How to Write a Blog Post In ChatGPT Era - Tips from an Average Writer

The other day, I blocked an ad on Facebook because it was repetitive - anything recurring becomes a nuisance.

Remember the repetitive jokes your math teacher cracked that didn’t tickle your funny bone??

But you laughed anyway because you were terrible at math, and exams were around the corner.

This time, we’ve stumbled upon endless posts, and although the redundancy is annoying - like your teacher’s lame puns - we cannot resist reading other people’s perspectives on ChatGPT.?

Since its advent, blog writers have been waking up with a sense of dread in their hearts.?

Even the most skilled writers felt demoralized after losing a few clients to AI.?

Fair enough, AI costs less, writes quicker, and a few human tweaks are all it takes to make the write-up presentable, creative, and human. Uhm.

If you’ve been in the boat of numerous others who feel their jobs are on the line, hang in there.?

ChatGPT may churn out content within seconds; it lacks emotion (like your narcissist ex) and Humor (like my math teacher).?

The creepy AI bot is “Artificially Insufficient” in elements that make writing come alive - Voice, Wit, and Precision.

So, GPT may have won a few writing battles but cannot win the war against human ingenuity. This implies all is not lost at this point, and the window of opportunities is still open.?

I won’t claim you’ll be the next James Joyce after this guide ends, but my added value may help you up your writing game.?

Crack the Client Code

We’ve had enough of the obvious “know your audience” suggestions. You’re supposed to know your client’s target audience; how else will you craft a blog piece??

We rarely think of comprehending the client’s requirements for a specific piece.?

I’ve been turning caffeine into content since 2021 (btw, I don’t drink caffeine, but hot chocolate), and here’s what I discovered.

Say you’re expected to write on digital marketing for two different clients.?

One client may admire your write-up, while the other may dislike it.

Much like the season, Wednesday, I adored, and my brother couldn’t help but laugh at my choices.?

Just as a flower's allure is subject to the beholder's perception and a story’s impact varies depending on the reader’s experiences.?

I’m certain you have an example from your life. People perceive things differently, and that’s okay.?

Here’s an example from my content writing world. I worked on two articles in almost the same niche for different clients, and the scenario looks something like this:?

I get it. Feedback doesn’t imply the client didn’t like your work. But it does mean the work delivered wasn’t satisfactory.?

Consistent tweaks for the same niche indicate we aren’t yet aware of the client preferences, or, shall I say, we failed to understand their needs.?

This is because we aren’t mindful of the type of content the client likes.?

Do they prefer a conversational, witty tone of voice, or is a formal tone their go-to choice (like my math teacher)?

Remember, a conversational, thought-provoking blog piece might be fluff for the client who seeks direct, formal, and educational content.?

Fluff isn’t always unnecessary sentences and words. One client’s fluff might be another’s Pulitzer Prize.?

So, here’s what it is besides being what it is.?

Unveil Their Fluff

• A client who prefers brevity might consider extensive detail fluff
• Someone seeking more statistics in the content would likely consider personal stories and anecdotes fluff?
• A client looking for engaging content would take surface-level, generalized information as fluff.?
• Clients who want original content would think of overly derivative ideas as fluff.?
• Those concerned about promotional content would see informational sentences as fluff.

So, consider creating and sharing a questionnaire with your client before working on a blog.

• Because your client is more likely to provide you with a typical definition of fluff - avoid asking them that. Instead, create a quick Google form, write the bullet points, customize them per your preferences, and ask them to fill it out. Keep it short, however.
• Request examples of the content they consider fluff (be safe than sorry)

Unlock Their Content Desires?

Knowing your client’s fluff is one way to unlock their content desires.?

You’ve removed the unwanted oils from the coffee, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful one.

But wait, is your client happy with a smoother, more flavorful coffee??

Or do they need an extra vanilla syrup pump, a whipped cream dollop, and flavored extracts to achieve sheer delight??

It’s time to unleash that.?

• Is it more research? A few clients prefer research after every few sentences. Here’s an example from my work. Lots of blues. Why? Because he likes it.

• How about images and infographics? Visual elements entice the online audience, and the client is intrigued by what interests their audience. Cause’

• There’s always this client who loves bullet points. Aim for the bullseye and give them what they want!?

Unleash Your Inner Sherlock?

The time to find relevant, up-to-date, and accurate content begins NOW.?

Type your blog title in the Google text box, hit enter, and read the first few blogs. Next, tap images, books, and videos below the search box.?

Nope, that’s mainstream in the world of AI tools.?

Remember, we’re aiming for something better. So, your search should extend beyond that.?

Befriend Quora

Consider asking questions concerning your blog title on Quora/Reddit if your deadline isn’t on the same day. Here’s an example.?

