What You Need to Know About AI-Generated Content Before You Hire a Copywriter

Have you heard there’s a rumor in the SEO world? If not, lean in close because we’re here to fill you in on all the juicy tidbits. 

If you’ve been following the rise of AI in the world of content writing, you know that there has been a rumor going around that Google penalizes websites utilizing AI-generated content. While there is some truth to that, it’s not the whole story. 

So what does Google think of AI-generated content? Before you hire a copywriter, you need to know. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of AI on your SEO.  

Let’s Have a Snack: What’s Google E-E-A-T

E-E-A-T is terminology that’s been floating around the world of SEO a lot recently. However, its predecessor, E-A-T, has been around since 2014. It was only at the end of 2022 that the extra E was added.  

 When you’re creating SEO content, it’s imperative to understand what E-E-A-T is, and how to implement it. You also need to understand it to fully understand when Google penalizes AI-generated content and when it doesn’t. 

E-E-A-T stands for: 

• Experience
• Expertise
• Authoritativeness
• Trustworthiness

One factor Google focuses on when ranking is quality content. According to Google, quality content should demonstrate the qualities of E-E-A-T. 

There’s a lot that goes into this; however, what’s important to note is what Google actually looks at. Despite rumors, they don’t look at how content was created. Instead, they look at the quality of the content.

If you create spam content with AI, it will be penalized. However, it is possible to create quality content with the assistance of AI. Let’s talk about quality a little more. 

Quality vs. Quantity

Over the years, there have been many ways people have attempted to “game” the system to increase their SERP. This has led to some underhanded techniques, but the good news is that Google is pretty good at spotting and putting a stop to this type of behavior. 

Engaging in SEO techniques that aren’t above board can actually decrease your rankings. When it comes to finding your way to the top of the search engine results, it’s about quality, not quantity. Google rewards websites that produce quality content, and the quality of that content is judged by E-E-A-T. 

Experience

Experience is determined by the amount of first-hand experience the person creating the page has. Let’s look at this scenario, you’ve decided it’s time to buy new computers for your business. 

You look for reviews on the models you’re considering. Would you rather read reviews completed by people who have actually used the computer? Or reviews from people who have simply researched the product and read other reviews? 

For most people, the answer is that they want to read content from someone with first-hand experience. However, conflict of interest also plays a role in reviews, and that’s important to keep in mind as well. 

Expertise

Expertise comes down to the amount of knowledge someone has about a topic. For example, If you’re trying to learn about SEO and how AI factors in, you want to learn from someone who has experience with SEO and AI. 

Alternatively, the same advice wouldn’t be the same coming from a plumber who has no knowledge of those factors. 

Authoritativeness

How much authority does your website have on the topic at hand? Are you a go-to source for this type of information? The topics on your website should make sense for your field of expertise. 

Trust

All of this can easily get pulled back to our final letter, T or Trust. When you create content that demonstrates experience, expertise, and authoritativeness, you build trust. 

Your readers want content they can trust. Therefore, this plays a significant role in your SERP. 

Why Does This Matter? 

If you’re hiring a writer to create content for your website, shouldn’t they be the one that knows all of this? Yes, yes, they should. 

However, you should also be aware of the basics. This will help ensure that you choose the right copywriter for your project. 

When you’re interviewing potential freelancers, take the time to ask them how they use AI-generated content in their own writing. Make sure that they understand the risks involved, and they know how to work around those risks. Asking these questions will help you understand their level of expertise and help set expectations for the content they create for you. 

How Does This Factor Into Hiring Freelancers? 

Knowing that Google doesn’t care about how content’s created, but instead, they care about quality factors into hiring a freelancer for copywriting. Here are some factors to consider when hiring and working with freelancer writers using AI writing tools. 

Knowledge of your Niche

If you have personal experience with a topic, you will be able to write about it with more authority and credibility. Look for freelancers with knowledge in your field. 

Emphasize the Importance of Research

Make sure that your freelancer is aware of the importance of researching topics they may not fully understand. This will allow them to make sure their content is accurate and up-to-date. It will also help them find credible sources for the information they’re presenting. 

Use Language That’s Clear and Concise

The purpose of your content is to educate your audience. However, if they can’t understand what’s written, that will impact it. 

Make sure you steer clear of jargon or tech speak that could confuse people. If it’s unavoidable, make sure you explain it. 

Eye for Detail

If you’re creating content using AI, it’s imperative to have a good eye for detail. This will help you catch grammatical errors, fluff, inaccuracies, and other issues. Make sure your freelancer has the ability really dig into a piece of content and ensure that it’s ready to go. 

Hire a Freelance Copywriter 

Google focuses on the quality of content, not how it is created. However, knowing that there are still precautions you need to take when using AI to create content. Are you looking for a freelancer copywriter that can work with AI and still create quality content? 

We’re here to help you FreeUp your time with the right freelancer. Book a call today to find your next freelancer.