoots with each other. But how many times have you had AI correct a word you’re trying to text? (You have to write over the correction several times for it to stick.) Group thinking, data gathering, and AI system models that predict social norms and outcomes aren’t always the way we speak and communicate with each other. It doesn’t always take into consideration personal styles, shortcuts, or innuendos.
• WORDPRESS PLUGINS. Yoast is a popular SEO AI tool, a plugin available for WordPress websites to optimize headings, keywords, and meta descriptions. It claims to do the “hard work of writing SEO.” But it’s never right. It’s better than nothing, but nowhere near what a talented human can do. A good content SEO person will review and rewrite many of Yoast’s recommendations.
• CLOUD-BASED VOICE SERVICES. Siri, Alexa, and other voice-recognition services are fun for all ages. (And a bit creepy for that matter.) In addition to being embedded in a phone, these devices are also stand-alone robots. They recognize the human voice and respond to queries. How many times have you laughed at the feedback from these robots? I know I have, many times.

Generative Tools Assist With Writing Goals

Generative AI writing software is a machine learning technology designed to be helpful to content creators. We all know that content writing can be a challenge. (Especially if you’re responsible for creating a lot of it.) Avoiding plagiarism. Correcting grammatical errors. Identifying personas, platforms, tone, style, branding, customer journeys, etc. Most writers don’t just want to reach people, they want to reach the RIGHT people. There is a specific goal in mind. All of this takes time, and that doesn’t include other writing tasks such as editing and SEO. It’s important to understand how writing content relates to Search Engine Optimization. Why? For starters, content is a part of every Google ranking factor. What you write runs a chance to appear in search results for related queries. But, to take advantage of this, SEO must be implemented correctly. Utilizing AI tools will help to conquer all of these challenges. It will increase productivity and improve SEO and other writing-specific goals. Use them! It can impact all stages of the creative process. Generative AI tools aren’t perfect and they may not replace human writers. But, there are still plenty of reasons to give them a try. (Even if you’re just curious!) Right now, many AI tools are free to try.

Most popular generative AI software tools that support writing:

• ChatGPT
• Rytr
• Jasper
• ParagraphAI
• Grammarly
• Prepostseo
• INK
• LongshotAI
• Askimet

The Current Situation

Here’s what full-service advertising agencies, business owners, and website teams that build websites say about their experiences with AI technology: “We use AI to some degree.” Some are still in the curiosity stage, soaking it all in and waiting to see what happens. Many have tested and tried AI technologies but are not sold on them yet. (Too many errors and too time-consuming.) A select few are riding the wave, branding themselves as “AI writing experts.” (Maybe a bit too soon?) In any case, Leaning Tree Digital currently uses AI technology for creating content and will continue to cautiously embrace the technology.

Google’s Mixed Messages About AI-Generated Content:

• In 2022 Google sounded the alarms about “bad AI.” As recently as July 2022, John Mueller of Google stated that “content generated automatically using AI writing tools is against Google’s Webmaster Guidelines.” Potentially, it could harm unsuspecting business brands.
• January of 2023, Danny Sullivan stated, “We haven’t said AI content is bad. We’ve said, pretty clearly, content written primarily for search engines rather than humans is the issue.”

All of these points are worth consideration. It’s ok to be excited about the cool advances in technology, but a client’s reputation and rankings deserve special care too. Utilize AI tools. Be mindful of potential errors and use your common sense. Good luck! Go get ’em smart human! Or, if you need more help, contact Leaning Tree Digital.