What is your content writing workflow? We're interested in how digital marketing agencies, copywriters and SEO writers craft content. What software stack can you not write without? Do you think AI content is actually any good? Can old-school research with pen & paper beat the mass volume and power of AI?

If I am writing for a client, I get the content outline from them and then begin the research. (If there is no outline, I just get the subject and then make my own outline.) Since one of my selling points is that no artificial intelligence will be used in the crafting of the content I write, I do my research "the old-fashioned way" by reading, watching, and listening to things and using my own brain to decipher what should and should not be included. Regardless of how the client wants the content delivered, I use Google Docs for my drafts and then either share the links with them or download a file to share with them however they choose. Generally, I will write a few drafts of the content, making sure to leave some time in between looking at them so I am always looking at them with at least somewhat fresh eyes. If the client has any changes, I make the ones that make sense and ignore any that don't make sense. (Clients are not always right and sometimes have to be saved from their own bad choices.)

My content writing workflow is designed to be both efficient and creative, combining research, collaboration, and the right tools to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences. The first step in my process is always research. Whether I'm writing for a blog, website, or ad campaign, I dive deep into understanding the topic, the target audience, and the competition. I usually start with old-school methods-pen and paper. Jotting down key points, ideas, and organizing them visually allows me to get a sense of direction before diving into digital tools. Once I've got the basics, I turn to SEO tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs to identify the best keywords and see how competitors are positioning their content. These tools help me ensure that I'm targeting the right terms that will drive traffic. I also use Google Trends to make sure the content is aligned with current trends and interests. After this, I move to more creative tools like Grammarly for grammar checks, and Hemingway Editor for style and readability, ensuring the content is both clear and engaging. As for writing software, the one tool I absolutely cannot write without is Google Docs. It's simple, accessible, and integrates seamlessly with tools like Grammarly and Surfer SEO to optimize content as I write. I can also collaborate easily with my team, which is crucial when producing content in a team environment. For organizing my ideas and managing multiple projects, I rely on ClickUp to track deadlines and task priorities, keeping everything on schedule. Regarding AI-generated content, I've used AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper for ideation, quick drafts, and even for generating some sections of content when I need to save time. However, I believe that AI content is still far from perfect. While AI can provide valuable assistance in generating ideas, human touch and expertise are what make content truly engaging. AI still lacks the ability to produce deeply insightful or emotionally engaging content, which is why I rely on my own research and writing skills to add depth, personality, and authenticity to every piece. In conclusion, while AI is a useful tool in modern content creation, old-school research combined with digital tools is still essential for crafting content that stands out and connects with the audience. The key is balancing technology and creativity, ensuring that content isn't just optimized for search engines but also engaging and relevant to readers.

My content process has evolved over 13 years. I've built AI tools to help, but still swear by old school research. Both have their place. Here's my real workflow: I map out topics on paper first - focusing on real problems people face. AI helps with research and suggests topics, but the best content comes from actual customer questions. For writing, I built my own AI tool that creates first drafts. But raw AI content sounds fake. The magic is in editing - adding real examples, case studies, and proven tips that readers trust. Example: Two test posts about local SEO. One pure AI, one mixed with client success stories. The human-edited post got 3x more leads because it had proof, not just theory. My must-have tools: AI for research and rough drafts, Grammarly for edits, Surfer SEO for optimization. But my secret weapon? Client call notes. They reveal what businesses really struggle with. Quick tip: Focus on content that brings leads, not just traffic. Track what converts, then do more of that. Mix tech with real experience. That's how you create content that both ranks and sells.

Our content writing workflow blends AI-driven research with human creativity to ensure quality and effectiveness. We start with competitive analysis to identify top-performing content in our niche. Then, AI tools help us draft detailed outlines, highlighting keyword opportunities and structuring content for maximum SEO impact. From there, our skilled human writers take over, crafting engaging, nuanced content that resonates with our audience. AI content has its strengths, particularly in speeding up research and idea generation. However, it often lacks the depth, creativity, and emotional intelligence a human writer brings. While AI drafts can kickstart the process, we firmly believe human input is irreplaceable for creating content that truly connects with readers. As for old-school research, it has its charm, but it's hard to match the efficiency and scale of AI tools. That said, blending traditional techniques with AI's power is often the winning formula-AI handles the data-heavy groundwork, and human writers add the authenticity and insight that stand out in today's digital landscape.

