AI’s flooded the internet, and Google’s working hard to play catchup. You may be wondering how this affects your brand.
The reality is that we’re not entirely sure how things will play out. But one thing is for sure — posting AI content under your brand name can be harmful.
That’s why understanding how to identify AI-generated articles is crucial, and we’re here to guide you through the key signs to look for.
Signs Your Content Was Written by AI
AI can be a helpful tool. It can help speed up your marketing processes, structure content, and help brainstorm examples.
But it’s far from perfect.
AI content can come across as bland and robotic, but it’s hard to detect with accurancy using AI detectors. They’re just not reliable.
Here’s what to look for when learning how to detect AI content on your own.
Formulaic structure and predictable patterns
AI writing relies on algorithms, which often results in repetitive sentence lengths and structures.
This lack of variation makes AI-generated content feel monotonous.
Many sentences and blogs end up reading like each other.
Lack of originality and unique insights
Content produced by AI is based on existing information.
This makes it inherently unoriginal compared to human-created content.
Since AI cannot generate new ideas, it simply repurposes information that is readily available elsewhere.
Overused and repetitive words, phrases, and clichés
When you’ve spent enough time looking through AI content like we have, you start to notice patterns.
There are a number of phrases used in AI-generated content that humans simply don’t use often.
Some examples include:
- “In the realm of…”
- “In the world of…”
- “Lanscape”
- “Delve into”
- “Embark”
- “Tapestry”
- “Bustling”
- “Metropolis”
- “Remember…”
- “Navigating”
- “A testament to…”
- “Symphony”
Have you noticed these with AI outputs? There are a bunch more in this Reddit thread, too.
There are often colorful examples or metaphors in the writing that don’t feel natural, or seem over-the-top.
Titles or subheadings seem to always have colons and are divided into two parts.
For instance:
- Audience Targeting: Attracting the Right Visitors
- Trust: Building Credibility Through Relevance
- Website Ranking: Climbing the Search Engine Ladder
These are surefire signs that help you spot AI content.
Bad linguistic flow
Another issue with both the opening section and AI-generated text is its uneven flow.
The sentence structures often use too many introductory phrases, commas, and main clauses.
This disrupts the flow and can be annoying to read.
The overuse of certain words and phrases further contributes to disjointed structure.
Lack of emotional depth or personality
Content filled with emotion and personality can only be created by humans, as AI lacks emotional intelligence (or any emotions at all).
This leaves AI writing feeling lifeless and impersonal.
Recognizing these traits in AI-generated content can make it easier to spot. With practice, you’ll become more skilled at identifying them.
How Using AI-Generated Content is Harmful
Now more and more content on the internet is starting to look the same.
This is an issue, as Google needs a way to detect and reward original content.
AI-generated content can rank on Google, but with time it may get demoted or removed from the SERPs entirely.
Here’s why.
Loss of trust and credibility with your audience
AI content may present information as accurate even when it’s not.
This can lose the trust and credibility of an audience.
Readers prefer interesting and factual content.
If a blog or brand consistently features AI-generated content with the same tone or false information, readers will lose trust — and so will Google.
Higher bounce rates and lower SERP rankings
AI content doesn’t meet Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines.
It isn’t original or authoratative.
Google doen’t reward cookie-cutter content, and visitors don’t value it either.
Though you still may get clicks, AI content typically has higher bounce rates. In the longer term, this means lower rankings.
Missed opportunities
AI lacks the human touch and emotional connection.
Audiences prefer content created by someone who genuinely understands them and speaks their language.
Your content should speak to their fears, problems and aspirations. It should connect with your target audience on a deeper level, compelling them to take action.
How to Create Content That AI Can’t
The only real way to make content that truly resonates with humans is by using a human writer.
A good writer can create an emotional connection, tell stories, add a unique perspective to their writing.
Here are some factors to consider when creating human content:
- Originality: Humans possess creativity that AI lacks. We can present information in original ways and go beyond mere facts. Bring a unique perspective to your writing to differentiate it from the recycled content that AI spits out.
- Emotional intelligence: AI can mimic emotions, but it can’t genuinely experience or convey them through its writing. Use your emotional intelligence to share real emotions and perspectives about your experiences.
- Expertise and knowledge: AI can provide information, but it’s not a true expert and often makes mistakes. Go beyond just presenting facts by adding your unique expertise and personal insights. Conduct proper research to ensure accuracy.
- Compelling stories: AI can tell stories, but it lacks the emotional flair that humans bring to storytelling. A writer’s role is to connect with their audience by crafting content that incorporates stories and builds meaningful connections with readers.
A Final Word
Now you’re better equipped to detect AI content and prevent it from negatively impacting your brand.
Knowing what to look for in AI content helps you create writing that conveys your expertise and is creative, emotionally resonant, and engaging.
While other brands focus on using AI for quantity, you can prioritize quality.
AI can add value to your processes, but the most impactful content comes from writing it yourself or working with a skilled writer.
