AI Content and Human-Generated Copy: A Winning Combination for Social Media Marketing

The rise of AI content has some people fearing for their jobs. Programs like ChatGPT can produce reams of written prose in the blink of an eye. That’s why using AI for social media marketing can give you the boost you’ve been looking for. But, there are still limitations.

In reality, AI content tools can enhance the work of content creators, writers and artists. Using AI to write more compelling social content may increase engagement, generate more traffic and bolster sales, too.  

READ: AI in Mobile App Development — Top 8 Tools and Strategies

AI strengths

AI has some serious strengths. It can search the web, write pages of content and analyze data quickly. AI can also identify trends in social media. Using AI for social media marketing also helps marketers make better-informed decisions. 

1. Research

AI programs can automate tasks like lead generation and project management. This speeds up research and mitigates errors. Automation also helps marketers save time. Marketers who use AI don’t trawl through Google for useful results. Instead, they can use generative AI models to find answers to their queries. This is helpful for writers who are working with unfamiliar subjects. 

2. Idea generation

AI can also be useful during the idea-generation process. Writers can use AI programs to reboot their imaginations when facing writer’s block. This gets the creative process back on track and produces innovative ideas. 

AI limitations

Artificial intelligence tools are growing in power. Updates have increased accuracy, too. But, AI is unlikely to ever replace real-life writers.

READ: Chat GPT isn’t Always the Answer — 4 Reasons for Human-Generated Copy is Still a Marketing Essential

1. Penalties  

Social media marketers who rely on AI tools may be penalized. Google Search Central says content creators can use AI tools to generate some content. But, AI-generated content cannot be “used to manipulate search rankings.” This is spam and undermines rankings online. 

Generative AI art can produce some strange results. Viewers may notice anomalies like human models with six fingers or too many teeth. This has damaged the reputation of brands that include AI art in their content. 

The legal landscape of generative AI is murky. AI-generated content plagiarizes content produced by real writers. It also fails to attribute its work to any sources. This draws the ire of some content creators and readers. 

2. Creativity 

AI is incapable of completing research or revisions. Natural language programs (NLP) generate “false” sources that do not correspond to real research. These hallucinatory sources sound real but are fake. This can land writers in hot water. Instead, writers should follow up with a reference search of their own. 

Combining writers and AI

AI-generated content is a boon for busy pros. But, folks who want to use AI should see the software as an assistive tool. It cannot replace real writers and may produce sub-par results. 

1. Outlines and captions

Real writers can use AI to boost their productivity by asking NLPs for outlines. This is helpful, as idea generation can be mentally draining. AI can make the process easier by providing potential content ideas. 

AI can also help social media pros compile data. The best social posts are informed by data. Programs like GPT4 analyze large data sets and leverage underutilized information. This can help writers identify trends and adjust their work. 

2. Professional prompts

Real writers who make use of AI need further training. Programs like Google Bard are simple to use but difficult to master. Training can streamline the process. 

Using AI to write is simple. Real writers can start using AI by including: 

• A clear prompt: A clear prompt puts AI on the right path. This will improve useability, too. Stick to simple sentences and clear questions. 
• The target audience: AI programs need context. Tell GPT about the context of the article before pressing send. 
• A call to action: A CTA refines the search. Including a clear CTA can help GPT understand your purpose, too. 

More context is always better. Before pressing send, tell the NLP where the text will appear. This increases response relevancy. 

Writers must understand the business before turning to AI for help. This is particularly helpful for technical writers on social media. AI helps technical writers take a more relaxed tone online. But, it cannot create industry and business-specific posts. Writers still need to lean on their creativity to produce engaging posts. 

The bottom line 

AI programs help writers create more engaging social content. This is important, as social media outreach is essential for all growing businesses. However, writers who use AI should guard against overreliance. An overreliance on AI can produce “spam-like” content. This damages SEO rankings and may undermine brand reputation.

Indiana Lee is a writer, reader, and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. An expert on business operations, leadership, marketing, and lifestyle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.