AI vs Manual Writing: Which Works Better for LinkedIn?
Explore the debate between AI and manual writing for LinkedIn to discover the best strategies for creating engaging content.
Want to boost your LinkedIn game? Here's the scoop on AI vs manual writing:
- AI writing: Fast, cheap, good for ideas and first drafts
- Manual writing: More authentic, emotional, better at storytelling
- Best approach: Combine both for optimal results
Quick comparison:
| Feature | AI Content | Human Content |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast | Slower |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Authenticity | Limited | High |
| Creativity | Constrained | Unlimited |
| Personal touch | Lacking | Strong |
Key takeaways:
- Use AI for speed and efficiency
- Add your personal touch to AI-generated content
- Be transparent about using AI
- Track performance and adjust your strategy
- Mix different post types for better engagement
Remember: The goal is to create content your audience cares about, regardless of how it's made.
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How LinkedIn Content Works Today
LinkedIn's content game is always changing. The platform's algorithm decides what shows up in your feed. If you want to make a splash on LinkedIn, you need to know how content performs - whether you're using AI or writing posts yourself.
In 2024, LinkedIn's algorithm loves content that gets people talking and adds value for professionals. It's not just about going viral anymore. LinkedIn wants to showcase expert knowledge and build real connections.
What Numbers Matter?
On LinkedIn, engagement is everything. That means likes, comments, clicks, and shares. In 2024, the average engagement rate on LinkedIn is 3.85% - up 44% from last year.
Impressions are important too. They show how many people saw your content. Right now, the average impression rate on LinkedIn is 9.50%. That's way higher than most other social platforms.
Content That Kills It
LinkedIn's algorithm has its favorites:
- Polls: These interactive posts are getting the most eyeballs right now.
- Multiple Images: Posts with several pictures are crushing it in 2024.
- Video Content: Videos are big, getting shared more than anything else.
- Text-Only Posts: Don't count out well-written text posts. They can still pack a punch.
The Two-Hour Window
How your post does in the first two hours is make-or-break. If you hit 2,000 impressions in the first hour, you might have a viral post on your hands. For example, if a post goes from 2,000 impressions at hour 1 to 30,000 by hour 4, it's on fire.
When to Post
Timing matters. Post when your audience is online. LinkedIn pros say the best times are weekdays from 8-10 AM or 4-6 PM. But check when YOUR audience is most active.
Keep It Real
LinkedIn's latest algorithm changes love personal knowledge and insights. Share stuff that hits home or talks about experiences people can relate to. Amy Volas, a LinkedIn big shot, went viral with a super long post that spoke some hard truths about her industry.
How to Win on LinkedIn
Want your content to take off? Try these:
- Get People Talking: End your posts with questions that make people think.
- Think Mobile: Use "tall" content (square images, portrait videos) that takes up more space on phone screens.
- Give Value: Share useful tips and advice, not just promotional stuff.
- Stay Active: Reply to comments and join conversations. It builds relationships and gets you noticed.
- Mix It Up: Try different types of posts like polls, multi-image posts, and videos. See what your audience likes best.
Writing LinkedIn Posts with AI
AI tools are changing the game for LinkedIn content creation. These smart helpers can boost your online presence and save you time. Let's see what AI can do for your LinkedIn strategy.
What AI Tools Can Do
Think of AI writing tools for LinkedIn as your personal digital copywriter. They can:
- Come up with post ideas based on what's hot
- Write drafts in no time
- Make your content more engaging
- Post when your audience is most active
- Check how your posts are doing and suggest tweaks
Taplio, powered by GPT-4, is a standout tool. It's an all-in-one solution for building your personal brand quickly. Taplio helps with content creation, scheduling, and performance tracking.
ContentIn's AI Writing Solutions
ContentIn is making waves with its AI-powered LinkedIn toolkit. Here's what makes it special:
- Personal AI Ghostwriter: Writes like you do
- Viral Template Library: Ready-to-use post formats that work
- Endless Idea Generator: Never run out of content ideas
- Post Analytics: See what's working and improve
ContentIn's Starter plan ($24.15/month) lets you create 3 posts per week with their AI assistant. The Growth plan ($41.84/month) offers unlimited posts and extra features like LinkedIn Analytics.
Results from AI-Written Posts
AI-generated content is showing promise. Buffer's research found:
- Non-AI posts have a 6.22% median engagement rate on LinkedIn
- AI-assisted posts bump that up to 6.85%
It might not seem like much, but it adds up. AI tools help creators produce more content efficiently, increasing their chances of connecting with their audience.
ESPN's AI-created content imagining athletes in different jerseys is a great example. A post featuring Caitlin Clark got over 318,000 likes and almost 2,000 comments in less than a day.
Where AI Falls Short
AI isn't perfect. Here are some common issues:
1. Generic Content
AI can sometimes produce bland posts that lack personality.
2. Lack of Human Touch
AI struggles with nuance and emotional intelligence.
3. Factual Errors
AI can make mistakes or present outdated information.
