How to Start Using AI for Content in 3 Steps

The AI revolution isn't coming—it's already here. And if you're not using AI to create content yet, you're probably feeling a mix of curiosity and overwhelm. Where do you even start? What tools should you use? And most importantly, how do you use AI without losing your unique voice and authenticity?

Let me break it down for you in simple, actionable steps. No technical jargon, no complicated processes—just practical guidance to help you start leveraging AI for content creation today.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to choose the right AI tools for your specific content needs

• Discover the simple 3-step process to start creating AI-assisted content

• Understand how to maintain your authentic voice while using AI

• Get practical tips for editing and optimising AI-generated content

• Find out how to measure the success of your AI content strategy
  

How to Start Using AI for Content in 3 Steps

Key Takeaways:

Step 1: Choose Your AI Tools Wisely

Step 2: Master the Art of Prompting

Step 3: Edit, Optimise, and Make It Your Own

Conclusion

Bonus Section: Tool Recommendations & Troubleshooting Guide

Content Writing & Ideation

SEO & Research

Editing & Enhancement

Problem #1: Generic AI Output

Problem #2: Inconsistent Brand Voice

Problem #3: Factual Inaccuracies

Problem #4: Content Sounds Too "AI-ish"

Step 1: Choose Your AI Tools Wisely

Let's face it—the AI tool landscape is like a jungle right now. Every day there seems to be a new "game-changing" AI writer hitting the market. But here's the thing: you don't need to try them all. You just need to find the right ones for your specific needs.

Understanding Different Types of AI Content Tools

1. All-in-One Content Platforms

   • Think ChatGPT, Claude, or Jasper

   • Best for: versatile content creation, brainstorming, and editing

   • Perfect if you're just starting out and want maximum flexibility

2. Specialized Writing Tools

   • Tools like Copy.ai, Rytr, or Headlines.ai

   • Best for: specific content types (headlines, social media, ads)

   • Great when you need focused solutions for particular content formats

3. Research and Enhancement Tools

   • Examples include Grammarly, Hemingway, or Clearscope

   • Best for: polishing content and ensuring quality

   • Essential for maintaining professional standards

How to Pick the Right Tools

Before you pull out your credit card, ask yourself these questions:

✓ What type of content do I create most often? 

✓ What's my monthly content volume? 

✓ What's my budget for AI tools? 

✓ Do I need integration with other tools? 

✓ How much time can I invest in learning new tools?

Remember: Starting with one versatile tool is better than overwhelming yourself with multiple options. You can always expand your AI toolkit as you grow more comfortable with the technology.

Pro Tip

Start with a free tool like ChatGPT to get comfortable with AI content creation. Once you understand your workflow needs better, you can invest in paid tools that address your specific pain points.

Step 2: Master the Art of Prompting

Here's where the magic happens—and where most people get stuck. The difference between mediocre and outstanding AI content often comes down to how you "talk" to your AI tool. Think of it like delegating to a super-smart intern who takes everything literally.

The Anatomy of an Effective Prompt

Your prompt needs three key ingredients:

1. Clear Context

   • Who you're writing for

   • The content purpose

   • Your brand voice and style

2. Specific Instructions

   • Content format and length

   • Key points to cover

   • What to avoid

3. Examples or References

   • Samples of your existing content

   • Competitor content you like

   • Specific phrases or terminology to use

Prompt Template You Can Steal

Here's a tried-and-tested template to get you started:

Create [content type] about [topic] for [target audience].

Tone: [describe your preferred tone]

Length: [specify word count or format]

Must include:

[key point 1]

[key point 2]

[key point 3]

Avoid:

[what not to include]

Style reference: [link or example]

Common Prompting Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Being too vague ("Write me a good blog post")

❌ Forgetting to specify tone and style

❌ Not providing enough context

❌ Asking for too much in one prompt

❌ Not including specific examples

Pro Tip

Keep a "prompt swipe file"—a c collection of prompts that worked well for you. This will save you tons of time and help you refine your prompting skills over time.

Step 3: Edit, Optimise, and Make It Your Own

Here's the truth that many AI evangelists won't tell you: AI-generated content is just your first draft. The magic happens in the editing. This is where you transform AI output from good to great, and more importantly, make it authentically yours.

The Essential AI Content Editing Checklist

✓ Fact-Check Everything

• Verify statistics and data

• Cross-reference sources

• Update outdated information

• Check for AI hallucinations (made-up facts)

✓ Add Your Personal Touch

• Insert relevant personal anecdotes

• Include industry-specific insights

• Add recent examples and case studies

• Incorporate your unique perspectives

✓ Optimise for Readability

• Break up long paragraphs

• Add subheadings for scanning

• Include bullet points and lists

• Vary sentence structure

✓ SEO Enhancement

• Review keyword placement

• Optimise meta descriptions

• Add internal and external links

• Check content structure

Quality Control Process

1. First Pass: Content Check

   • Does it answer the main question?