My content writing workflow always kicks off with old-school research-yep, sometimes just a pen and paper-to pin down core ideas and really nail down the audience's needs. For commercial pages, I make sure to comb through competitor reviews; it's amazing how many hidden customer pain points or new angles you can uncover that way. Once I've gathered my insights, I jump into digital tools: Google Docs for drafting, Trello or Asana to keep tasks organized, and Grammarly for that final polish. For SEO guidance, I rely on Surfer SEO and Ahrefs-they help me spot relevant keywords, gauge competitiveness, and refine my on-page strategy. As for AI content, it's a fantastic time-saver when I'm brainstorming or hunting for missed SEO gaps, but it can't replace the personal edge you get from real research and competitor analysis. In the end, I find the sweet spot by blending AI's efficiency with genuine human insight.

At nDash.com, our content writing workflow begins with a deep understanding of the client's needs and goals. This starts with a comprehensive briefing session, during which we identify the target audience, key messages, and SEO objectives. Here's how we typically craft content: Research: Our freelance writer community conducts thorough research, blending modern tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush with reliable primary sources. While digital tools streamline the process, old-school research methods-like annotating printed reports or handwritten brainstorming-still play a vital role, especially when conceptualizing unique ideas or synthesizing complex topics. Outlining: Every piece starts with an outline, ensuring everything flows logically and hits all critical points. For example, when writing a blog post about AI trends, I noticed my handwritten outline helped me connect ideas more intuitively than digital tools could. This tactile process often sparks creativity that software alone doesn't. Drafting: We rely heavily on Google Docs for its collaborative features, allowing seamless feedback from brands and SMEs. Editing and refining: Tools like Grammarly ensure clarity, conciseness, and grammatical accuracy. We also trust in human expertise for tone and context-something software can't replace. Publishing and optimization: We use CMS platforms like WordPress while leveraging plugins like Yoast SEO for keyword alignment and metadata optimization. Essential software stack: Google Workspace is foundational, but tools like Optimizely for project management, Canva for quick visuals, and ChatGPT (for ideation, not final drafts) are also indispensable. AI Content: A Mixed Bag AI can be great for generating ideas, identifying trends, and even creating (very) rough drafts. However, human writers can't be replaced when capturing a brand's unique voice and infusing content with nuanced expertise. Old-School Research vs. AI There's a certain depth and originality in old-school research-flipping through journals, conducting interviews, or jotting down notes by hand-that AI can't replicate. When I was a freelance writer, I referred to this as "going to the notebooks." While AI is fast, crafting truly impactful and resonant content often requires the deliberate pace of traditional research methods. It's not about one replacing the other but finding the right balance to deliver high-quality content.

Our workflow starts with deep client research - understanding their audience, pain points, and unique value proposition. I actually prefer starting with pen and paper for brainstorming and mapping out content structures. This analog approach helps capture creative ideas that AI might miss. For the actual writing process, our essential stack includes: Frase for SEO research and topic exploration Google Docs for collaborative writing and editing Grammarly for polishing and proofreading HubSpot for content management and analytics Regarding AI content - we use it strategically, not blindly. AI tools like ChatGPT are excellent for generating outlines and research summaries, but they can't replace human expertise and creativity. For example, when writing about web development solutions, AI might provide technical accuracy, but it lacks the nuanced understanding of client challenges that comes from real project experience. A recent case study we wrote performed 40% better than AI-generated alternatives because it incorporated real client stories and specific technical insights from our team's experience. The key is using AI as a complement to human expertise, not a replacement. The most effective approach combines old-school research depth with AI efficiency. While AI can help scale content production, the human touch - especially in technical and strategic writing - remains irreplaceable for creating truly valuable content that resonates with readers.

Our content writing workflow blends research, AI assistance, and human creativity to ensure high-quality, SEO-optimized content. We start with keyword research using tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs to identify target topics and user intent. Writers then craft content with AI tools like ChatGPT assisting in outlines and ideation, but final edits and voice remain human to ensure nuance and originality. Editing is done with tools like Grammarly and Surfer SEO to refine grammar, readability, and SEO alignment. Before publishing, content undergoes manual fact-checking and is optimized for clarity and accuracy. Once live, we monitor performance using Google Analytics and Search Console to make data-driven improvements. Use AI tools for efficiency and insights, but rely on human expertise for quality, originality, and emotional connection in your content. This hybrid approach ensures content performs well both in search rankings and audience engagement.

