With the rise and prominence of AI-generated copywriting, audiences are becoming increasingly more adept at recognising the subtle signs of artificially created content. Similar to the ‘tells’ in photoshopped images, AI-produced copy has its own set of signs indicating that a machine has likely produced it. As a result, this may discourage engagement or trust as it lacks the authenticity that audiences value in today’s digital landscape.
For writers using AI to assist with content creation, it is crucial to blend AI’s efficiency with a thoughtful human touch, ensuring your content feels authentic and resonates with readers.
To maintain credibility and foster genuine connections, it is crucial to watch out for these giveaways in AI-generated content.
Over-usage of Emojis to set the tone
AI tools can inundate social media posts with emojis in an attempt to create a fun or relatable tone. For brands that historically don’t use many emojis, this shift can feel jarring and out of character.
It is important to maintain consistency with the brand’s established tone of voice. If lots of emojis are not part of the company’s usual style, use them intentionally in a way that aligns with its other communications.
The Long Dash—With No Spaces
A favourite of AI-generated text is the long dash that often appears without proper spacing, making the content feel slightly off. While it is a minor issue, it’s a detail that can disrupt the flow of the text. When using AI, this issue can be avoided by rewriting sentences with an alternative structure or different punctuation to improve readability.
Formulaic Opening Paragraphs
AI tools frequently default to predictable openings. For example, starting with sentences like “In the ever-evolving world of…” or “In the constantly changing landscape of…” may sound professional, but it lacks originality and immediately signals that it is automated writing. To combat this, experienced writers, such as Brisbane copywriters craft unique openings that hook the reader with fresh perspectives, surprising facts, or engaging questions.
Generic Sentence Structures
AI often employs the “It’s not just XYZ – it’s ABC too” example formula, which can make content feel repetitive and uninspired. Vary sentence structure and focus on originality to ensure your content feels dynamic and engaging. A great way to avoid this giveaway is to look for overused structures or predictable phrases and take the time to rewrite those sections with a fresh perspective.
Predictable Social Media Post Structures
AI-generated social media posts often stick to a predictable formula: a one-sentence opening statement to grab attention, followed by 1-2 short paragraphs that deliver the main message, and ending with a single-line call-to-action. While this structure can be effective for conveying quick, digestible information, it quickly becomes monotonous when overused.
Audiences are perceptive and repetitive post formats can make content feel generic and uninspired. Switch it up by experimenting with post structures and styles, using different formats like questions, lists, or conversational storytelling.
Tone That Lacks Personality
One of the most common pitfalls of AI-generated copy is that it often lacks personality. Without clear guidance, the output can feel flat and mechanical. This issue is especially noticeable for social media copy, where a brand’s tone and voice play a critical role in connecting with followers.
To reinvigorate its flat writing, define the tone of the copy before asking the AI to generate content. For instance, a digital marketing agency in Brisbane can include previous examples for it to use in its input, which will improve its ability to accurately recreate the brand’s unique voice.
Using “Whether” and Overloading Examples
AI has a tendency to rely on “whether” as a common transition into three, superficial examples, which can make the writing feel clunky and uninteresting. By selecting a specific example to explore in depth, you can break out of following this formula to make your writing flow more naturally.
Human-Generated Copywriting vs AI-Generated Copywriting
To ensure your work feels credible and authentic, brands need to use AI strategically, treating it as a tool rather than a creator. The key to using it effectively is blending its efficiency with human creativity, expertise, and nuance.
AI is excellent for handling repetitive tasks, organising ideas, or even sparking inspiration, but it is essential to give it a human touch to ensure it is readable and personable. By being mindful of these common tells, you can refine your approach to leverage the efficiency of AI and maintain a genuine connection with your audience.
