The Post That Fooled No One
Sarah fed ChatGPT a prompt: "Write a LinkedIn post about the importance of networking." Two seconds later, it spit out 200 words. She copy-pasted it, hit publish, and waited for engagement.
The post got 47 impressions. Three likes. Zero comments. One person DM'd her: "Did you write this, or did AI?"
The problem wasn't that she used AI. The problem was that she used it badly. She treated it like a vending machine—insert prompt, receive post, publish—without adding anything of herself. The result? Content that sounded like every other AI-generated post flooding LinkedIn: polished, generic, and utterly forgettable.
Meanwhile, her colleague James used AI differently. He asked it to brainstorm 10 hook variations for a story he wanted to tell. He picked one, rewrote it in his voice, and used it to open a deeply personal post about a networking mistake he'd made. The post got 5,000 impressions and 60 comments. People told him it was one of his most relatable posts ever.
Same tool. Completely different outcomes. The difference? James used AI as a creative partner, not a replacement for his voice. That's the skill you need to master if you want AI to accelerate your content without making you sound like a robot.
Why AI-Generated LinkedIn Content Usually Fails (And How to Fix It)
AI-generated content fails on LinkedIn for one simple reason: it lacks specificity. AI doesn't know your stories, your experiences, your perspective, or your voice. It can only remix patterns it's seen before. The result is content that's technically correct but emotionally flat.
The Telltale Signs of AI Writing
People can spot AI-generated content instantly. Here's what gives it away:
- Vague generalizations: "Networking is important because it opens doors to new opportunities." (True, but meaningless.)
- Overuse of buzzwords: "Leverage synergies to unlock value." (No human talks like this.)
- Lack of personal detail: AI can't tell your story because it doesn't know it.
- Overly polished tone: AI writes like a press release, not a conversation.
- Predictable structure: AI loves three-part lists and tidy conclusions. Real human writing is messier.
If your post could have been written by anyone about anything, it was probably written by AI—or it might as well have been. And when content lacks the human specificity that builds trust, you miss the opportunity to create posts that balance professional authority with personal authenticity.
How to Use AI as a Creative Partner (Not a Content Machine)
The key to using AI effectively is understanding what it's good at—and what it's terrible at. AI excels at generating options, overcoming blank-page syndrome, and speeding up routine tasks. It's terrible at originality, nuance, and voice.
So don't ask AI to write your posts. Ask it to help you think. Here's how:
Use AI for Brainstorming (Not Final Drafts)
Instead of asking AI to write a post, ask it to generate ideas:
Prompt: "Give me 10 angles I could take on a LinkedIn post about overcoming imposter syndrome."
AI will generate a list. Most will be generic, but 1-2 might spark something. Pick the one that resonates, then write the post yourself in your own voice. You've used AI to jumpstart ideation without outsourcing your thinking. This is the same creative expansion mindset behind turning one idea into ten posts.
Use AI to Generate Hook Variations
Hooks are hard. AI can help you explore options faster.
Prompt: "I want to write about a time I failed to follow up with a great connection and lost an opportunity. Give me 5 different hooks that could open this story."
AI generates hooks. You pick the best one and refine it. You've saved 10 minutes of staring at a blank screen, but the story and insight are still yours. And when you refine AI-generated hooks, you're applying principles from hooks that stop the scroll.
Use AI to Reframe Ideas You Already Have
Sometimes you know what you want to say, but you're stuck on how to frame it. AI can help.
Prompt: "I want to make the point that consistency beats perfectionism in content creation. Give me 3 ways to frame this idea for a LinkedIn audience."
AI gives you angles. You choose one and build the post around it. This is collaboration, not automation.
Use AI for Editing and Tightening
You've written a draft, but it's too long or too wordy. Feed it to AI with a specific editing request:
Prompt: "Make this more concise without losing the personal tone: [paste your draft]."
AI tightens it. You review the result, restore anything that lost your voice, and publish. You've used AI as an editing assistant, not a ghostwriter. This is similar to how you'd approach the editing phase in a batch content workflow.
The "Human Overlay" Method: How to Make AI-Assisted Content Sound Like You
Even if you use AI to draft, outline, or brainstorm, the final content must sound like you. Here's the process:
Step 1: Use AI to Generate Raw Material
Ask AI for a rough draft, outline, or list of ideas. Treat this as raw material, not finished work.
Step 2: Strip Out the AI-isms
Delete the buzzwords, vague statements, and robotic phrasing. If a sentence could appear in any post by any person, cut it or rewrite it with specificity.
Step 3: Add Yourself
This is the most important step. Add:
- A specific story or example from your life: AI can't do this. Only you can.
- Your perspective or contrarian take: What do you believe that others don't?