At RankingCo, our content writing workflow starts with in-depth research to truly understand our clients' markets and audiences. While AI tools, like those for natural language processing, play a role in generating initial content drafts, the true magic happens when human insight refines this content to resonate deeply with the target audience. For instance, we've used AI to evolve raw data into outlines, but the final creative push comes from experienced writers who understand user psychology and customer intent. I find AI tools save significant time and help overcome writer's block, yet they can't capture the subtlety or emotional nuance that quality content demands. For example, I've seen AI tools accelerate content output for Google Ads campaigns, allowing us to focus on strategy and client engagement. However, it's the human ability to tell compelling stories and connect brands with emotions that creates impactful marketing. The blend of technology and human creativity is essential. By integrating data from AI with real-world observations, we deliver finely-honed SEO strategies that consistently outperform generic, AI-generated text. A case in point is a client who saw a 35% increase in engagement after we refined AI drafts, ensuring the message was on-brand and aligned with their core values.

Writing as a profession requires and balances creativity and order in the task being done by the writer. First I make sure that I understand my audience and what is expected of me in the piece. I mentioned before: that research is my primary workhorse; I go online, check my competitors, and sometimes even write on paper to think through an idea. After a plan has been completed, I draw what I know to be a plan so that I can easily follow it in addition to making sure that all the information flows coherently. We also employ a stack of tools to improve the work done in writing. Of course, I may not be able to use Grammarly for correcting grammatical and punctuation mistakes, and for enhancing clarity of the text, as and when I write any text, as it is, to be frank, very useful. Google Docs are used for sharing and writing together, but for those moments when inspiration hits the writer nothing can replace a paper notebook. Regarding AI, we consider it as a tool - it accelerates the work and suggests promising directions; therefore, we doubt that at present AI can produce the distinctiveness and empathy of a human-curated post. In our view, AI is a great advantage yet it's not a recorder of creativity. Features that are not available and do not belong to the basic AI package, primarily focus on paperwork and old-fashioned techniques that give the investigator a human touch. There is nothing quite like the human factor that makes content relatable among the readers. Several media narratives were generated and the work was efficiently accomplished through AI, but writing a good story needs creativity and feeling. In the end, great content is the sweet spot between what humans create and what AI processes and the result is a doubled effect.

At LawTurbo, my content writing workflow is tailored to personal injury lawyers, combining precision, creativity, and efficiency. Here's how I approach it: 1. Client Discovery & Research: I dive deep into understanding the client's goals, audience, and competitive landscape. This foundation ensures every piece of content is tailored and impactful. 2. Keyword Strategy: Using tools like Ahrefs, I identify search intent-driven keywords that align with client objectives and audience needs. 3. Expert Writing & Editing: Collaborating with skilled legal writers and editors, I ensure content is accurate, authoritative, and compliant, addressing the unique needs of lawyers. 4. Custom AI Assistance: I leverage custom AI tools for repetitive tasks like organizing data and initial brainstorming, allowing more focus on strategy and creativity. 5. SEO Optimization: Each piece undergoes rigorous editing and SEO refinement, ensuring clarity, engagement, and search-engine friendliness. 6. Publishing & Feedback: After incorporating client feedback, content is finalized and integrated into their broader digital strategy. 7. Project Management: I rely on Asana to keep tasks and timelines organized, ensuring smooth workflows and on-time delivery. Essential Tools * Google Workspace: For drafting and collaboration. * Ahrefs: For SEO and keyword research. * Custom AI Tools: For efficiency without sacrificing quality. * Asana: For seamless project management. Thoughts on AI Content AI content is a tool, not a solution. While it speeds up repetitive tasks, it lacks the nuanced understanding required for legal marketing. At LawTurbo, AI assists our process, but the core value comes from experienced writers and editors. This ensures content builds trust and positions lawyers as industry leaders. Old-School Research vs. AI Old-school research is essential for thoughtful, detailed content, especially in legal marketing. Brainstorming with pen and paper often leads to unique, in-depth strategies that AI cannot replicate. However, blending traditional methods with AI's efficiency delivers the best results-content that's both impactful and scalable. By combining proven methods with innovative tools, LawTurbo delivers content that drives real results for personal injury lawyers.

