How I Use AI in My Writing While Prioritizing Authenticity

As a freelance writer, I often am asked/told these questions:

"Do you use AI?"

"How do you use AI in your writing process?"

"I don't want AI-generated articles. They're crap."

When ChatGPT emerged, I was sceptical. I don't know whether AI was for good or not.

Then I became AI paranoid. Whatever I wrote, however, I wrote it, I imagined them to be flagged as AI-generated content by my clients.

I even lost two clients to AI last year.

However, it also has to be agreed that AI has opened new avenues for writers to become more productive while still delivering authentic content. AI has opened up new opportunities for writers, but it requires thoughtful implementation.

In this edition, let me furnish the three aspects for which I use AI to speed up my research process and enhance my writing speed.

Research Faster While Maintaining Quality

I use Perplexity AI for research at the start of most projects.

I simply describe the topic I need background on, and Perplexity provides a summary along with links to reference articles.

The key is that I always review Perplexity's research myself rather than blindly relying on it.

For instance, for research, I use a prompt like this: Perplexity, what are some of the resources that support [your idea]? You have to give me a mix of peer-reviewed articles and web articles that support [your idea] and are up to 3 years old."

This serves more like a reverse Google Search. This allows me to get up to speed faster than combing through Google search results. I follow up on the most relevant links, corroborate key facts, and fill in gaps.

This balances productivity with authentic research.

Generate Outlines to Refine

I typically have ChatGPT/Bing AI generate a rough outline using my notes as a starting point for long-form content. This gives me a solid foundation to build on.

I rework the outline to add clarity, create a natural cadence and flow, and insert personal perspectives (if allowed).

The combination of AI-powered outline and hands-on refinement enables me to produce well-researched, insightful outlines, which are way better and faster than writing from scratch.

For instance, if I am writing an article to persuade customers to try a new product, then my potential prompt would be

"Please generate an outline for an article that includes Top of the Funnel (TOFU), Middle of the Funnel (MOFU), and Bottom of the Funnel (BOFU) content. The article should guide a potential customer through the stages of awareness, consideration, and decision-making in the context of purchasing a new software product. Remember, TOFU content should focus on creating awareness and educating the audience, MOFU content should help the audience consider their options and evaluate the product, and BOFU content should aim to convert the audience into customers by providing compelling reasons to purchase the product."

Customize Templates while Maintaining Consistency

I use AI to create reusable templates for cold pitches, project proposals, etc. The templates enable me to be highly efficient while presenting consistent branding tones.

I use AI to generate a standard cold pitch template when reaching potential new clients. The template covers an introduction explaining why I'm contacting them, my background and services offered, the types of content I could create for them, and the next steps for potentially working together.

While the underlying template stays the same each time for consistency, I carefully customize key parts for each new client before sending:

• I research the client's company history and current goals to tailor the intro to be relevant. Rather than just a form letter, I work their backstory into why we'd be a good fit.
• I list writing samples and case studies relevant to their industry and goals so my experience seems tailored. I only highlight the most relevant ones.
• For the content ideas, I brainstorm specific possibilities based on what I know would meet that client’s needs and help support their goals rather than boilerplate suggestions.
• I also tweak the tone, formality level, and closing incentives to align with norms in that particular company’s industry.

This approach enables me to create fully customized, client-centered cold pitches each time while maintaining a consistent base template for efficiency. The personal touch helps make my outreach stand out while using AI to accelerate the process.

My two cents

While AI has opened up new opportunities for writers to become more productive, it is essential to use it thoughtfully and intentionally.

As a writer, I have found ways to incorporate AI into my research and writing process that balance productivity with authentic research and unique points of view. Whether using AI to generate a rough outline that can then be refined and personalized or carefully customizing templates for consistency while still tailoring them to specific clients, I have found that AI can be a valuable tool when used with human creativity and expertise.

Ultimately, recognizing its potential and limitations is the key to successful AI integration in writing. AI can provide a foundation or jumping-off point. Still, it is up to us as writers to refine and personalize the ideas it generates and inject our experiences, perspectives, and creativity into the final product.

At the end of the day, it is our personal voice and human touch that makes our writing meaningful and memorable. With the right balance of AI and human ingenuity, we can continue to produce high-quality, authentic content that resonates with our readers and helps us stand out in a crowded marketplace.