   • Is the information accurate?

   • Does it flow logically?

2. Second Pass: Voice and Style

   • Does it sound like you/your brand?

   • Is the tone consistent?

   • Are examples relevant to your audience?

3. Final Pass: Technical Details

   • Grammar and spelling

   • Formatting consistency

   • Link functionality

   • Image alt text

Pro Tips for Maintaining Authenticity

1. Create a "voice guide" for AI tools with:

   • Phrases you commonly use

   • Industry terminology you prefer

   • Writing quirks that make your content unique

2. Build a content enhancement database:

   • Personal stories and examples

   • Industry case studies

   • Original data and research

Remember

AI is your collaborator, not your replacement. The goal is to use AI to handle the heavy lifting of initial content creation, freeing you up to focus on adding unique value through your expertise and perspective.

Conclusion

Starting with AI content creation doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these three steps—choosing the right tools, mastering prompts, and developing a solid editing process—you can create content that's both efficient and authentic.

Remember, the key is to start small, experiment often, and continuously refine your process. AI technology is evolving rapidly, but these fundamental principles will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Next Steps

• Choose one AI tool to start with

• Create your prompt template

• Develop your editing checklist

• Start with a small piece of content

• Track your results and adjust accordingly

Bonus Section: Tool Recommendations & Troubleshooting Guide

Top AI Tools by Content Type

Content Writing & Ideation

1. ChatGPT Plus ($20/month)

   • Best for: Versatile content creation, brainstorming

   • Standout features: GPT-4, web browsing, custom instructions

   • Pro tip: Use it for outline creation and research summaries

2. Claude ($20/month)

   • Best for: Long-form content, technical writing

   • Standout features: Longer context window, file analysis

   • Pro tip: Excellent for breaking down complex topics

3. Jasper ($39/month)

   • Best for: Marketing content, brand voice consistency

   • Standout features: Templates, brand voice settings

   • Pro tip: Great for teams with its collaboration features

SEO & Research

1. Clearscope (starts at $199/month)

   • Best for: SEO optimization, competitor analysis

   • Standout features: Content grading, keyword suggestions

   • Pro tip: Use it for final content optimization

2. Surfer SEO ($59/month)

   • Best for: SEO-driven content planning

   • Standout features: Real-time content scoring, SERP analysis

   • Pro tip: Great for creating content briefs

Editing & Enhancement

1. Grammarly Business ($15/member/month)

   • Best for: Grammar, style, and tone checking

   • Standout features: Brand tones, style guides

   • Pro tip: Use it as your final quality check

2. Hemingway Editor (Free/$19.99 one-time)

   • Best for: Readability improvement

   • Standout features: Sentence complexity analysis

   • Pro tip: Perfect for simplifying technical content

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem #1: Generic AI Output

Solution:

• Use more specific prompts

• Include examples in your prompts

• Add industry-specific terminology

• Layer multiple prompts for refinement

Problem #2: Inconsistent Brand Voice

Solution:

• Create a voice guide document

• Use custom instructions (in tools that offer them)

• Save successful prompts

• Always include tone specifications

Problem #3: Factual Inaccuracies

Solution:

• Use AI for structure, not facts

• Always verify statistics

• Cross-reference with trusted sources

• Keep a fact-checking checklist

Problem #4: Content Sounds Too "AI-ish"

Solution:

• Break up perfect paragraph structures

• Add personal anecdotes

• Include imperfect language occasionally

• Mix up sentence lengths

Measuring Success

Track these metrics to evaluate your AI content strategy:

1. Efficiency Metrics

   • Content creation time

   • Number of revisions needed

   • Time saved vs. traditional writing

2. Quality Metrics

   • Reader engagement (time on page)

   • Social shares

   • Comment quality and quantity

   • Bounce rates

3. SEO Performance

   • Search rankings

   • Organic traffic

   • Featured snippets achieved

   • Backlinks earned

4. ROI Metrics

   • Cost per article

   • Conversion rates

   • Lead quality

   • Revenue attributed to content

Final Words

Remember, AI content creation is a skill that improves with practice. Start with these recommendations, but don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your specific needs. The key is to view AI as a powerful collaboration tool rather than a complete replacement for human creativity and expertise.

Keep learning, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep your authentic voice at the centre of your content strategy.