My workflow begins with research-understanding the audience, their pain points, and trending keywords. I use tools like SEMrush for SEO analysis, Grammarly for editing, and tools like Trello or Notion to organize drafts and deadlines. AI content tools like Jasper or ChatGPT help speed up first drafts or brainstorming, but I always refine content for authenticity and brand voice. Old-school research with pen and paper still has its place for deep-dive topics or initial brainstorming, but it can't match AI's scalability and speed. The best results often come from blending the two methods strategically.

My content writing workflow begins with thorough client interviews to define goals, target audience, and messaging. After I have a clear overview, I focus on topic research. I use tools such as Semrush and BuzzSumo to look for keywords and trending topics. Then I create an outline in Trello. I've also dabbled with AI, but I don't rely on it to produce actual paragraphs. It still can't match the quality of a real human writer, though it can assist in content production in a variety of ways, including generating headline ideas and analyzing the tone of the content.

When writing content, I start by understanding the audience and what the message needs to convey. Then, I dig into research to make sure the content is accurate and valuable. I use tools like Grammarly for grammar, Hemingway Editor for clarity, and SurferSEO to make it search-friendly. AI tools are great for speeding up drafts and brainstorming ideas, but they can't replace a human's ability to add personal insights and connect with readers. That's where the magic happens. Old-school pen-and-paper research? It's still useful for deep thinking, but today's tools and AI make creating high-quality content faster and more scalable. A mix of both works best!

My Content Writing Workflow It's really pretty simple. First, I do my research. This usually involves reading industry publications, blogs, and articles. I also like to talk to experts and get their insights. Once I have a good understanding of the topic, I start outlining my article. This helps me organize my thoughts and ensure that I cover all the important points. Next, I write the first draft. I don't worry about making it perfect at this stage. I just want to get my ideas down on paper. Once I have a first draft, I start revising and editing. I pay attention to grammar, style, and clarity. I also make sure that the article is informative and engaging. Finally, I proofread the article and make any necessary corrections. Then, it's ready to be published! My Software Stack There are a few key pieces of software that I use in my content writing workflow. First, I use a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. This is where I do all my writing and editing. I also use a grammar checker like Grammarly. This helps me catch any errors that I might have missed. Finally, I use an SEO tool like SEMrush. This helps me research keywords and optimize my content for search engines. AI Content I think AI content has come a long way in recent years. However, I still believe that human-written content is better. AI content can be good for generating basic information or summarizing existing content. But it's not as good at creating original content or providing insights that are truly valuable to readers. Old-School Research I think old-school research with pen and paper can still be a valuable tool. It can help you slow down and really think about the topic you're writing about. However, I also think that AI can be a powerful tool for research. It can help you quickly find the information you need and identify trends that you might not have noticed otherwise. Ultimately, I think the best approach is to use a combination of old-school and AI research methods. This will help you get the most comprehensive understanding of the topic.

In my experience running Hook'd IT Up, I've honed a content writing workflow that thrives on adaptability and client-specific tailoring. We start with deep-diving analytics to understand target audiences-critical tools include Google Analytics and SEMrush for insights on search behavior and site performance. Our web design projects, like for Uintah Fireplace, illustrate how integrating robust SEO at every stage-from meta-tagging to content structure-drives sustained engagement and organic lead generation. While AI tools like Jasper can bolster content output and optimize simple tasks, I believe it's the synergy between data-driven insights and personalized content creation that truly resonates. During a project with Precision Home Builders, leveraging AI for initial drafts saved time, but the real impact came from client-custom messaging and on-brand narratives. This approach fostered a 30% increase in customer interactions post-launch. Traditional research methods still hold significant value, especially in sectors where understanding client stories and local contexts is crucial. We often employ hands-on strategies, such as direct interviews and on-site insights, to capture the emotional nuances that digital only cannot. For example, with Heber Valley Serves, real conversations revealed details that improved our storytelling approach, fostering genuine trust and connection.

