6 Obvious Signs You’re Using AI to Create Your Content & Why It Matters for Your Business

With the rise of AI tools, it’s becoming easier to automate content creation (that isn't a bad thing...if you use it the right way!), but this often comes with noticeable signs that can damage your brand's credibility.

This article highlights six telltale signs (well, to me anyway, and it is to Google also...which matters, a lot) that AI is driving your content and explores why maintaining an authentic, human voice is crucial for both user engagement and search engine optimisation (SEO).

If you’re relying on AI for speed and convenience but not worrying about the finer details, read on to learn how it could be impacting your business's online visibility and growth.

There is a right way, and a very wrong way...

Let me show you the difference.

What not to do -

1. Repetitive phrasing: Starting posts with identical prompts like "In the ever evolving...." can make your content feel generic and robotic.
2. Lack of personal touch: Without unique anecdotes or experiences, AI content often feels impersonal, failing to build meaningful connections with readers. You just have to really look and you can see what is authentic.
3. Inconsistent voice and tone: AI can switch between formal and casual tones, which disrupts the flow and consistency of your brand's voice.
4. Overly formal language: Terms like "embark," "unleash," or "foster" often appear in AI content, making it sound stiff and unnatural.
5. Language variants: Switching between American and British English (e.g., "color" vs. "colour") is a red flag, especially if inconsistent with your usual style.
6. Stop using the same AI generated emojis as everyone else: Stacked emoji combinations in AI content can feel excessive and unnatural, detracting from your message. And Chat GPT in particular loves this one - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

What to try instead -

1. Repetitive phrasing: Diversify your introductions by using varied hooks. Ask thought-provoking questions, state surprising facts, or use an insightful quote. Instead of starting with "In the ever evolving...", try "What if the next big shift is already happening?" or "Did you know that 70% of consumers now expect personalised content?"
2. Lack of personal touch: Add real life experiences or unique anecdotes that reflect your personality or business journey. Sharing your own stories, challenges, or achievements will make your content feel more relatable and authentic, building a stronger connection with your readers.
3. Inconsistent voice and tone: Create a clear brand tone guide to maintain consistency in how you communicate. Whether you opt for a professional or more conversational style, ensure your content consistently reflects your chosen voice, which helps establish familiarity and trust with your audience. And of course, edit your content after! Don't just grab your output and trust t...check it! Does it sound like your voice or tonality?!
4. Overly formal language: Opt for simpler, conversational language. Replace inauthentic terms like "embark" or "unleash" with everyday words like "begin" or "explore" or whatever feels right for you or your brand. This makes your content feel more approachable and natural, enhancing engagement.
5. Language variants: Stick to one version of English, whether British or American, depending on your audience. This consistency adds to your credibility and avoids unnecessary confusion. And it just reads better!
6. Stop using the same AI generated emojis as everyone else: Select emojis that are relevant to your message. Instead of overusing combinations like 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, choose one or two that truly complement your content, ensuring they enhance rather than overwhelm your message or those that come with your AI output.

Why does it matter?

Google’s ranking system emphasises E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), meaning quality content that provides value to users will rank higher.

(*Sources HubSpot Blog Search Engine Land)

AI-generated content, while efficient, often lacks the depth and originality that human content provides. Google’s helpful content update also flags content created purely for search engine manipulation, meaning AI-written pieces that don’t truly serve users can be penalised (*Source Search Engine Land).

How original content benefits your business

Authentic, human-sounding written content stands out from the growing sea of AI generated posts.

By offering genuine insights and maintaining a consistent tone, your business builds trust with its audience.

This, in turn, increases engagement, reduces bounce rates, and helps improve SEO rankings. When your content offers value, it encourages users to spend more time on your site and share it, key factors in outperforming competitors who rely heavily on AI.

And yes, your social media content is ranked on Google.

The way around this

What I suggest is to use your own GPTs and create your own avatars. It's not as hard as you think....and no you don't need to be tech savvy at all!

I recently filmed a video on this topic on how you can do this!

What you can do is et up your own GPT - I use Chat GPT for for this, and you program it wit exactly what you need your output to be.

If you are keen to learn this in a little more detail, I am running an AI in social media workshop on this topic in November 2024 with a connection Kanji Low who will be offering his expertise on using AI for business development (how epic is that!) both face to face in Melbourne AND online, get in touch to if that interests you at melissa@lollysaidyes.com.au - or if you are reading this after this date the replay will be available, just get in touch at the same address at melissa@lollysaidyes.com.au and I can sort that for you!

To wrap it up

While AI tools can assist in streamlining content creation, incorrect use can make your content feel impersonal and inauthentic.

By blending AI’s efficiency with your unique perspective, you ensure your content resonates with both users and search engines. Ultimately, businesses that prioritise original, human led content will have a competitive advantage in building trust, engagement, and long term SEO success!

Check out my video below on the topic of writing your on GPT avatars! Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more social media tips!