How to Use AI and Automation in Content Marketing Without Losing Your Humanity

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the way we create and consume content. They can help us save time, improve quality, increase personalization, generate insights, and boost creativity.

But they also come with some challenges and risks. How do we ensure that our AI-powered content is ethical, accurate, and trustworthy? How do we balance the use of technology with human touch and emotion? How do we maintain a human connection with our audience?

These are some of the questions I want to explore in this post, where I share my principles and best practices for using AI and automation in content marketing without losing my humanity. I also show you some examples of how I use tools like Grammarly, Lumen5, HubSpot, Google Analytics, and others to create and manage my AI-powered content.

Principle 1: Review and edit the content generated by AI tools before publishing or sharing it.

AI tools can help us create content faster and easier, but they are not perfect. They can make mistakes, produce irrelevant or duplicate content, or miss the nuances of our brand voice and tone. That’s why we need to review and edit the content generated by AI tools before publishing or sharing it. We need to make sure it is accurate, relevant, original, and aligned with our goals and audience.

For example, I use Grammarly to check and improve the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style of my writing. But I don’t rely on it blindly. I always read my text carefully and make my own judgments. Sometimes Grammarly suggests changes that don’t fit my context or intention. Sometimes it misses errors that I can spot easily. Sometimes it gives me feedback that I disagree with or don’t understand. That’s why I always review and edit my text before publishing or sharing it.

Principle 2: Disclose the use of AI tools when creating or sourcing content from them.

AI tools can help us source content from external sources, such as articles, videos, podcasts, or other resources. They can also help us create content from scratch, such as headlines, captions, summaries, or stories. But we need to be transparent and ethical when using AI tools to create or source content. We need to respect the intellectual property rights and privacy of the original creators and sources. We also need to inform our audience about the use of AI tools in our content creation process.

For example, I use Lumen5 to turn my blog posts into videos. But I don’t claim that the videos are entirely my own work. I always give credit to the original sources of the images, videos, music, or text that Lumen5 uses to create my videos. I also mention that I use Lumen5 as a tool to create my videos. This way, I respect the rights and contributions of the original creators and sources. I also let my audience know how I create my videos and what tools I use.

Principle 3: Test and monitor the performance and behavior of your AI tools.

AI tools can help us optimize our content for various metrics, such as SEO, readability, engagement, conversion, or retention. They can also help us measure and analyze the performance and impact of our content. But we need to be careful and vigilant when using AI tools to optimize or measure our content. We need to test and monitor the performance and behavior of our AI tools regularly. We need to update them frequently and report any issues or errors to the developers or providers.

For example, I use HubSpot to automate my content distribution and promotion across various channels. But I don’t set it and forget it. I always test and monitor how my content performs on different platforms and devices. I also check how HubSpot handles my content scheduling, targeting, personalization, segmentation, or attribution. Sometimes HubSpot glitches or malfunctions due to technical issues or changes in algorithms or policies. That’s why I always test and monitor my HubSpot campaigns and report any problems or feedback to HubSpot support.

Principle 4: Prioritize the needs and preferences of your audience.

AI tools can help us personalize our content for different segments, personas, stages, or scenarios of our audience. They can also help us generate insights into their behavior, preferences, pain points, or goals. But we need to be customer-centric and empathetic when using AI tools to personalize or generate insights from our content. We need to prioritize the needs and preferences of our audience over our own assumptions or biases. We also need to use AI tools to enhance their experience and satisfaction, not to manipulate or deceive them.

For example, I use Google Analytics to measure and analyze the behavior and preferences of my audience. But I don’t use it to spy on them or invade their privacy. I always respect their consent and preferences regarding cookies, tracking, or data collection. I also use Google Analytics to understand their needs and expectations, not to exploit their weaknesses or vulnerabilities. I use Google Analytics to create content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or fulfills their desires, not to trick them into doing something they don’t want to do.

Principle 5: Inject some personality and emotion into your content.

AI tools can help us create content that is logical, rational, and factual. But they can’t create content that is emotional, personal, and human. That’s why we need to inject some personality and emotion into our content. We need to use storytelling, humor, empathy, and social proof to connect with our audience on a human level. We also need to show our authenticity, vulnerability, and passion in our content.

For example, I use BuzzSumo to find the most popular and trending topics in my niche. But I don’t just copy or repeat what others are saying. I always add my own perspective, opinion, or experience to my content. I also use stories, jokes, anecdotes, or examples to make my content more engaging and relatable. I also use emotions, feelings, values, or beliefs to make my content more persuasive and memorable. I also show my personality, voice, tone, or style in my content.

By following these principles, I believe you can use AI and automation in content marketing without losing my humanity. I think this is the key to creating value for both business and my audience.

What do you think? How do you use AI and automation in your content marketing strategy? Do you have any tips or best practices to share? Do you have any questions or concerns about using AI and automation in content marketing?

I would love to hear from you and learn from your experience. And if you found this post helpful or interesting, please feel free to like or share it with your network. Thank you! ??