How I'm Using AI as My Personal Writing Assistant (Without Losing My Voice)
Like many other copywriters, I've been thinking a lot about how generative AI tools will affect my copywriting business.
While I don't use these tools to replace my writing, I've discovered ways to use them to become a better writer and more productive for my clients.
Writers have always embraced new tools. The quill gave way to the typewriter, which evolved into the word processor.
Quills wore down.
Typewriters jammed.
Word processors crashed.
Each transition sparked similar conversations about craft and value. Now we have AI—simply the latest instrument in our creative toolkit.
After experimenting with ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other AI tools, I've found specific ways to incorporate them into my workflow that actually enhance, rather than diminish, the quality and uniqueness of my work.
Here's how I've turned AI into my personal writing assistant:
1. Information & Research
Remember the olden days of going to the library, checking a stack of reference books, old newspapers, and encyclopedias to do research? Or checking page after page on Google or other search engines, spending hours sifting through search results, and organizing information?
Now, with AI tools. I can pinpoint my search to find exactly what I'm looking for.
I use Perplexity for research because it provides citation links, making it super easy to verify the source of information. This helps me:
Quickly establish industry context and technical foundations
Identify cutting-edge developments relevant to product positioning
Access a broader range of perspectives to inform content strategy
2. Ideation & Brainstorming
One of the few things I miss about working in an office environment with other creative people is being able to get feedback and bounce ideas off each other.
AI tools are my virtual sounding board, allowing me to:
Test concept viability before full development
Expand initial ideas into comprehensive content strategies
Identify potential knowledge gaps in planned content
I've used ChatGPT and Claude to test the validity of content ideas, generate potential blog posts and article concepts, and with the right prompt, I can even create 12-month content calendars.
When developing a marketing plan for my copywriting business, ChatGPT identified flaws and missed opportunities in a service offering I had created and provided me with ideas for improvement.
3. Grammar, Editing & Proofreading
As a solopreneur in my copywriting business, I've learned from experience that I need a rigorous editing and proofreading process to avoid typos and mistakes. In addition to using Google Translate to read the content back to me, my process includes using Grammarly.
I've been using Grammarly for years for proofreading beyond basic grammar, typos, and spelling. It also checks for style and tone consistency, helping maintain a consistent voice across different content pieces, especially useful for brands looking to unify their messaging.
These tools help identify unintentional patterns or overused words that may weaken the impact of content. They catch things my eyes might miss after staring at a document for hours.
4. Feedback and Analysis
I'm also using Claude and Grammarly as editors to analyze and give me unbiased feedback on my content writing. I fed in a few of my old blog posts written when the only AI I'd heard of was the computer on Star Trek.
The results were interesting and gave me better insights into my personal writing style, voice, and tone.
Rather than pushing a boulder up an AI hill, I took George Bernard Shaw's advice: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
Finding the Right Balance
So what's the solution? I've found that it's not about choosing between human expertise and AI algorithmic capabilities, but rather thoughtfully blending both. These tools work best when they enhance human capability without attempting to replace human judgment and creativity.
My approach particularly suits companies that:
Value quality over quantity in their marketing (because you understand what truly moves the needle)
See content as a strategic business asset, not just another marketing checkbox
Want to build authentic connections with your audience that last
Recognize the genuine competitive advantage that comes from distinctive communication
Here's how this hybrid approach benefits clients:
Content that sounds like your brand. I take the time to understand your unique voice, then ensure every piece of content authentically represents who you are, not what an algorithm thinks you should be.
Strategic thinking that drives results. Algorithms can write words, but can't develop comprehensive content strategies aligned with business goals. My background in copywriting and content strategy ensures your content works hard for your business.
Factual accuracy. I fact-check everything I write to protect your reputation (and mine) and build trust with your audience.
The competitive edge of genuine connection. While your competitors might try to get away with filling their websites with AI-generated content, yours will stand out with authentic storytelling that resonates on a human level.
The Barbenheimer Test Case
During the height of the Barbie-Oppenheimer movie phenomenon, I conducted a little experiment. I asked ChatGPT to write descriptions of both movies for my Just Clarabela newsletter, where I share my love of movies and binge-watching..
What happened next was quite interesting. The AI confidently miscast Emma Stone as Barbie instead of Margot Robbie. It placed Michael Fassbender in the starring role as Oppenheimer rather than Cillian Murphy. It was written with complete confidence, but it absolutely made up the information.
Why? Because most of the data used by AI tools isn't in real-time. This is just one example that illustrates why businesses can't rely solely on AI for their content needs.
The Future of Copywriting vs. AI
This is the future of copywriting. Not human versus machine, but human enhanced by machine.
I offer a specialized service called AI Content Polish for businesses seeking to enhance their AI-generated content while preserving their unique voice. Whether you need completely original content or want help refining AI-generated drafts, my approach ensures you get the best of both worlds.
Your incredible product deserves content matching its value. Every technical feature solves human problems. Every solution addresses real needs. Your communication should reflect this human-centered reality.
Ready to Explore How AI Can Enhance Your Content?
Would you like to discover how this human-AI partnership could transform your website content ? Let's chat about your specific needs and goals. The conversation might just change how you think about content creation in the AI age.
Schedule a discovery call to discuss how we can use the best of both worlds to elevate your content strategy.
