Should you use AI to create content for your small business?

Tessa and I have gone back and forth on our feelings about the use of AI tools for traditionally creative marketing tasks like content creation. When AI copywriting first became popular for use on website pages and blogposts a few years back the results were, quite frankly, terrible. The content was always riddled with errors, not easy to read, and clearly felt robotic. Outside of the potential to boost SEO results by rapidly flooding sites with key words there was very little point. Essentially, this was a case of machines writing content for other machines. In our eyes this tactic only served to reduce a company’s credibility with its real human audience. Times have changed though.

As AI content creation has improved our perspectives have become more nuanced. With well crafted prompts (and careful editing) it can actually produce accurate and coherent articles that have real value for real people. All while saving valuable time for the author. I asked the built in AI in Squarespace (our favorite website design platform) to come up with a list of pros and cons for AI content creation, and the resulting points were not too far off from the ones that we would have created on our own. You can read the output below:

The Pros and Cons of Using AI for Content Creation

AI has emerged as a valuable tool for content creation, offering a blend of efficiency, scalability, and creativity. However, while it presents numerous advantages, it also has its drawbacks. Here’s an analysis of the pros and cons of using AI in this fast-evolving landscape.

Pros:

1. Efficiency and Speed

AI can generate content much faster than a human can. It can process large volumes of data and produce articles, emails, social media posts, and more in a fraction of the time. For businesses that need to scale their content quickly, this is a significant advantage.

2. Cost-Effective

Utilizing AI for content creation can reduce labor costs. Instead of hiring multiple writers or content creators, businesses can use AI tools to produce quality content, leading to overall savings, especially for small businesses.

3. SEO Optimization

Many AI tools are equipped with features that optimize content for search engines. They can analyze top-performing keywords, suggest improvements, and even help structure content for better visibility. This can be invaluable for small businesses looking to increase online presence.

4. Consistent Quality

AI maintains consistency in tone and style across various forms of content. This is particularly beneficial for brands aiming to uphold a uniform voice in their communications, ensuring that customers receive a cohesive experience no matter where they interact.

5. Data-Driven Insights

AI can analyze vast amounts of audience data to create personalized content that resonates with specific demographics. This capability allows businesses to tailor their messaging based on consumer behavior and preferences, resulting in more effective campaigns.

Cons:

1. Lack of Originality

AI-generated content can sometimes lack the creativity and emotional nuance that human writers bring to their work. Although AI can combine existing ideas, it is less likely to produce original concepts or voice that truly resonate with an audience.

2. Over-Dependence on Technology

Relying too heavily on AI for content creation could inhibit the development of a brand’s unique voice. Businesses might risk blending in with competitors who also use the same tools, losing out on individuality and authenticity.

3. Quality Control Issues

While AI can generate text quickly, it doesn’t always guarantee quality. Content may require significant editing and refinement to meet high standards, which can negate some of the time-saving benefits.

4. Ethical Concerns

The use of AI in content creation raises questions about originality and copyright. As AI pulls from existing data to generate new content, it can inadvertently replicate ideas or phrases that belong to others, leading to potential legal issues.

5. Potential Misinformation

AI may inadvertently produce misleading or inaccurate information if the underlying data is flawed. This can harm a brand’s reputation, especially if the content is shared widely without proper verification.

Conclusion

Incorporating AI into content creation can offer small businesses numerous advantages, from improved efficiency to enhanced SEO. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential downsides, including a lack of originality and quality control challenges. Finding the right balance—leveraging AI for certain tasks while still investing in human creativity—will be key for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

(End AI Content).

Utilizing AI content for your business

If you are interested in implementing AI content creation for your business but don’t know where to start we are here to help. With our guidance you can leverage the efficiency and SEO benefits of Artificial Intelligence, while preserving a human voice for your brand. Whether your business is located here in Central Oregon, or around the country, we will work with you to utilize AI in the right places and edit the results to avoid the potential pitfalls listed above.

About Garrett Growth Consulting

GGC is a family owned small business consulting and marketing agency located in Sisters, Oregon. We work with small businesses to set, and achieve, their unique growth objectives. Our specialities include founder coaching, strategy development, and marketing project management. We also offer a full suite of turnkey marketing services including website design, search engine optimization, content creation, and email marketing management.

If you are interested in working with our team please contact us to schedule an initial get to know you call!