Using AI to draft copy, then editing for brand voice
Introduction. In today’s fast‑paced marketing world, artificial intelligence can generate first drafts of headlines, product descriptions and social posts in seconds. But a brand’s personality is what turns readers into loyal customers. This article explains how to harness AI for speed while preserving authenticity through thoughtful editing. Readers will learn a practical workflow, key tools, and common pitfalls so they can produce high‑quality copy that feels uniquely theirs.
Step one: set clear prompts and constraints
A well‑crafted prompt is the foundation of any useful AI output. Begin by defining the purpose, tone, target audience, and length of each piece. The more precise your instructions, the less time you’ll spend reshaping generic text.
- Include brand adjectives (e.g., “friendly yet professional”) to guide the model’s diction.
- Specify format requirements—bullet points, call‑to‑action style, or storytelling arc—to reduce post‑generation rework.
Step two: evaluate draft quality with measurable metrics
After the AI produces a first pass, assess it against objective criteria. Use readability scores, keyword density checks, and brand voice alignment to flag areas needing human touch.
| Item | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Readability score | Measure of sentence complexity | Ensures content stays accessible to the target audience |
| Keyword density | Frequency of SEO terms | Supports search visibility without stuffing |
| Voice consistency check | Alignment with brand tone guide | Maintains trust and recognizability across channels |
A practical editing workflow for brand voice
1. **Highlight deviations**: Use a two‑color system—red for tone mismatches, blue for factual errors.
2. **Replace generic phrases** with brand‑specific jargon or anecdotes.
3. **Adjust sentence length** to match the platform’s typical rhythm (shorter for social, longer for blog).
4. **Add human touchpoints**, such as rhetorical questions or personal pronouns, to increase engagement.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Many marketers fall into the trap of treating AI output as final. Avoid this by:
– Never publishing a piece that has not passed your brand voice checklist.
– Not over‑relying on the same prompt template; tweak wording each time to keep variety.
– Ignoring the need for human empathy—AI can mimic tone but cannot replicate lived experience.
Conclusion. AI accelerates copy creation, but the real value lies in human refinement that preserves brand integrity. By setting precise prompts, measuring output against clear metrics, and applying a focused editing routine, marketers can produce content that is both efficient and unmistakably theirs. Start experimenting today with these steps and watch your brand’s voice resonate stronger than ever.
Image by: Tuur Tisseghem
