Like it or not, AI has integrated itself into nearly every industry, and marketing is no exception. In this competitive space, I’ve often heard the saying, “Learn how to use AI, or prepare to be replaced by someone who already does.” The question isn’t whether AI can help, but how we can leverage it to work faster and better. AI has its quirks, sure, but what really sets your content apart is how you use it—whether you’re creating good copy or great copy, working five hours or fifty minutes, producing ordinary content, or truly engaging messaging.
As a copywriter at Good Agency, I’ve discovered that simplifying my toolkit to a few powerful resources has made my workflow more efficient. Whether you’re new to AI or a seasoned pro, mastering these three essential tools will boost your digital marketing efforts. Remember, simpler is better.
1. Fact-Checker/Proofreader
Grammarly is a powerful tool that ensures your copy is clean, error-free, and easy to read. Its advanced features cover grammar, readability, plagiarism checking, and stylistic suggestions. Alternatives like Hemingway Editor and ProWritingAid also offer strong editing support, but Grammarly remains our top pick.
Pros:
- Error-Free Copy: Guarantees your writing is grammatically sound.
- Improved Readability: Offers suggestions for clearer and more engaging content.
- Stylistic Consistency: Keeps the tone and style consistent throughout your work.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium features can be pricey for some.
- Over-Reliance: Writers may become too dependent on its automated suggestions.
- Plugin Bugs: The Chrome plugin can be glitchy at times.
How We Use It:
I love Grammarly’s Google Docs plugin in its premium version. It’s incredibly convenient for refining content that needs polishing, helping ensure the final version reads naturally and connects with the audience.
2. Short-Form Content Generator
ChatGPT is probably the most recognized AI tool today. It’s great for generating content ideas, drafting quick, high-quality short-form copy, and improving customer interactions. Other tools like Claude and Bard also bring unique functionalities, but ChatGPT remains my go-to for flexibility.
Pros:
- Creative Content Ideas: Excellent for blog posts, social media, and emails.
- Speed: Allows you to generate drafts quickly, saving valuable time.
- Engagement: Enhances customer interaction with AI-driven responses.
Cons:
- Generic Output: Without clear or niche prompts, the content can feel bland.
- Over-Reliance: Requires human refinement to maintain a personal touch.
How We Use It:
I often use custom GPTs, which allow me to tailor ChatGPT’s responses to different client voices—whether it’s a formal or casual tone. This ensures the content feels personalized and perfectly aligned with each client’s brand.
3. Long-Form Content Creator
For long-form content, tools like Article Forge, Jasper, Copy.ai, and Writesonic are popular choices among digital marketers. However, in my experience, ChatGPT can excel in long-form writing with the right approach. I get that this isn’t a go-to for everyone—some people simply won’t use ChatGPT for long-form, and that’s perfectly fine. But for me, it’s been a solid choice, delivering the quality and flexibility I need. That said, no matter how good I want a long-form tool to be (and I’ve tried several), I always end up running the content through ChatGPT for that final polish. Long-form content just always has a ‘stiffer’ feel. Therefore (and don’t stone me), I declare ChatGPT to be the winner here.
Pros:
- Superior Content Quality: Produces natural and engaging content when prompted well.
- Flexibility: Easily adjustable to refine tone, add detail, or shift focus.
- Customization: By guiding the AI with detailed prompts, you can craft comprehensive articles.
Cons:
- Length Limitations: ChatGPT can struggle with content beyond 1,500 words in one go. However, I have found ways around this with enough finagling.
- Requires Finetuning: Needs a bit more effort than tools designed for long-form, but the results are worth it.
How We Use It:
Even after testing other tools, I often find myself returning to ChatGPT. Running drafts through it helps improve coherence, language, and overall flow, making it a staple for our long-form content creation.
Final Thoughts
While AI tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT are game-changers, it’s crucial to remember that they are just tools. They streamline the process, but the real magic comes from the human touch—the creativity and critical thinking that elevate content from good to great. It’s not about how many tools you use, but how well you use them. By mastering a few key resources, you’ll find yourself working more efficiently while still producing high-quality, personalized content.
At Good Agency, we help businesses thrive in the digital space. Using the StoryBrand framework, we craft clear and compelling messaging that resonates with your audience. Let us help tell your brand’s story effectively—schedule a discovery call today to see how we can drive your business to success!