Make sure you pick from the list of a few suggested writers to get answers.?

Otherwise, your question will be like a fart - people might notice it but will likely ignore it.

How will additional search help??

Quora has a community of experts with experience in a specific topic. Right, you might think so have blog writers who write content online.

I’m one myself - so no offense.?

But blogs aren’t always updated. It might be a year or a few months old. Quora answers will be novel, relevant, and more targeted.?

As such, you’ll get fresh perspectives and unique insights to incorporate into your content.?

Put the Annoyance Aside and Talk to Him?

Ah, the love/hate relationship with GPT!?

On the one hand, we despise how clients are fawning over it like it’s the next Hemingway.?

On the other hand, we cannot resist its allure.??

The frenemy ChatGPT can provide information on unorthodox stuff that may not exist on Google - or anywhere else. Here’s an example from my experience.

Also, GPT provides quick access to information.?

Say your blog topic is “The Future of Cyberculture.” I googled it and stumbled upon 2 books and 3 research sites.

While we cannot undermine the value packed in these resources, giving them a read is challenging if you have a same-day deadline.?

Here’s how ChatGPT saves your day - and your client.?

You can dig deeper into the topic.

And deeper.

But keep two things in mind:?

• Be smart with its usage. ChatGPT facts aren’t always factual. That’s what the client said, and the client is always right. Ugh.?

So, make sure you fact-check information before hitting publish or send.?

• Be creative with your prompts. “Mention a few benefits of cyberculture” vs. “Mention a few remarkable benefits of cyberculture. Keep the content engaging and tone conversational” would likely produce different material. The likelihood of the latter generating better content is higher.?

Get Your Ducks In a Row by Creating an Outline Like a Pro?

Cyberculture is not my thing, so I’m switching to another example.?

Picture this. You’re supposed to write a 2000-word blog on “How to Answer Salary Expectation Question.”?

Top Google sources will likely give you the following tips.?

• Redirect the Conversation
• Provide a Salary Range?
• Turn the Question Around?
• Research the Salary Trends?

The articles ranking on SERPs have all similar headers with minor tweaks. I recently worked on this article and used the outline suggested by ChatGPT.?

It’s unconventional and allowed me to produce a piece unlike the ones already published but with added value.?

• Understanding Salary Expectations (H2)
• What Are Salary Expectations and Why Do Employers Ask for Them? (H3)
• Different Types of Salary Expectations (H3)
• Factors that Influence Salary Expectations (H2)
• Industry and Job Role (H3)
• Location (H3)
• Education and Experience (H3)
• Company Size and Culture (H3)
• Researching Salary Information (H2)
• Online Resources for Salary Information (H3)
• Networking and Talking to Professionals (H3)
• Using Recruiters and Staffing Agencies (H3)
• Strategies for Answering Salary Expectations (H2)
• Providing a Range (H3)
• Deferring the Question (H3)
• Focusing On the Overall Compensation Package (H3)
• Emphasizing Value (H3)
• Preparing for Salary Negotiation (H2)
• Setting Clear Goals and Expectations (H3)
• Anticipating Objections and Counterarguments (H3)
• Dealing with Rejection (H2)
• Understanding Why an Offer May be Lower than Expected (H3)
• Seeking Feedback and Learning From the Experience (H3)
• Deciding Whether to Negotiate or Move On (H3)

Sure enough, it’s extensive for 2000 words. But it let me write succinctly, enhancing the content quality.?

More headers and fewer words resulted in:

The AI tool can also help you with striking headers.?

Bid Farewell to Boring Outlines

While you cannot spruce up headers for articles like “Is CBD Legal In the US?” or “Applying Brain-Computer Interfaces to Real-World Problems,” there’s room for snappy headers:

• In digital marketing, blog writing, money making, pets, beverages, fashion, food, and finance niches?
• When working with a client who likes them?

You have to go with your gut for the most part.?

Of course, jazzing up your headers when addressing serious customer pain points would sound insensitive and absurd.?

This reminds me of when I wrote a sentence, “Buckle up as we take you on a ride…” while writing about a medical condition as a newbie. YIKES.

Remember, we aim to attract the audience, not turn them away. So, ensure your creative outline is topic appropriate.?

Say your header is “Understanding Salary Expectations.” Sounds bland. How about “Cash is King: Understanding the Intricacies of Salary Expectations”??

Here are a few ChatGPT suggestions.?

Again, be smart with your pick and be open to tweaking the title/header.?

ChatGPT suggestions are like the weather forecast - they’re helpful but not always reliable.?

Spice Up Your Introduction

We’ve run into this one countless times. But trust me, there’s no escaping it.

