The Do’s and Don’ts of ChatGPT

by | Oct 23, 2023

You can’t go far without hearing about ChatGPT and its current effect on writers and artists. The actor and writers’ strikes revolved significantly around the industry’s use of AI software to create art, and so far, only the writers have reached an equitable agreement. The truth is AI is here to stay, and while we are probably safe from the rise of the machines for a while, we are all trying to navigate what it means to work with this technology rather than having it work against us. I use ChatGPT in some aspects of my work, and just like any other tool, I have to balance the ethical and appropriate use. Here are some of the things you should know about working with ChatGPT.

Do’s

There are several things ChatGPT is good at, and it can help online content and copywriters to be more effective and efficient with their work. But using it correctly and not relying on it to do your job is crucial. Here are some things that are helpful when using ChatGPT.

Clearly Define Your Purpose

Do: Clearly outline the purpose and goals of your content. Determine the key messages you want to convey to your audience.

Why: A clear purpose helps ChatGPT generate more focused and relevant content.

Provide Clear Instructions

Do: Give specific instructions to ChatGPT. Mention the tone, style, and specific points you want to include in the content.

Why: Clear instructions help ChatGPT understand your requirements and deliver content that meets your expectations.

Edit and Revise

Do: Review and edit the content generated by ChatGPT. Add your personal touch, correct errors, and ensure the content fits your brand voice.

Why: Editing ensures the content is polished and aligns with your brand’s style and tone.

Utilize ChatGPT for Ideas

Do: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, outline content, or overcome writer’s block.

Why: ChatGPT can provide creative suggestions and help structure your thoughts effectively.

Experiment with Prompts

Do: Experiment with different prompts to see which generates the best content. Adjust your prompts based on the output.

Why: Adapting your prompts can help you get more relevant and targeted responses.

Cite Sources for Accuracy

Do: Use ChatGPT to generate content, but cite reliable sources separately if the content requires factual accuracy.

Why: Citing sources ensures the information provided is credible and trustworthy.

Don’ts:

Of course, there are some significant pitfalls when using ChatGPT for writing. It’s easy to become reliant on the program since it does a lot of the work for you, but as we’re seeing, it’s not always accurate. ChatGPT also has some informational biases since AI is only as good as the information it’s fed. Here are the things you should avoid when using the tool.

Rely Solely on AI

Don’t: Completely rely on ChatGPT without any human input. Always add your expertise and personal touch to the content.

Why: Human input adds authenticity and depth to the content, making it more engaging for readers.

Ignore Plagiarism Checks

Don’t: Neglect to check the generated content for plagiarism. Always ensure the content is original and not copied from other sources.

Why: Plagiarism can harm your reputation and SEO rankings. Original content is essential for credibility.

Don’t: Overlook legal and ethical aspects. Ensure the content adheres to copyright laws, is respectful, and does not promote harmful or misleading information.

Why: Adhering to legal and ethical standards maintains your integrity and trustworthiness.

Neglect Proofreading

Don’t: Skip proofreading the content generated by ChatGPT. Typos and grammatical errors can negatively impact the reader’s experience.

Why: Proofreading ensures professionalism and enhances the readability of your content.

Be Overly Impersonal

Don’t: Make the content overly robotic or impersonal. Inject personality and emotion to make the content relatable to your audience.

Why: Personalized content connects better with readers, fostering engagement and loyalty.

ChatGPT in Real Life

There are a lot of things to like about ChatGPT. It can help many of us work smarter, not harder. But that doesn’t mean it is replacing writers. There will be pitfalls to watch for, and it’s essential to continue to optimize web content with a human touch, but that doesn’t mean we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. When we look at ChatGPT as a tool to support us as writers, it becomes less of a threat. Think of it like an intern. You have to give explicit instructions, ask for clarification, and edit the results to become usable. The more you teach it, the better it works for you.

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author avatar
Laura M. LaVoie
Director of Storytelling - Laura M. LaVoie is a freelance writer living in Asheville, North Carolina, with Matt, and their Devon Rex cat, Toast. She grew up in Michigan, just outside of Detroit, and went to college in Kalamazoo. In 2003, she and Matt moved to Atlanta, Georgia. After 15 years as a recruiter in the temporary staffing industry, Laura left her job in 2012 to relocate to the mountains of Western North Carolina and write full-time. “I’m an early morning owl.”

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