Most AI-generated content is garbage. We all know it when we see it. The weird phrasing. The filler paragraphs. The desperate SEO optimization.

But AI can genuinely help with content—if you use it right.

Here’s my workflow for content that doesn’t suck.

The Philosophy

AI is my research assistant and first draft writer. It’s not my voice. It’s not my thinking. It’s a tool that saves time on the mechanical parts.

The ideas, opinions, and personality still come from me. AI just helps me get there faster.

The Workflow

Step 1: Human Brainstorming

I start with a list of topics I actually care about. Things I have opinions on. Problems I’ve solved. Mistakes I’ve made.

AI doesn’t help here. This is where your unique value comes from.

I keep a running list in Notion. Add ideas whenever they hit. Pull from the list when it’s writing time.

Step 2: Outline with AI

Once I have a topic, I work with Claude on an outline.

My prompt:

I'm writing about [topic]. My angle is [specific take].

Key points I want to hit:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]

Help me structure this into an outline. Keep it practical and direct. No fluff.

Claude gives me a structure. I push back, rearrange, add sections. This is a conversation, not delegation.

Step 3: Research Assistance

For any facts, examples, or statistics, I use AI to gather raw material.

“What are common objections to [X]?” “Give me examples of companies that did [Y].” “What questions do people typically have about [Z]?”

I verify everything. AI hallucinates. Don’t publish AI facts without checking.

Step 4: Section Drafts

I write the draft myself, but use Claude when I’m stuck.

Instead of: “Write this section for me”

I use: “I want to explain [concept] but I’m not happy with how I’m phrasing it. Here’s my attempt: [draft]. Help me make this clearer.”

This keeps my voice while getting unstuck.

Step 5: Ruthless Editing

The first draft always has:

• Too many words
• Weak openings
• Hedging language
• Filler phrases

I cut aggressively. Then cut more.

I use Hemingway Editor to check readability. Aim for Grade 6-8 level. Simple is better.

Step 6: Voice Check

Read it aloud. Does it sound like you? Would you say these sentences in conversation?

If something sounds “AI-ish,” rewrite it. Trust your ear.

What I Never Let AI Do

• Pick topics (I know what matters to my audience)
• Generate opinions (the whole point is human perspective)
• Write headlines (too important, too easy to sound generic)
• Do final edits (AI adds words, editing removes them)
• Publish without review (always human eyes last)

Example: This Post

This post you’re reading used this workflow:

• Topic from my list (how to use AI without creating garbage)
• Outline conversation with Claude
• Draft mostly me, with Claude helping when stuck
• Multiple editing passes
• Hemingway check (currently Grade 5)
• Read aloud test

Time to create: About 2 hours. Without AI assistance, probably 4 hours.

Common Mistakes

Using AI for everything: The more AI in your content, the more generic it is.

Not editing enough: First drafts (human or AI) need cutting. Always.

Keeping AI suggestions that don’t fit: Just because Claude suggested it doesn’t mean it belongs.

Generic prompts: “Write a blog post about X” gives generic results. Specific prompts give better outputs.

The Quality Test

Before publishing, ask:

1. Is there a perspective here that’s genuinely mine?
2. Would I be embarrassed to show this to a smart friend?
3. Does it say something specific, not just summarize common knowledge?
4. If I removed my name, would anyone know I wrote it?

If you can’t pass these, keep editing.

The Bottom Line

AI makes content creation faster. It doesn’t make it better. Better comes from having something real to say.

Use AI for speed. Keep the thinking for yourself. Edit ruthlessly.

That’s the whole secret.