AI writing tools: miracle cure or job thief?
It depends on who you’re talking to. Recent advances in chatbot language models caused mass panic over job losses, plagiarism, and the death of creativity. But many content marketers swear by the value AI writing tools can add – generating ideas, helping with research, and optimising the writing process to create the types of content that will maximise ROI.
AI’s use cases continue to expand rapidly – to the extent that industry leaders from companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind have now even warned us about the speed at which future artificial intelligence systems are advancing. Many have flagged the risk that the systems will soon surpass human-level performance in specific areas.
They have also warned of the technology’s potential to pose an existential threat to humanity.
Yet we will continue to see the use of AI tools surge, especially in content writing and marketing campaigns. Global market revenues of AI in marketing are expected to jump from $27.4 billion in 2023 to $107.4 billion in 2028.
What’s the secret? We decided to put four of these tools to the test to see whether they’re friend or foe, and to work out the best AI writing tools content marketers can use to yield results. We gave them all the same brief about AI writing tools:
- To create a blog outline – since blogs are the backbone of B2B content marketing, serving as the first channel for content action.
- To create a blog post introduction – since the introduction is what draws the reader in and makes them want to find out more.
- To create a Twitter thread – since social media remains one of the top ways B2B companies engage with their audience and generate leads.
- To create website copy – since websites are one of the main points of contact between B2B companies and their existing and potential clients.
This is what we found:
1. Copy.ai
Copy.ai sells itself as “the most natural way to interface with AI to research, create, and achieve”. Not giving too much away then. But it does say it has the answer no matter the question. So we put it to the test.
Creating a blog outline
This is just a snapshot of what copy.ai came back with:
It broke it down into the following sections with content suggestions for each:
AI Writing Tools: Revolutionizing the Writing Process
Introduction
- Explanation of what AI writing tools are
- Importance of AI writing tools in the writing process
Types of AI Writing Tools
- Content generators
- Language translation tools
- Grammar checkers
- SEO optimization tools
Benefits of AI Writing Tools
- Time-saving
- Improved accuracy
- Enhanced creativity
- Cost-effective
Limitations of AI Writing Tools
- Lack of human touch
- Limited creativity
- Dependence on technology
Popular AI Writing Tools
- Grammarly
- Google Translate
- Wordsmith
- Articoolo
- Quillbot
Future of AI Writing Tools
- Advancements in AI technology
- Integration with other tools and platforms
- Increased adoption in various industries
Conclusion
- Recap of the benefits and limitations of AI writing tools
- Encouragement to try out AI writing tools for improved writing efficiency and quality.
Result
There was nothing earth-shattering, but the outline had some helpful hints, and any nudge in the right direction to guide thinking and give some inspiration is a help.
Creating a blog post introduction
It wrote: “In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advancements in the field of writing. AI writing tools have emerged as a game-changer for content creators, marketers, and business owners. These tools use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to generate high-quality content quickly and efficiently. With the help of AI writing tools, writers can automate mundane tasks, such as fact-checking, proofreading, and content optimization. In this blog post, we will explore the various AI writing tools available in the market and their benefits. We will also discuss how these tools are transforming the writing industry and what the future holds for AI-powered content creation.”
Result
Again, not bad – but a little longer than optimal, and the use of ‘In this blog post’ makes it sound a bit like a school essay. It could work as a foundation, but would need to be edited.
Creating a Twitter thread
It wrote: “Sure, here’s a Twitter thread on AI writing tools:
- AI writing tools are becoming increasingly popular for content creation. These tools use natural language processing and machine learning to generate high-quality content in a fraction of the time it would take a human to write.
- Some popular AI writing tools include @OpenAI’s GPT-3, @HuggingFace’s Transformers, and @CopysmithAI. These tools can be used for a variety of content types, including blog posts, social media content, and even product descriptions.
- One of the biggest benefits of using AI writing tools is the ability to generate content at scale. This can be especially helpful for businesses that need to create a large amount of content on a regular basis.
- However, it’s important to note that while AI writing tools can be incredibly helpful, they should not be used as a replacement for human writers. These tools should be seen as a supplement to human creativity and expertise, not a replacement for it.
- Overall, AI writing tools are a powerful addition to any content creation strategy. As the technology continues to improve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for AI in the world of content creation.”
Result
It met the brief – but the tweets were quite lengthy and the language stilted and more formal than necessary.
