Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable tool for many bloggers and writers in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content creation. The ability to generate articles, stories, and content pieces with AI has revolutionised productivity and creativity.
However, as with any burgeoning technology, there are essential considerations to bear in mind. In light of the March 2024 Google update, which took a firm stance on AI-generated content by deindexing some of it, understanding the nuances of using AI for your next blog article is more crucial than ever.
Here are five things outlined by copywriting expert Ed Prichard that you should know before harnessing the power of AI for your content creation endeavours.
1. The Quality of AI-Generated Content
AI has made significant strides in generating coherent, informative, and stylistically varied content. Yet, it’s vital to recognise that AI-generated content can sometimes lack the depth, nuance, and personal touch that comes from human experience and expertise. Before publishing AI-produced articles, it’s advisable to review them carefully, ensuring they meet your quality standards and resonate with your audience’s expectations. Incorporating your insights and experiences can greatly enhance the value and authenticity of the content.
2. The Importance of Originality
One of the cornerstones of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is originality. The March 2024 Google update underscored this by penalising websites that heavily relied on AI-generated content, perceived as lacking original insight or added value. This doesn’t mean AI can’t be part of your content strategy, but it emphasises the need for originality in using AI. Blending AI-generated drafts with unique perspectives, analysis, or commentary can mitigate the risk of being deindexed and enhance your content’s appeal to readers and search engines.
3. Navigating the Ethical Landscape
Using AI in content creation brings forth ethical considerations, particularly regarding transparency and authenticity. Disclosing the use of AI where appropriate maintains trust with your audience and respects intellectual property rights. As AI evolves, staying informed about ethical guidelines and best practices in AI-generated content is crucial for maintaining integrity and credibility.
4. SEO Implications
The March 2024 Google update was a wake-up call for many content creators relying on AI for SEO. Google’s algorithms are increasingly sophisticated in identifying content that provides genuine value from that which doesn’t. Therefore, optimising AI-generated content for SEO now requires a more nuanced approach, including ensuring content is user-focused, provides unique insights, and is part of a broader, quality-driven content strategy.
5. The Role of Human Oversight
Perhaps the most critical aspect of using AI for blog articles is not to underestimate the importance of human oversight. AI can draft, suggest, and even optimise content, but the human touch in editing, personalising, and aligning it with your voice and goals is irreplaceable. This involves fact-checking, adding personal anecdotes or insights, and ensuring the content aligns with your brand’s values and audience’s interests.
As we navigate the complexities of AI in content creation, resources like Ed Prichard can provide valuable insights into digital marketing and SEO for businesses of all sizes. Understanding the landscape, staying informed about updates like Google’s, and leveraging AI responsibly can ensure your content ranks well and resonates deeply with your audience.
