Crafting Authentic Content in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is invading every sphere, including content creation #obvs.
It’s easy to question if we're losing touch with the human element that makes stories compelling and as we navigate this new landscape, the challenge lies in keeping our audience engaged and ensuring our content doesn't get lost in the AI shuffle.
So, how do we maintain authenticity and ensure our content resonates with our audience? AI would say something like "Let's explore some strategies:" I would say - "let's dive in!"
Before we do, I wrote a piece recently on The Power of Human Touch in AI which you can read here. This piece focuses in on creating genuine content to get you read.
The Power of Personal Stories
Storytelling remains a powerful tool for connection and I LOVE doing it.
Sharing personal experiences or anecdotes adds a level of authenticity that AI can't replicate - do they remember you working at 4am helping to get an exhibitor ready for open day?
So how do you do it? if you're posting about a recent event, don't just share the facts and figures, however interesting they may be. Instead, talk about your experience—how you felt, the people you met, the conversations you had or how they didn't have carpet this year...
This will provide a unique perspective that can't be duplicated by AI. It can be enhanced by AI, but not created.
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
Case studies are potent tools for demonstrating authenticity, it's one of our biggest sellers at Waves Connects Content.
They provide tangible proof of your claims and showcase real-life examples of your work. When crafting case studies, focus on the journey, not just the outcome. Detail the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved. This narrative approach will engage your readers and build credibility for your brand.
For example, if you're an event tech supplier, share a case study of a past installation.
Detail the planning process, the hurdles overcome, the strategies used to engage attendees, and the post-event feedback.
This will give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your work and show them what they can expect when they engage with you.
Engaging with Your Audience
Engagement is key to authenticity.
Make sure to get back to comments, seek opinions, and kick off conversations. This kind of give-and-take interaction assures your audience that there's an actual human being crafting the content, nurturing a sense of trust and rapport.
Don't be afraid of improving your language with the support of AI, but don't replace genuine connections.
Whilst putting this piece together, I was looking at interesting quotes or comments about "ai vs human" type content and I discovered this from Dharmesh Shah, CTO and Co-Founder of Hubspot
"Many companies have forgotten they sell to actual people. Humans care about the entire experience, not just the marketing or sales or service. To really win in this modern age, you must solve for humans."
Show, Don't Tell
Instead of simply telling your audience about your brand's values and mission, show them through your actions.
Share content that showcases your involvement in community initiatives or social causes. This will not only demonstrate your commitment to your values but also differentiate your content from AI-generated posts that lack this human touch.
For example, if your brand is committed to helping support local community initiatives, share photos or videos of your team volunteering at a local beach clean-up or participating in a tree-planting event.
This visual proof will resonate with your audience and build trust in your brand.
Embrace Vulnerability in Your Content
Vulnerability is a powerful tool in crafting authentic content.
By sharing our imperfections and struggles, we connect with our audience on a deeper level and show them that we're human too. This helps break down the barrier between creator and consumer, allowing for a more genuine connection. You don't maybe want to show that your software has had a mega downtime this month (yep, all techies call it mega), but you could talk about the lessons learned and how it's helped your team or product improve.
This level of vulnerability and transparency can't be replicated by AI, making it an important element in crafting authentic content.
In Conclusion...
While AI is a powerful tool for content creation, it's the human element that truly resonates with audiences.
By sharing personal stories, using case studies, engaging with your audience, and demonstrating your values, you can ensure your content remains genuine, engaging, and authentically human. After all, it's the human connection that truly makes content unforgettable.
Keep creating, my friends! Happy crafting!