Writing an intriguing introduction cannot be stressed enough. It’s the section that:

• Creates the first impression on the visitor
• Sets the tone for your post?

Done right, you’ll hook your audience. Simply put, they’ll be compelled to read the blog till the end (unless you choose to write terrible content in the next few sections)

Craft an Irresistible Opening

Start strong by following the FARQ approach. This is something I invented just now.?

• Fact. Capture the audience’s attention by stating an intriguing fact. For instance, instead of blandly mentioning WHY you should save money when writing for a topic like “How to Save $5,000 in 3 months,” mention a fact

“Unfortunately, around 21% of Americans aren’t saving any money at all, according to a report published by CNBC.”

Make your readers go, “For real?”

• Anecdote. So long as your client is open to reflecting your personality in the text, go for it. Begin by mentioning a time when you planned to save money.?

“When I was in college, I planned to save money for going on a trip with my friends during spring break.”?

We all love stories - provided they aren’t awful - so will your readers.?

• Resonate. Curious humans connect the dots with people to comprehend themselves and others better. Content that resonates with the target audience will likely pique their interest. Here’s an example:?

“Emergencies, down payments, and unexpected market trends - there have been times we've wished we had more money in the bank.”

Compel them to think, “Same bro, same.” Most readers would relate to such an instance unless royalty landed your website page.?

• Question. Another hack to grab your audience’s attention is to begin your article with a question. You’ve done it before - and you must do it again.?

“When was the last time you put away cash in your piggy bank?”

This will encourage them to think critically rather than passively consume the content.?

Set the Tone?

Imagine.?

You woke up and found a renowned brand had updated its logo. Well, brands run campaigns and alter their strategies over time. Justifiable.?

The next day, it modified the logo again. This keeps going unless you begin doubting its reputation and professionalism.?

Make sure you aren’t giving your readers that.?

Consistency is what builds a brand, and setting the tone is important. Keep it consistent throughout the blog.?

Generally, you decide the tone of voice when writing the introduction.?

Starting offbeat and transitioning to mundane content will confuse the readers. Likewise, your write-up will lack coherence if you begin formally and switch to an informal tone.?

You don’t have to surprise the readers as they proceed reading.?

Not all surprises are pleasant.?

Imagine your to-be in-laws visiting your home unannounced, I mean.??

Kill Your Darlings!

A piece without a literary touch feels incomplete to me.?

“Kill Your Darlings,” although a literary phrase, can be applied to content writing.?

If I kill my darlings, this 2000+ piece would likely be 1000 words.?

But hey, I’m writing for YOU and guessing my audience wouldn’t mind me mentioning real-life examples or incorporating a dash of wit.?

Kill Your Darlings implies letting go of a beloved but unhealthy relationship.?

So, although you adore a few sentences you add to your content, read them from your audience’s lens and be willing to remove them if they lack value.

This goes beyond eliminating “very” and “really.”

In the content writing world, we call it editing.?

Here’s an example.

There’s no need for the sentence, “Companionship is more valuable than you can imagine,” because the value added in the third sentence depicts that.?

Let me pick my darling from this content piece and show how I could have killed it.?

“ChatGPT may churn out content within seconds; it lacks emotion (like your narcissist ex) and Humor (like my math teacher).?

The AI tool is “Artificially Insufficient” in elements that make writing come alive - Voice, Wit, and Precision.”

The second sentence is my darling.?

I could have blended both by mentioning what the tool lacks - emotion, humor, voice, wit, and precision.?

Transform the Terrible into Tolerable And Beyond?

“We’ve eventually moved down to basics” realization has hit me. This section is all things structure and tools - professional writers can stop reading.?

Quick Tips?

• Avoid exceeding 100 words for the introduction and conclusion of each article (Although this is no rule of thumb, a brief introduction and conclusion enhance the blog quality compared to long-winded ones)
• Enhance readability by:?

1. Keeping the sentences short?
2. Using active voice?
3. Adding bullet points?
4. Incorporating visuals

• Use answerthepublic to find relevant keywords (the website allows up to 3 free daily searches)
• Add backlinks from high-authority websites, and watch out for linking to a competitor site.?

Tools?

• Grammarly. Do your job and let Grammarly handle the rest for you. It points out for clarity, punctuation, tone, article usage, and whatnot. I recommend subscribing to the Premium version or going the route you typically choose for Netflix - one friend subscribes to the service, and 4 get to enjoy it. You know what I mean.?
• Hemingway. Befriend this app. It highlights common errors to polish your writing and make it more impactful.?
• YOAST gives you a quick reality check for your content’s readability. Keep the content assessment green to make your client feel he invested right.

Closing Notes?

Meet my friend, Yogi. He helped me compile the guide and will conclude it for you.