AI is everywhere these days, isn’t it? Whether you’re writing captions, drafting blog posts, or brainstorming content ideas, it’s hard to avoid the pull of tools like ChatGPT or Jasper. They’re fast, efficient, and honestly kind of brilliant. But here’s the thing: AI might save you time, but if you’re not careful, it can suck the personality out of your content.

The result? Bland posts that look like they were pulled from a template factory. And if your audience can’t tell the difference between your brand and 10 others using the same tools, what’s the point?

This is the reality of AI in marketing today, and I get it, it’s tricky to balance the ease of AI with the need to sound like, well, you. Let’s talk about how you can make AI work for you without losing that human touch.

Why People Are Tired of “AI Content”

We’ve all seen it, right? Posts and blogs that feel robotic, overly polished, or just… off. There’s no personality, no connection, and honestly, no fun. It’s like talking to someone who only repeats what they’ve read in a textbook.

Here’s the thing: the tech isn’t the problem. It’s the way people use it. AI doesn’t know your brand’s quirks or your audience’s inside jokes. It can’t capture how you talk about life, work, or the industry you love. That’s on you!!

AI is a tool. Nothing more, nothing less. If you rely on it to do all the heavy lifting, don’t be surprised when your content falls flat.

So… How Do You Keep Things Real While Using AI?

I’ve put together a few things that have worked for me. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a little effort. The good news? These tips can help you keep your voice intact while reaping AI's benefits.

1. Know How You Talk Before Using AI

You know that friend who always says “literally” in every sentence? That’s their thing. Your brand has “things” too…words, phrases, or even attitudes that make you, you. Write them down. If your tone is casual and conversational, don’t let AI turn it into a corporate memo. On the flip side, if your style leans more polished, make sure your content doesn’t end up too casual.

Before you open an AI tool, take five minutes to jot down how you want to sound. Imagine you’re explaining your next big project to a friend. What words would you use? That’s your tone. Lock it in before the tech takes over.

2. Be Super Specific With Your Prompts

AI can’t read your mind. If you ask it to “write a blog post,” you’ll get something generic enough to make you cringe. The key is giving clear, detailed instructions. Think about it like this: you’re directing a scene, and the AI is your actor. It won’t nail the role unless you tell it exactly what you want.

For example:

• Instead of saying, “Write a post about social media marketing,” try this: “Write a 500-word blog post about how small businesses can grow their audience on Instagram. Use an informal tone, include examples, and mention at least two mistakes to avoid.”

The more context you provide, the better the results!

3. Use AI as a Starting Point, Not the Final Draft

This is a big one. What AI spits out is not the end product. Ever. It’s the first draft, the bones of what you’re building. Once you’ve got that, it’s your job to bring the personality.

I always tweak, reword, and add my own flavor to AI-generated drafts. If something sounds too stiff, I rewrite it. If it feels generic, I throw in a personal story or a quirky observation. Think of AI as your assistant, not your replacement.

4. Add Stories and Humor

AI can write facts, but it struggles with stories. People, on the other hand, love them. So, take the data or ideas the AI gives you and weave in your own experiences. Share that time you learned a tough lesson or had a funny mishap. Stories build connections in a way that raw information never can.

And don’t be afraid to be funny. Even if you’re not a natural comedian, a little self-deprecating humor or an unexpected twist can go a long way. Just keep it real: your audience can spot forced humor from a mile away.

5. Consistency is Key, but Context Matters

Your tone might shift slightly depending on where you’re posting. On LinkedIn, I keep it conversational but professional. On Instagram, I loosen up a bit. The key is making sure your audience recognizes you no matter the platform. Consistency builds familiarity, but context helps you adapt without losing your voice.

6. Test, Test, and Test Again

Every piece of content is an experiment. Sometimes a casual tone works; other times, you need to be a bit more formal. Keep an eye on what resonates with your audience. Pay attention to what gets clicks, comments, and shares. AI can help you create variations to test, but you’ll need to analyze the results and refine your approach.

7. Keep Evolving

Your voice, your style, it’s not set in stone. As you grow, so will your brand. AI can help you experiment with new formats or approaches, but don’t let it dictate the evolution. Stay curious, stay human, and keep playing with ideas that feel right to you.

The Bottom Line: AI Can Help, but the Soul Is on You

AI is an incredible tool, but it’s not the star of the show, you are. When you use it thoughtfully, it can save time and give you a creative boost. But the magic comes from adding your voice, your quirks, and your perspective. That’s what people connect with.

So, next time you fire up an AI tool, don’t just hit “generate” and call it a day. Use it as a starting point, then make it yours. Because at the end of the day, the content your audience remembers is the content that feels human. And that’s all you.