Creating website copy
The full response it gave us was:
“AI Writing Tools: Revolutionizing the Way We Write
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various industries, and the writing industry is no exception. With the advent of AI writing tools, writers can now create content faster and more efficiently than ever before. These tools use machine learning algorithms to analyze data and generate high-quality content in a matter of seconds.
What are AI Writing Tools?
AI writing tools are software programs that use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to generate written content. These tools analyze data, including existing content, to create new content that is unique, engaging, and relevant to the topic at hand. AI writing tools can create a wide range of content, including articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and even social media posts.
Benefits of AI Writing Tools
The benefits of AI writing tools are numerous. For one, they can save writers a significant amount of time and effort. Instead of spending hours researching and writing content, writers can use AI writing tools to generate content in a matter of minutes. AI writing tools can also help writers improve the quality of their content by providing suggestions for improvement and identifying errors.
Another benefit of AI writing tools is that they can help writers create more engaging content. By analyzing data and understanding what resonates with readers, AI writing tools can generate content that is more likely to be shared and engaged with on social media. This can help writers build their audience and increase their reach.
Top AI Writing Tools
There are many AI writing tools available on the market today. Here are some of the top tools:
GPT-3: GPT-3 is one of the most advanced AI writing tools available today. It uses machine learning algorithms to generate high-quality content that is almost indistinguishable from content written by humans.
Hemingway Editor: Hemingway Editor is an AI writing tool that helps writers improve the readability of their content. It analyzes content and provides suggestions for improvement, such as simplifying complex sentences and removing unnecessary words.
Grammarly: Grammarly is an AI writing tool that helps writers improve the grammar and spelling of their content. It provides suggestions for improvement and identifies errors in real-time.
QuillBot: QuillBot is an AI writing tool that can help writers paraphrase content and generate new content based on existing content. It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data and create unique content.
Conclusion
AI writing tools are revolutionizing the way we write. They offer numerous benefits, including saving time and effort, improving content quality, and creating more engaging content. With so many AI writing tools available on the market today, writers have more options than ever before to create high-quality content quickly and efficiently.”
Result
The tool doesn’t seem to differentiate different types of website copy – it feels more like a blog than a landing page, so it would need to be reworked to make it fit-for-purpose.
2. Writesonic
Writesonic is “an AI writer that creates SEO-friendly content for blogs, Facebook ads, Google ads, and Shopify for free”.. This is what it had to say when given our briefs:
Creating a blog outline
This is what it said in full:
“Sure! Here’s an outline for a blog post on AI writing tools:
I. Introduction
- Explanation of AI writing tools
- Benefits of using AI writing tools
II. How AI Writing Tools Work
- Explanation of natural language processing (NLP)
- Overview of machine learning algorithms
III. Types of AI Writing Tools
- Content creation tools
- Editing and proofreading tools
- Translation tools
IV. Popular AI Writing Tools
- GPT-3
- Jarvis.ai
- Writesonic
- Copy.ai
V. Pros and Cons of AI Writing Tools
- Advantages for writers
- Potential drawbacks and limitations
VI. Future of AI Writing Tools
- Emerging technologies
- Potential impact on the writing industry
VII. Conclusion
- Recap of benefits and drawbacks
- Final thoughts on AI writing tools.”
Result
It was essentially the same as the copy.ai outline, and gave some helpful hints and thought-starters.
Creating a blog intro
It said:
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. One of the most significant applications of AI is in the field of writing and content creation. AI writing tools have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These tools can help writers save time, improve the quality of their content, and increase their productivity. In this blog post, we will explore the world of AI writing tools, their benefits, and how they are changing the way we create written content.”
Result
Along the lines of what copy.ai gave us, with the same ‘in this blog post’ school essay vibe – but slightly shorter. A good base that needs to be edited and tweaked.
Creating a Twitter thread
In full, it said:
“Hook – Want to take your writing to the next level? 📈
AI writing tools can help you create compelling content in less time. Here’s how to get started with them 🧵👇
- First things first, understand what AI writing tools can and can’t do. They can help with grammar, spelling, and even suggest new words. But they can’t replace the creativity and critical thinking skills of a human writer.
- Next, choose the right AI writing tool for your needs. Some popular options are Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway Editor. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so do some research before deciding.
- After selecting the tool, start by using it to analyze your existing content. This will give you an idea of where you need to improve and what common mistakes you make. Make note of the suggestions and try to incorporate them into future writing.
