• Member
• June 2, 2024

8 Simple Steps to Add Originality to AI Generated Content by Shanu Shah

I have encountered many writers through my talk show, Prose Parley, and as a member of various writers' and authors' groups. When I ask them why they write, their answer is always the same: "It's my passion." Writers, whether they craft fiction or non-fiction, write out of a deep-seated passion, using their magical words to weave tales that immerse readers in thrilling worlds. The choice of words is crucial in determining the tone and engagement of the content.

Then came AI. In recent years, there hasn't been any invention  after the smartphone—until now. This new development has stirred mixed reactions among writers, making them both angry and adaptive in equal measure.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we create content. From drafting articles to generating social media posts, AI tools are helping us produce content at an unprecedented scale.

However, one major criticism of AI-generated content is its lack of originality, the magic of words as I like to call. AI-generated text can often sound formulaic and mechanical, lacking the nuanced creativity and emotional depth that human writers naturally infuse into their work. This "machiney" quality can make the content feel generic and impersonal, diminishing its ability to truly engage and resonate with readers. The uniformity in style and expression can also result in content that fails to stand out in the crowded digital landscape. 

We all know originality and a distinct voice of the content are critical for capturing and maintaining audience interest. 

There is a way to use AI and still make the article Original.

This article will explore how you can break the mold and infuse originality into your AI-generated content, making it engaging and unique in 8 simple steps.

Understanding AI-Generated Content

AI-generated content is produced using algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data and generate text based on patterns and structures identified in this data. While this can lead to high-quality and coherent text, it often lacks the human touch that makes content truly original and engaging.

Why Originality Matters

Peter Thiel says, “Originality is rare, yet it is necessary for any company to be successful. It is better to risk boldness than triviality."  in his book Zero to One. And the same goes for the content. Original content leads to reader retention.

Originality in content is crucial for 3 more reasons:

1. SEO Benefits: Search engines prioritize unique content that offers new insights and value. When your content is original, it is more likely to be indexed favorably by search engines, improving your visibility and ranking. This leads to increased organic traffic, as search engines aim to deliver the most relevant and high-quality content to users. Unique content can also earn backlinks from other reputable sites, further boosting your SEO performance.

2. Audience Engagement: Readers are more likely to engage with content that feels fresh and original. Original content captures attention and sparks interest, encouraging readers to spend more time on your site, share your articles, and return for more. Engaging content can also foster discussions and interactions, whether through comments, social media shares, or other forms of engagement, building a loyal and active audience.

3. Brand Authenticity: Original content helps establish and maintain your brand’s voice and authenticity. It allows you to communicate your unique perspective and values, differentiating your brand from competitors. Authentic content resonates more deeply with your audience, building trust and loyalty. Consistently original content reinforces your brand identity, making your voice recognizable and reliable, which is crucial for long-term brand success and customer relationships.

Strategies to Add Originality to AI-Generated Content

1. Customize Your Prompts

The prompts you use to generate content significantly influence the output. To make the content more original, customize your prompts to be as specific as possible. Instead of a generic prompt like "Write an article about digital marketing," use something more specific like "Discuss the latest trends in digital marketing for small businesses in 2024." This helps in generating more targeted and unique content.

2. Add Personal Anecdotes and Insights

AI can provide the skeleton of the content, but adding personal anecdotes and insights can make it original and relatable. Share your experiences, opinions, and unique perspectives to give the content a personal touch that AI cannot replicate. A simple way to explain this is that I started this article with my own experience and thoughts. You may choose a relevant anecdote from your experience, case studies, an article that you have read or about the new challenges you face in that domain. 

You must remember that this anecdote must be short and not too lengthy as well as it must be relevant and share a problem that the user might be facing according to your research.

3. Incorporate Up-to-Date Information

AI-generated content often relies on data available up to a certain point. Supplement the generated text with the latest information, statistics, and news. This not only adds originality but also ensures your content is current and relevant. 

A simple Google search can provide you with the latest information, which should be utilized to keep your content current. Given that many people write on the same topics now with the advent of AI, it's essential to check prominent blogs. For example if you are writing on digital marketing or content strategy related topics it is likely that you should consider  Neil Patel, Copyblogger, and HubSpot for insights for latest insights and accurate information.

4. Use Diverse Sources

AI-generated content may not always use a diverse range of sources. Conduct your own research and incorporate information from various reputable sources. This adds depth and originality to your content.

I would like to continue our example on writing digital marketing articles, and repeat that information from prominent blogs like that of Neil Patel and Hubspot must be read and studied deeply to form the content. If you regularly read these articles you are likely to create better blogs in less time.

5. Edit for Tone and Voice

AI can mimic various writing styles, but it cannot perfectly capture your unique tone and voice. Edit the generated content to align it with your brand’s voice. Whether your tone is professional, casual, or humorous, ensuring consistency will make your content stand out.

Imagine your brand’s voice is casual and conversational. An AI-generated sentence might read:

"Implementing an effective content marketing strategy requires a comprehensive understanding of your target audience and a well-structured plan."

You can edit this to better reflect your brand’s casual tone:

"To nail your content marketing strategy, you need to really get your audience and have a solid plan in place."

This revised version sounds more conversational and aligns with a casual, approachable brand voice. Similarly, if your brand's tone is humorous, you could further adapt it:

"To crush your content marketing game, know your audience like the back of your hand and have a killer plan ready to roll!"

In each case, the content is tailored to fit the specific voice of the brand, making it more engaging and consistent with the brand identity.

6. Add Visual Elements

Enhance your content with original visuals such as images, infographics, and videos. Visual elements not only break the monotony of text but also provide additional layers of originality and engagement.

7. Integrate Quotes and Interviews

Incorporate quotes from industry experts or conduct interviews. This adds a human element and authoritative perspective to your content, making it more original and credible.

I love including quotes. In this article I included that from Peter Theil’s Zero to One. This step helps in engagement and establishing ourselves as expert in our domain.

8. Infuse Storytelling

People love stories. Infuse your content with storytelling elements to make it more engaging. Whether it’s a customer success story, a personal journey, or a hypothetical scenario, storytelling can significantly enhance the originality of your content.

I have come across long articles of thousands of words with stories that are totally irrelevant or stretching beyond the point. Storytelling is important, but make sure that the story is only a way through which you share your expertise and it is not a novel that you are writing. Strike balance.

Conclusion

While AI-generated content is a powerful tool, it’s the human touch that makes content truly original and engaging. Originality is not just about being different; it’s about being authentic and providing value in a way that resonates with your audience. 

Remember what Mary Smith, the queen of Facebook, once said, "Content is king, but engagement is queen, and the lady rules the house."

Apparently, we must focus on engagement.

Happy Writing!

Shanu Shah