How To Use ChatGPT To Create Social Media Content

by | May 16, 2024 | AI, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Technology

As a social media manager and CEO of a social media agency, I was initially hesitant that ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) tools would replace the work my team and I do for our clients on a regular basis. The thought of a machine taking over my role in creating engaging and authentic content for my clients—thought leaders, authors, speakers, and the like—was intimidating.

However, I’ve learned that these tools are not job thieves; instead, they are powerful allies. Over time I’ve learned that the majority of my clients are strapped for time and haven’t mastered the intricacies of social media, hence why they outsource their social media to Oh Snap! Social. So they certainly don’t have the time to harness the potential of tools like ChatGPT fully.

This is where I come in. In this blog, I’ll be breaking down three ways I’m using AI to enhance, not replace, my humanness and 15+ years of experience in the social media industry.

How I Use ChatGPT for Content Creation

Can we get something straight here? ChatGPT is a tool not a means to an end. Because it will never be authentically you. Think about it. ChatGPT is artificial intelligence…artificial, meaning not real. And being authentic (though I still have a love/hate relationship with this word) is by definition, not false or imitation” ahem…not artificial.

1. Spark Inspiration With This ChatGPT Prompt

Social media content creations requires your left and right brain to come together – where creativity and strategy align. And for some of us, writer’s block is a common issue in content creation (especially if you’re new to the topic). There is nothing worse than staring at a white screen and blinking cursor with empty brain cells. Then is when I open up ChatGPT to help me overcome this hurdle by providing fresh ideas and perspectives for content creation. However, you have to get the prompt outline right in order to have the tool spit out something remotely relevant.

I was working with an author who wanted to promote their new book on resilience. I needed some unique angles to present this topic on social media. I asked ChatGPT: “What are some unique ways to talk about resilience on social media?” And it went to work generating a plethora of ideas for me to jump start my content creation.

Solid ChatGPT Prompts for Inspiration:

– “Give me 5 unique angles to discuss [topic] on social media.”

– “What are some engaging questions to ask my audience about [subject]?”

– “Suggest some creative ways to introduce my new [book/product/event] to my followers.”

Starting from scratch but have an idea of your audience and campaign you’re looking to run? This strategy prompt is one of my absolute favorites, because remember the output is only as good as the prompt you input. 

I’m a [business niche/title] looking for some fantastic content ideas to engage my audience on [specific social media platform(s)/your content hub].

My brand/business focuses on [describe your niche/industry] and targets [your target audience].

I’m in need of fresh content ideas for [specific campaign/goal, e.g., a product launch, seasonal promotion, brand awareness].

Can you suggest some creative and unique content concepts that align with my brand’s tone and values?

I’m particularly interested in [mention any themes or aspects you’d like to incorporate].

Then watch ChatGPT go to work to generate loads of ideas that you can kickstart your ideation process for your content. 

2. Speed Up Content Creation Using AI

The next way I use ChatGPT is for speed. Again thinking about this tool in a way that takes a time consuming task in your business and parse it down to the matter of minutes, or even seconds is a total game changer for those of us who are operating with a lean, but mighty team.

For example, it used to take me loads of time to source relevant observances and national days for clients within a specific niche. Now, I ask the tool and it share national days quickly with dates and if I ask it, it could share a few post ideas as it relates to the niche I’m creating content for and the national day…thus making it once again, relevant!

My prompt for this would look something like this…

You’re a social media manager creating an editorial calendar for the next 12 months. You want to include relevant national days, weekly recognitions and monthly observances for [your niche.] Please make a list and include the date, national day/weekly recognition/monthl observance, and an idea for the post. Display it in a table format.

Solid ChatGPT Prompts for Speed:

– “Write a series of 5 social media posts to promote an upcoming event on [topic].”

– “Create a week’s worth of engaging social media content for [specific audience] who has a problem with [the thing they have a problem with] that will make them FEEL seen.”

– “Generate captions for 10 Instagram posts about [topic], be sure to to add a simply CTA that gets them to comment and engage with the post.”

It’s important to note that ChatGPT is pulling content from the web that was created by us, humans. So it’s always a best practice to finesse what the tool spits out to make it your own. We NEVER recommend copy and pasting, it’s just icky and lame. Don’t do it. 

3. Repurposing Content Using ChatGPT

Repurposing content is how I’m able to create content at scale for myself and my clients. First I define my anchor content, for me it’s blog posts. Then I pop my blog posts into ChatGPT and ask it to repurpose my blog content for social media captions. 

“Convert this blog post about emotional intelligence into a series of LinkedIn posts that engage my audience and encourage comments. Please provide visual ideas to accompany each caption.”

The starting place is something I have already written and I’m asking the tool to slice and dice it into bite-sized knowledge blocks for my audience to easily consume. I’ve been doing this manually for years and now with the help of my intern, ChatGPT, I’m able to do it with speed AND intention. Winnnnning! 

The other power play when it comes to repurposing content is it helps clients leverage what they already have to be able to keep their content consistent and not having to reinvent the wheel every time. ChatGPT’s superpower is in transforming content into various formats.

Solid ChatGPT Prompts for Repurposing Content:

– “Turn this blog post into a LinkedIn article utlizing this keyword, [enter keyword/keyword phrase].”

– “Create an Instagram story series from this podcast transcript.”

– “Summarize this webinar into a Twitter thread.”

The Human Touch: Putting Your Thumbprint on AI-Generated Content

While AI adoption is growing rapidly, it’s crucial to remember that AI tools like ChatGPT are just that—tools. The content they generate needs your unique voice, expertise, and authenticity. By incorporating your personal touch, you ensure that your content resonates more deeply with your audience. AI can generate ideas and drafts, but the final, polished content should always reflect your brand’s personality and values.

Instead of fearing AI, we should embrace it as a valuable resource that enhances our creativity and efficiency. With tools like ChatGPT, we can focus on what we do best: creating meaningful connections and delivering high-quality content that stands out in the crowded digital landscape. So, go ahead and experiment with AI, but always remember to add your unique touch to make your content truly shine.