- As you become more comfortable with the tool, begin to use it as you write. Many AI writing tools have integrations with popular writing software like Microsoft Word and Google Docs. This allows you to see suggestions and corrections in real-time as you write.
- Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on AI writing tools. While they can be incredibly helpful, they shouldn’t replace the skills of a human writer. Use them as a supplement to your own writing abilities and always strive to improve your craft.”
Result
Much the same as copy.ai. It met the brief – but the tweets were quite lengthy and would need to be edited.
Creating website copy
It said:
“Welcome to the future of writing! In today’s world, where technology has revolutionized how we interact with the world, AI writing tools are becoming increasingly popular. With AI writing tools, you can say goodbye to writer’s block and hello to limitless creativity. These tools use the power of artificial intelligence to help you generate quality content in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it manually. From blog posts to essays, emails to social media posts, AI writing tools can help you write anything. So, why not give AI writing tools a try and experience the future of writing today?”
Result
The result was much more concise than copy.ai’s. It could work as an introduction on a landing page, but it would need to be reworked – and the exclamation marks removed. Exclamation marks are a no-go.
3. Quillbot
Quillbot is a grammar and writing tool that lets people paraphrase, edit, summarise and check work for plagiarism. This is how it responded to us::
Creating a blog outline
It said:
“Artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools have revolutionized the way we write content. These tools use machine learning algorithms to analyze data and generate written content that is grammatically correct, coherent, and relevant. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using AI writing tools, how they work, and some of the best AI writing tools available today.
One of the main advantages of using AI writing tools is that they can save you time and effort. With these tools, you can generate high-quality content in a matter of minutes, rather than spending hours researching and writing. Additionally, AI writing tools can help you improve your writing skills by providing suggestions for grammar, spelling, and syntax.
AI writing tools work by analyzing large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends in language usage. They then use this information to generate text that is similar in style and tone to human-written content. Some AI writing tools also use natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to understand the context of a piece of.”
Result
These results are markedly different to both copy.ai and Writesonic, which provided an actual outline. This reads more like an introduction of a blog – and randomly cuts off in the middle of a sentence. The least impressive outcome so far.
Creating a blog intro
It said:
“Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we interact with technology. From self-driving cars to voice assistants, AI has made our lives easier and more efficient. But did you know that AI can also help with writing? That’s right, there are now AI writing tools available that can assist with everything from grammar and spelling to generating entire articles. These tools use natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to analyze text and provide suggestions for improvement. With AI writing tools, writers can save time and produce higher quality content. Whether you’re a professional writer or just someone who wants to improve their writing skills, these tools are worth exploring. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best AI writing tools available today and how they can benefit you. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of AI writing!”
Result
The first sentence is nearly identical to what Writesonic came up with – and all three are along much the same lines with the ‘In this blog post’ element. The major difference is that Quillbot threw an exclamation mark in there at the end too. Definite reworking needed.
Creating a Twitter thread
It wrote:
“AI writing tools have been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a range of benefits, from saving time to improving the quality of content. As someone who writes frequently, I’ve been experimenting with different AI writing tools and have found them to be incredibly helpful. One tool that I particularly like is GPT-3, which is capable of generating human-like text. It’s amazing to see how it can come up with ideas and phrases that I wouldn’t have thought of myself.
Of course, there are some concerns about the use of AI in writing. Some worry that it could lead to job loss or even the creation of fake news. However, I believe that these tools can be used responsibly and ethically. For example, they can be used to assist writers rather than replace them entirely.
Another benefit of AI writing tools is that they can help with language translation. This is particularly useful for businesses that operate in multiple countries and need to communicate with customers in different languages.”
Result
Different to what copy.ai and Writesonic produced, and it reads like more of a blog post than Twitter thread. Not the best results – although we did like how the robot included some self-praise: “It’s amazing to see how it can come up with ideas and phrases that I wouldn’t have thought of myself”.
Creating website copy
Result
The results cover the brief, but need some editing before they can be used on a website – the content is too long, and not user-friendly. It needs to be clear, concise, scannable, and scrollable, and should include headings and sub-headings to break it up into easy-to-read sections. Exclamation marks also need to be weeded out.
4. Narrato
Narrato Workspace is “an AI content creation, collaboration and workflow management tool built for content and marketing teams and creators”. It is also a freelance content platform that says it allows marketers and creators to create winning content collaboratively faster and better.