4. Overreliance
Depending too much on AI can lead to a loss of authentic voice.
One LinkedIn user tried AI-generated posts and found that while they were grammatically correct, they often lacked the spark of originality that comes from human creativity.
For best results, mix AI's efficiency with your personal insights. LinkedIn suggests always reviewing and adding your own thoughts to AI-generated drafts before posting. This combo approach can help you stay authentic while using AI to boost your LinkedIn presence.
Writing LinkedIn Posts by Hand
In today's AI-driven world, handcrafted LinkedIn posts still pack a punch. Here's why rolling up your sleeves and writing your own content can supercharge your LinkedIn game.
How Human Writers Stand Out
Let's face it: humans have an edge over AI when it comes to creating content that clicks. Here's the scoop:
- We get emotions. We've been there, done that. We can tap into shared experiences that make people go, "Yep, that's me!"
- We pick up on the little things. Context? Subtleties? We've got 'em covered.
- We can turn on a dime. Breaking news? Audience feedback? We adjust our message faster than you can say "algorithm update."
Take the COVID-19 pandemic. LinkedIn lit up with personal stories of people adapting and bouncing back. These raw, honest posts? They blew up because they hit home.
Personal Voice in Posts
Your unique voice? It's your LinkedIn superpower. It's what makes your posts unmistakably YOU and helps you connect with your audience for real.
Want to find your voice? Try this:
- Tell your own stories. What have you learned the hard way?
- Got thoughts on industry trends? Share 'em.
- Write like you talk. (But maybe skip the swear words.)
Remember: LinkedIn is for pros, but it's also about relationships. Keep it professional, but don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Time and Work Needed
Let's be real: crafting quality content takes time. Here's a rough breakdown:
1. Brainstorming: 15-30 minutes to nail down your topic
2. Research: 30-60 minutes to dig up the good stuff
3. Writing: 1-2 hours to get your thoughts down
4. Editing: 30 minutes to make it shine
5. Engaging: 15-30 minutes to chat with your commenters
Sounds like a lot? Maybe. But the payoff can be huge. Hand-crafted posts often lead to more likes, comments, and real connections.
Pro Tip: Block out time each week for content creation. Showing up regularly on LinkedIn? That's how you build momentum and grow your network.
Create Engaging LinkedIn Content
Use ContentIn's AI Ghostwriter to write posts that resonate with your audience and build your personal brand effortlessly.
AI vs. Manual Writing: Side by Side
Let's compare AI and manual writing for LinkedIn posts. We'll focus on content quality, reader response, creation speed, and price.
Content Quality
AI-generated content has improved, but human-written posts still have the edge:
Human writers bring depth and nuance that AI can't match. They understand context and industry specifics better. Plus, humans can think outside the box and create truly original ideas.
Humans also excel at emotional intelligence. They craft content that connects with readers on a deeper level.
A Marketing Insider Group study found human-authored content outperformed AI and hybrid content in web traffic and keyword rankings.
Reader Response
The engagement gap between AI and human-written content is clear:
A study of over 2,000 marketing campaigns showed:
- Human-written copy: 4.5% average click-through rate (CTR), 15.3% engagement rate
- AI-generated copy: 3.8% average CTR, 12.7% engagement rate
Neil Patel, Co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, says: "Human writers bring creativity, empathy, and context to their work, which AI cannot replicate yet. While AI can support and enhance the content creation process, the human touch remains indispensable."
Speed of Creation
AI has the upper hand here:
- AI tools like ContentIn's AI Ghostwriter can produce LinkedIn posts in minutes
- Human writers typically need 2-3 hours for a high-quality post
AI is faster, but often at the cost of depth and originality.
Price Comparison
The cost difference is substantial:
| Content Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| AI Writing Tools | $20-$50/month for unlimited posts |
| Professional Human Writers | $0.75-$1.00 per word |
For a 300-word LinkedIn post:
- AI Tool: About $1-2 (based on monthly subscription)
- Human Writer: $225-$300
AI offers big savings, but consider the potential trade-offs in quality and engagement.
Using Both AI and Human Writing
AI tools and personal writing can work together to boost your LinkedIn content strategy. Here's how to get the best of both:
Getting the Most from AI
AI is great for routine tasks and quick first drafts. Use it like this:
1. Idea generation
AI tools like ContentIn's Idea Generator can kickstart your creativity. Users say they get 40% more content ideas with AI brainstorming.
2. First drafts
AI can whip up a basic post structure in minutes. No more staring at a blank page for hours.
3. Keyword optimization
AI can suggest hashtags and keywords to make your post more visible. ContentIn's AI assistant looks at what's hot in your industry and picks hashtags that could boost your reach by 30%.
4. Smart scheduling
Let AI figure out when to post. ContentIn's scheduler checks when your audience is most active and suggests the best times to post. This could bump up engagement by 25%.
But remember: AI is your helper, not your replacement. Your unique take is still key.