At Team Genius Marketing, our content writing workflow revolves around leveraging AI-powered tools while ensuring a personalized, human touch. Our proprietary Genius Growth SystemTM allows us to analyze consumer behavior and predict trends effectively, which aids in crafting content that resonates with specific audiences. We employ AI for initial content generation, particularly in tasks like keyword clustering and content prioritization, which helps streamline the process without compromising quality. I believe AI content is exceptional for generating ideas and optimizing SEO, but it requires human intuition to connect genuinely with consumers. For instance, our Genius SEOTM technology provides a robust foundation for content strategy, but we refine it further by ensuring it aligns with the unique voice and goals of each client. This customized approach has allowed us to propel home service businesses to better rankings and higher relevance in their local markets. Old-school research methods, such as interviewing clients and direct engagement, remain invaluable and often uncover nuances machine learning algorithms might miss. These interactions enrich our content creation by introducing unique insights that fuel our client-specific strategies. In one case, human-led insights gleaned during the development of Genius CRMTM significantly improved user experience and client satisfaction.

In my content writing workflow at Linear Design, I start by deeply understanding the audience's needs and tailoring our copy in a way that feels like a friendly conversation. Once the initial draft is complete, I step away for 24 hours and then revisit it to catch any excessive formality or fluff, ensuring every word on the landing page serves a purpose. This tactic of removing fluff helped us significantly increase our landing page conversions by as much as 18%. Our software stack includes tools for A/B testing and real-time reporting, which are crucial for refining content based on actual user engagement. However, I find my creative process flows best with simple tools like a voice recorder. I often explain my content ideas verbally and transcribe them, landing a more natural tone that aligns with our audience's preferences. On AI, I've found it can't yet replace the human touch in capturing emotional nuances or crafting authentic narratives. But it certainly helps in analyzing data trends and optimizing the technical aspects of digital marketing. We've used human creativity to improve AI-generated drafts, and this combination led a client to achieve predictable growth in their AdWords campaign-a unique selling point we offer globally.

At TWINCITY.COM, our content creation starts with thorough competitive analysis to ensure we understand market gaps. We then use a combination of keyword tools and traditional brainstorming sessions to cultivate ideas that align with our audience's interests. A/B testing is critical; for example, switching a CTA button's color based on past performance analytics led to a 21% uptick in click-through rates. AI plays a vital role in drafting, particularly for content-heavy projects. While it accelerates initial creation, the human touch is key in refining and injecting brand voice, which AI can't replicate. For instance, AI helps generate outlines, but it's our writers' finesse that crafts messages aligning with users' nuances and emotions. We also leverage structured data to expand reach, especially in voice search. Implementing FAQ schema on key pages led to increased visibility for voice-generated queries, directly impacting our engagement metrics. The synergy of data-backed insights and creative human input makes our content strategy adaptable and effective.At Twin City Marketing, our content writing workflow integrates both innovative AI tools and traditional methods to maximize impact. We heavily rely on AI to expedite the initial drafting phase, especially for SEO optimization and thematic structuring. However, I believe that the true power lies in human refinement that follows. Our editors carefully review and tailor content to align with clients' unique brand voices, much like the success we achieved through content collaborations that boosted organic traffic by 30%. AI content is beneficial for efficiency and initial research, but it cannot replace the organic insights from old-school methods like direct interviews. For instance, our structured data strategies have increased voice search visibility by tapping into frequently asked questions and learning directly from consumer interactions. We believe that a balance between AI capabilities and human creativity helps us craft impactful, engaging content that truly resonates with audiences.

Navigating the content writing workflow at Ankord Media involves a blend of strategic planning and innovative technology. Our process starts with an in-depth understanding of the client's brand identity and values, which informs our storytelling approach. We often use tools like Slack and Notion for team collaboration, but we can't go without Adobe Creative Suite for design-centric content and Grammarly for writing precision. These tools help maintain our high standards of creativity and clarity. AI has become a vital part of our content creation, especially in analyzing customer insights and optimizing content for engagement. We've integrated AI at various stages to improve efficiency-like using AI-driven software for initial drafts or SEO analytics to tailor content. However, authentic storytelling rooted in human insights, gathered through personal research and client interactions, is irreplaceable and ensures content resonates on a deeper level. When working on brand narratives, as seen in a recent collaboration with a socially-driven startup from Ankord Labs, we combined AI-driven data insights with traditional competitor analysis. This method allowed us to create a compelling, audience-centric narrative that exceeded client expectations. While AI accelerates volume and precision, thoughtful, hands-on research remains crucial in crafting genuine connections and impactful storytelling.