If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen with a half-sipped coffee in hand, wondering how you’ll ever get all that content written and take care of your actual business – you’re not alone, friend.
That was me just a few months ago. I hit a wall. The kind of burnout that makes even simple to-dos feel like climbing a mountain in flip flops. I needed help, but not the kind that meant hiring a full team or sacrificing the warm, personal voice my clients count on.
So I did what any curious, slightly overwhelmed business owner might do: I gave AI a shot.
Why I Turned to AI in My Business
I didn’t dive into AI out of hype. I reached for it because I was tired. Tired of long content days. Tired of rewriting the same thing over and over. And very tired of tech tools that promised to “save time” but left me more confused.
But then I found a rhythm.
- I started small- using AI to brainstorm blog topics when my brain felt like mashed potatoes.
- I tested prompts with ChatGPT to help me rephrase things more clearly.
- I let Gemini help me draft descriptions for my digital products.
Once I realized I could guide these tools to sound like me, things clicked. I wasn’t giving away control, I was just skipping the blank page part. In fact, I’ve been building my own custom GPT to help small business owners create their brand books faster, without losing that personal touch. It’s currently in testing, but it’s coming soon!
How I Actually Use AI (and What I Don’t)
AI is great for getting started. Here’s what I love using it for:
- Brainstorming blog or email topics
- Batching social captions or first drafts
- Formatting longer copy into outlines or bullet points
- Creating quick content variations (great for Pinterest descriptions!)
My go-to tools?
- My Brand Book – This is the first thing I use when working with AI. Having a clear, documented brand voice and visual style makes every AI prompt 10x more effective. (Hint: I’m releasing a tool soon that helps you build yours!)
- ChatGPT for just about everything content related
- Canva AI when I need visual help or presentation support
- Midjourney for visual inspiration and mockups
- Gemini for polishing complex content
But what I don’t let AI touch? My brand voice, my visual style, and the way I speak to my clients. That human connection – that “you’re not alone in this” vibe – is all me.
My Voice Comes First, Then AI Steps In
Let’s talk about what a brand book actually is—and why it matters, especially when using AI.
A brand book is a living document that holds the heart of your brand: your voice, your tone, your visuals, your mission, and how you show up online. It’s like a GPS for your messaging. When I use AI, I don’t rely on it to “guess” who I am, I give it clear directions pulled straight from my brand book.
For me, that meant:
- Writing my own brand tone guide
- Creating a list of phrases and examples that sound like me
- Using clear prompts that reflect my style, not just generic requests
If you don’t have a brand book yet, I promise it makes everything smoother- from blog writing to homepage copy to social posts.
Need a place to start? This post on simple website copy might help you clarify your voice.
AI Isn’t the Creator, You Are
Think of AI like a co-writer who’s never had coffee with your ideal client. It can type quickly, but it needs your direction.
I like to call myself the creator. AI is my assistant. My ideas, my strategy, my heart- it all comes first.
One quick example: I asked ChatGPT to write product descriptions for my sister site, pinkcalicocreative.com. At first? The results were… bleh. Five generic paragraphs that didn’t sound like me, or my business, at all. It wasn’t until I completed a full brand book and used it to guide ChatGPT that things really started to click. Suddenly, the descriptions felt warm, clear, and totally aligned with the brand’s vibe. That’s the blend that works.
What This Means for My Clients
Using AI in my workflow has actually helped me serve better:
- Faster turnarounds – because I don’t have to start from scratch every time
- Sharper strategy – because I spend more time reviewing and refining and less time staring at a blank page
- More flexible support – because I can offer templates, tools, and strategy without needing to start every project from scratch
But don’t worry, done-for-you still means done by me. The final copy? The visuals? The strategy? That’s still handcrafted.
A Real Talk Moment About AI Use
Let’s be real: AI isn’t magic. It’s helpful, but it’s not a replacement for brand clarity, messaging, or knowing your audience.
If your site isn’t converting, or your copy isn’t connecting, AI won’t magically fix it. You still need the strategy behind the content.
That said? If you’re curious – try it! Just know that you’re the one in control.
Check out this guide from Content at Scale if you want a peek into how businesses are using AI right now.
Want to See How It Feels in Action?
I’m building something special and I’d love your help testing it.
Brandora is my custom GPT tool designed to help you build your own brand book, step by step. It’s like having a brand strategist in your back pocket (but without the hefty price tag).
Right now, I’m looking for beta testers who want early access and aren’t afraid to give a little feedback. Curious? Excited? Nerdily intrigued?
Reach out and let me know you’re interested, and I’ll send you the invite.
Let’s see what Brandora can do for you. And this is just the beginning! I have built a few custom bots that are so helpful in my day to day and I’m so excited to share them with you in the near future.
No tech overwhelm. No weird jargon. Just strategy, clarity, and content that feels like you.
Here’s the Truth
It doesn’t have to be AI or you. It can be AI with you.
Use what works. Skip what doesn’t. But stay in the driver’s seat.
Because you don’t have to do it all manually to do it well.