- Conversational quirks: The way you actually talk. Sentence fragments. Rhetorical questions. Humor.
- Emotion: AI writes like Spock. You write like a human who cares.
By the time you're done, the post should feel like you wrote it—because you did. AI just helped you get started. And when you infuse emotion and specificity, you're creating the kind of resonance explored in what makes people care on LinkedIn.
Step 4: Read It Out Loud
If it sounds like something you'd say in a conversation, you're good. If it sounds like a corporate memo, go back and loosen it up.
What NOT to Use AI For on LinkedIn
AI is powerful, but it's not appropriate for everything. Here's where to draw the line:
Don't Use AI to Write Personal Stories
AI can't tell your story. If you let it try, the result will be a hollow, generic placeholder. Personal stories are your competitive advantage. Don't outsource them.
Don't Use AI to Generate "Original" Insights
AI regurgitates patterns. It doesn't create new ideas. If your goal is thought leadership, you need to do the thinking. AI can help you articulate and refine your insights, but it can't create them for you. True thought leadership comes from lived experience and original thinking, which is why storytelling creates emotional engagement.
Don't Use AI to Write Comments on Others' Posts
This is where AI does the most damage. Generic comments like "Great insights! Thanks for sharing." are already annoying. When people suspect they're AI-generated, it's even worse. Comments are relationship-building tools. Write them yourself. And when you do, apply the strategy from why comments are content too.
Don't Use AI to Fake Expertise You Don't Have
AI can make you sound knowledgeable about anything. That's dangerous. If you use AI to write authoritatively about topics you don't actually understand, you'll eventually get called out. Stick to what you know. Use AI to communicate better, not to pretend to be someone you're not.
Advanced Prompting Strategies for Better Results
The quality of AI output depends on the quality of your prompts. Here's how to write prompts that get better results:
Give AI Context About Your Voice
Instead of: "Write a LinkedIn post about time management."
Try: "Write a LinkedIn post about time management. I want it to be conversational, slightly irreverent, and include a personal anecdote. Avoid buzzwords like 'synergy' or 'unlock.' Keep it under 150 words."
The more specific you are, the closer AI gets to sounding like you.
Ask for Options, Not a Single Answer
Instead of: "Write a hook for my post."
Try: "Give me 5 different hook options for a post about the importance of following up after networking events. Make them varied—some curiosity-driven, some story-driven, some contrarian."
Options give you creative control. You're not stuck with AI's first attempt. And when you iterate on hooks, you're using the same method from mastering LinkedIn preview copy.
Iterate on AI's Output
If AI's first attempt isn't great, refine your prompt and ask again. AI gets better the more you guide it.
Follow-up prompt: "That's too formal. Make it more casual and add humor."
Iteration is key. Don't accept the first draft. Push AI to get closer to what you actually want.
How to Balance AI Efficiency with Authentic Engagement
AI can make you faster. But LinkedIn rewards authenticity, not speed. So the goal isn't to post more—it's to post better while spending less time staring at blank screens.
Use AI for the First 80%, Then Add the Last 20% Yourself
Let AI handle structure, outlining, and initial drafting. Then you add the voice, the story, the insight, and the emotion. That final 20% is what makes content memorable. And that 20% is where you ensure your content embodies the principles from the anatomy of a high-performing post.
Never Let AI Replace Your Engagement
You can use AI to draft posts. But you should never use it to engage with your network. Respond to comments yourself. Write DMs yourself. Show up as a human, not a bot. Real relationships require real presence, which is the core of building relationships without sounding salesy.
Periodically Post Without AI
Don't become dependent. Once a week, write a post entirely from scratch with no AI assistance. This keeps your creative muscles strong and ensures your voice doesn't drift toward AI's default tone over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ethical to use AI for LinkedIn content?
Yes, as long as you're transparent when it matters and you're not using AI to deceive or fake expertise. Using AI to brainstorm, draft, or edit is no different from using spell-check or a thesaurus. The final content should reflect your ideas and voice.
Should I disclose when I use AI?
Only if the post is entirely AI-generated and you're sharing it as an experiment. If you use AI as a tool in your creative process (like you would a writing assistant), disclosure isn't necessary. The content is still yours.
Can people tell if I use AI?
Yes, if you don't edit it. Generic phrasing, buzzwords, and lack of personal detail are dead giveaways. But if you use the "human overlay" method and make the content your own, no one will know—or care.
What's the best AI tool for LinkedIn content?
ChatGPT, Claude, and Jasper are all solid options. The tool matters less than how you use it. Focus on prompting strategies and the human overlay process, not the specific platform.
Next step: Use AI to accelerate your creativity without losing your voice — Try ANDI Free.