Adding Your Personal Touch
AI gives you a starting point. Your personal input makes your content shine. Here's how to make AI-generated content your own:
- Edit for your voice: Tweak AI drafts to match your style. Add your stories, industry know-how, or opinions.
- Bring in the feels: AI isn't great with emotions. Add your own humor, empathy, or passion where it fits.
- Add real-world context: Sprinkle in examples from your experience. It makes your posts more credible and relatable.
- Tailor for your audience: Adjust the content for your specific LinkedIn network. AI gives you a general outline, but you know your audience best.
"The idea is to augment humans rather than replace them. And basically, to see AI as a tool that enhances the productivity of humans and works hand in hand, rather than something that replaces humans." - Sam Garg, CEO and founder of Writesonic
Picking the Best Method
Choosing between AI, manual, or combined writing for LinkedIn isn't simple. Your business size and content needs matter. Let's break it down:
What Works for Your Business Size
Small Businesses and Solopreneurs
A hybrid approach often works best for smaller operations:
- AI tools can generate ideas and first drafts quickly, saving time.
- Manual editing keeps your unique voice authentic.
Sarah Lee, a solopreneur life coach, uses AI to generate post ideas and outlines. She adds her personal touch, boosting her LinkedIn post engagement by 40% in three months.
Medium-Sized Companies
As you grow, balance becomes key:
- Use AI for routine posts to maintain a steady presence.
- Rely on human writers for in-depth articles and thought leadership.
Large Enterprises
With more resources, large companies can use both AI and human talent:
- AI tools help with high-volume content across multiple areas.
- Human editors ensure brand consistency and add polish.
IBM uses AI for daily updates and industry news, while their writers create detailed case studies. This approach has grown their LinkedIn follower count by 25% in a year.
How Much Content You Need
Your posting frequency affects your writing method choice:
Low Volume (1-2 posts per week)
Manual writing might be best here. It lets you:
- Create highly personal content
- Build a strong, authentic voice
- Connect deeply with your audience
Medium Volume (3-5 posts per week)
A combined approach works well:
- AI for quick updates and news
- Manual writing for personal stories
- AI for ideas and drafts, then edit by hand
High Volume (Daily or more)
AI becomes crucial for businesses aiming to dominate their LinkedIn niche:
- Use AI tools for bulk content creation
- Human editors refine AI-generated content
- Save manual writing for high-impact posts
Pro Tip: Test different AI-to-manual content ratios. Track engagement to find what works best.
Quality beats quantity. LinkedIn favors posts that spark real interactions. Hootsuite found that posting 1-5 times a week on LinkedIn doubled engagement compared to daily posts.
Conclusion
The AI vs. manual writing debate for LinkedIn isn't about picking a winner. It's about finding what works for you.
AI tools like ContentIn are fast. They can whip up ideas, drafts, and optimized posts in no time. That's huge for businesses wanting to stay active on LinkedIn.
But humans still bring something special. Manual writing adds depth and authenticity that AI can't match yet. Neil Patel from Neil Patel Digital puts it this way: "Human writers bring creativity, empathy, and context to their work, which AI cannot replicate yet."
Here's the deal:
- Use AI for speed: Let AI handle brainstorming, first drafts, and routine posts. It'll save you tons of time.
- Add your touch: Always review AI content. Sprinkle in your experiences and know-how.
- Be honest: Using AI? Consider telling your audience. It builds trust.
- Watch and learn: Keep tabs on how your posts do. One study found AI-generated LinkedIn posts (with human edits) got about 1,375 daily views and 22 engagements. Use this info to get better.
- Mix it up: Try different post types. Did you know video posts on LinkedIn get 5x more engagement than text-only? Image posts get 2x more comments.
The future? Probably a mix of both. Akshay Kothari from Notion says: "The best LinkedIn content sparks conversations and adds value to your network." Whether that spark comes from AI or you, the goal's the same: create stuff your audience cares about.
FAQs
Should you use AI for LinkedIn posts?
AI tools for LinkedIn posts? They're hot right now. But don't ditch your brain just yet.
Here's the deal:
AI can be a time-saver. It'll spit out ideas and drafts faster than you can say "professional networking." Plus, it'll keep your posting schedule on track and even suggest hashtags.
But there's a catch.
AI-generated content often lacks that personal touch. You know, the stuff that makes your network actually want to engage with you. And if you lean on AI too hard, you might end up sounding like everyone else.
Fleur Willemijn from AI Monks.io puts it bluntly: "Don't over-rely on AI for your LinkedIn content, posts, or comments."
So, what's the move?
Use AI as a springboard, not the whole diving board. Start with AI, then add your secret sauce. Mix in your personal insights. And always, ALWAYS give it a human once-over before hitting "post."
Oh, and if you're using AI? Be upfront about it. Your audience will appreciate the honesty.
Remember: LinkedIn is about connecting with real people. Make sure your posts reflect the real you.
Create Engaging LinkedIn Content
Use ContentIn's AI Ghostwriter to write posts that resonate with your audience and build your personal brand effortlessly.