If you’ve ever tried using an AI writing tool — like Wealthy Affiliate’s built-in AI writer, ChatGPT, or any other — you’ve probably had this happen: you type in a simple request, hit “generate,” and… meh. The result is bland, generic, or too short.
Sound familiar? It’s not the AI’s fault. It’s yours! (Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh — but it’s true.)
Most people think generative AI is like a mind-reader that magically knows what you want. But the reality is, AI is more like a junior writer: it needs clear, specific instructions to deliver its best work.
✅ Why Your Inputs Matter So Much
When you hire a real writer, you wouldn’t just say “Write me a blog post” and walk away. You’d explain:
- Who it’s for
- Why you’re writing it
- How it should sound
- How long it should be
- What examples to include
Generative AI is the same. The clearer you are about these inputs, the stronger the output — and the less time you’ll spend fixing generic, “vanilla” content later.
✅ The 5 Key Inputs You Should Always Include
Here’s what to cover every time you use an AI writer — plus real examples you can steal.
1️⃣ Topic & Core Message
What’s the actual idea you want to get across?
- ✔️ Example: “Explain why small businesses should start a blog in 2025.”
- ✔️ Example: “Write an introduction for a post about side hustles for busy parents.”
2️⃣ Intended Audience
Who are you talking to, and what do they care about?
- ✔️ Example: “Write for freelancers in their 20s and 30s.”
- ✔️ Example: “Use simple language for non-native English speakers.”
- ✔️ Example: “Speak to small business owners who aren’t very tech-savvy.”
3️⃣ Tone & Style
How should it feel?
- ✔️ Formal or friendly?
- ✔️ Playful or serious?
- ✔️ Persuasive? Informative? Storytelling?
- ✔️ Should it use slang, jargon, or regional phrases?
4️⃣ Structure & Length
How should it be shaped and how much detail do you want?
- ✔️ “Write a single punchy paragraph, 80–100 words.”
- ✔️ “Create an outline with 5 clear section headings.”
- ✔️ “Expand each section into 2–3 paragraphs, approx. 200 words each.”
5️⃣ Examples & Brand Voice
Show AI what “good” looks like.
- ✔️ Paste a paragraph you like and say: “Match this tone.”
- ✔️ Link to an article in your brand voice.
- ✔️ Give phrases you do or don’t want to use.
🔍 Pro Tip: The ‘Outline First’ Method
In the past, people got better long-form results by generating an outline first — then asking AI to write each section separately. This helped avoid skimpy sections and vague ideas.
The good news? AI tools like the one in Wealthy Affiliate are already much better at handling longer articles in a single go. But for big guides or tutorials, you may still get stronger, more detailed results if you break it up: outline → expand → stitch together → edit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll quickly figure out what works best for your workflow.
🔮 Remember: It Only Gets Better
As Kyle, one of the owners of Wealthy Affiliate, recently said in an AI training session:
“AI today is the worst it will ever be.”
It’s already strong — but it’s only going to improve. That means your results will keep getting better too, especially if you learn to work with AI instead of just pressing “generate” and hoping for magic.
✅ Try This Simple AI Brief Template
Before your next piece of AI content, copy and paste this checklist:
✏️ Generative AI Content Brief
✅ Topic/Core Message: (What’s the big idea?)
✅ Intended Audience: (Who’s reading this?)
✅ Tone & Style: (Friendly, formal, persuasive, etc.)
✅ Structure & Length: (Outline? Bullet points? Word count?)
✅ Examples/Brand Voice: (Paste a style sample or link.)
✅ Extras: (SEO keywords, must-have facts, CTA)
🚀 The Bottom Line
Generative AI is amazing — but only if you treat it like a collaborator, not a mind-reader.
Whether you use Wealthy Affiliate’s AI writer or any other tool, remember:
Your best results come from combining AI’s speed with your human insights.
Be clear, be specific, and don’t be afraid to shape your output — like clay on a potter’s wheel. The result? Better content, faster, and always in your voice.
✅ Want to learn how to do this inside Wealthy Affiliate?
Check out my full review of Wealthy Affiliate — and see how their AI tools, training, and community can help you create content that works for your audience.