Creating a blog post outline
It said:
“1. What is AI writing and why is it becoming popular
2. What types of AI writing tools are available
3. How can AI writing tools help with content creation
4. What are the pros and cons of using AI writing tools
5. What are some of the best AI writing tools available today”
Result
A simplified version of what copy.ai and Writesonic generated, but covering many of the same themes, so a decent guide and starting point.
Creating a blog post introduction
It said:
“Welcome to the world of AI writing tools! We’re here to help busy B2B tech professionals make the most of their writing time with the latest AI-powered writing tools. Our blog is full of helpful tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your writing projects. Get ready to get creative and take your writing to the next level!”
Result
This was the furthest from the mark, with multiple exclamation marks. Even playing around with the parameters on tone failed to eliminate the use of exclamation marks, and didn’t generate the type of introduction that would be appropriate for this type of blog:
Creating a Twitter thread
It said:
“Thread on AI Writing Tools👇
- With the rise of machine learning, AI-powered tools are revolutionizing the way we write. These tools are becoming a prevalent choice for writers to simplify the writing process and enhance overall productivity.
- AI writing tools can help writers from various fields to create better content with utmost ease. These tools utilize natural language processing algorithms to analyze and understand language patterns, making it an ideal choice for content curation, content optimization, and more.
- One platform that has gained significant traction in the AI writing space is @OpenAI. OpenAI offers GPT-3, an AI-powered language model that can assist writers to create content without human intervention.
- @Grammarly is another writing tool that uses AI algorithms to aid in grammar checks and suggest improvements in texts. It is a widely popular writing tool with more than 20 million users worldwide.
- @CopysmithAI is a revolutionary AI writing tool that uses machine learning algorithms to generate content in seconds. It is ideal for creating ads, product descriptions, website content, and more.
- Another great tool on the market is @writesonic, which uses GPT-3 technology to help generate high-quality content, including blogs, social media posts, and more.
- @wordtune is a writing tool that offers suggestions for rephrasing or rewording texts. The tool aims to enhance the clarity, tone, and style of written content.
- In conclusion, AI writing tools can assist writers significantly. While they are not a substitute for the creative process, they make the writing journey simpler, more efficient, and more enjoyable.”
Result
Similar to what the other AI tools came up with. The interesting thing was that Narrato has more templates and categories to choose from to create different types of content – but none specific to Twitter, so we used the ChatGPT content assistant within the app for that.
Creating website copy
It said:
“Welcome to our website, where we explore the dynamic world of AI-powered writing tools.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, writing has never been easier or more efficient. AI writing tools utilize natural language processing algorithms to offer suggestions on grammar, style, tone, and much more. They can help you create compelling content quickly and accurately.
One of the pioneers in the AI writing tool space is OpenAI. OpenAI’s GPT-3 language model can aid in creating content without human intervention, making it ideal for writers looking for creative inspiration or support.
Grammarly, another popular AI writing tool, provides an all-in-one writing assistant. It checks for grammar and spelling mistakes, suggests improvements to the tone and style of writing and provides advanced feedback on clarity and coherence.
If you need help generating content quickly, Copysmith AI can automatically generate product descriptions, website content, and ad copy in seconds. It uses machine learning algorithms to take the heavy lifting out of writing.
WriteSonic is another powerful tool that utilizes GPT-3 technology to generate high-quality content that matches your specifications. From blogs to social media posts, WriteSonic can help you create engaging content.
Lastly, Wordtune is an innovative writing tool that rephrases, rewords and enhances text to improve clarity, tone.
The benefits of AI writing tools are clear: save you time, effort, and improve your content. Explore our website and discover the AI writing tool that’s perfect for you.”
Result
Like most of the other results, the copy would need some editing to make it fit-for-purpose.
Overall impressions
Continuing to test, experiment, and refine criteria will no doubt streamline and improve results. And there are, of course, loads of AI writing tools out there to meet different needs: whether brainstorming to create outstanding fintech content marketing strategies, or finding inspiration for the perfect webinar title, or even overcoming writer’s block.
If our AI writing tool test showed us anything, though, it’s that there is no replacement for the human touch. AI tools can do some of the heavy lifting in researching, outlining, and creating content, helping save time and maximise productivity. But there is simply no substitute for a deep understanding of sectors, businesses and audiences – knowing who to talk to, when to talk to them and how to talk to them.
Only people can do that, and know exactly when and how to use tools like AI to help reach goals more effectively.
Looking for content creation and marketing with the right expertise and knowledge? Reach out at hello@isolinecomms.com to find out how we can help with your content needs.
