AI Content Workflow: The System I Use to Publish 4-6 Articles Per Week

Most people using AI for content are doing it wrong.

They ask ChatGPT to “write an article about X” and get back generic garbage that sounds like every other AI-generated piece on the internet.

That’s not a workflow. That’s a slot machine.

I know because I tried it. Pumped out 30 articles in two weeks. Rankings? Zero. Traffic? Crickets. Google knew exactly what that content was, and so did readers.

Then I built a system. Same AI tools, completely different results. Now I publish 4-6 pieces per week that actually rank and drive revenue.

The difference isn’t the AI. It’s the system.

This is the exact workflow I use, actual prompts, specific stages, and quality gates that separate “AI slop” from content that builds a business.

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Why Most AI Content Fails

I see this constantly.

Someone discovers Claude or ChatGPT, gets excited, starts pumping out “content” at scale.

Three months later? Rankings tanked. Engagement flatlined. Maybe a manual action from Google.

The problem isn’t AI. The problem is treating AI like a replacement instead of a multiplier.

Here’s what happens when you just “ask AI to write articles”:

• No differentiation. Your content sounds identical to the thousand other sites using the same approach
• Surface-level coverage. AI summarizes what already exists online. It doesn’t add new information
• No expertise signals. Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines look for experience and expertise. AI-generated content has neither
• Pattern detection. AI detection tools are getting better. But more importantly, readers can tell

Here’s what happens when you use AI as a multiplier:

• You move 3-5x faster through research, drafting, and optimization
• Your unique perspective stays at the center
• AI handles the tedious parts while you focus on value-add
• Content actually ranks because it has something competitors don’t

The difference is having a system.

The Human-AI Split

Before we get into the workflow, let me be clear about what AI should and shouldn’t do.

What You Bring

What AI Brings

The 80/20 Rule

In practice, this breaks down to roughly:

• AI handles 80% of the production work (research compilation, drafting, formatting, initial edits)
• You provide 20% of the input (strategy, expertise, enhancement, final quality control)

But that 20% is what makes the content actually valuable.

Think of AI like a very fast junior writer. They can research, outline, and draft. But they need your direction, your expertise, and your final edit to produce something publishable.

The 6-Stage Workflow Overview

Here’s the complete system:

RESEARCH → PLANNING → DRAFTING → ENHANCEMENT → EDITING → PUBLISHING
   |          |          |            |            |          |
 Topics     Briefs      AI        Your Value    Quality    Optimize
Keywords   Outlines   Drafts     Experience    Control     Launch
  Gaps    Structure  Sections    Data/Proof    Polish     Promote

Each stage has specific inputs, outputs, and quality gates.

Let me walk through each one with the actual prompts and processes I use.

Stage 1: Research With AI

Every piece starts here. Skip this stage and you’re building on sand.

Finding Topics Worth Covering

Before writing anything, you need to know:

1. What topics have search demand?
2. What’s the competition like?
3. What angle isn’t being covered well?

If you already have your niche research done, you’ll have a topic list. But for individual pieces, here’s how I validate:

Topic Validation Prompt:

I'm considering writing about: [TOPIC]

Research and provide:

1. SEARCH INTENT
   - What is someone searching this actually looking for?
   - Informational / Commercial / Transactional?
   - What questions do they want answered?

2. TOP COMPETING CONTENT
   Analyze the top 5 ranking articles:
   | Rank | URL | Word Count | Unique Angle | Key Weakness |

3. CONTENT GAPS
   What do none of the top articles cover well?
   What questions remain unanswered?
   What depth is missing?

4. DIFFERENTIATION OPPORTUNITY
   Given my expertise in [YOUR EXPERTISE], what unique angle could I take?

5. RECOMMENDATION
   Should I write this? Why/why not?
   If yes, what specific angle should I take?

Competitive Analysis

Don’t write blind. Know exactly what you’re up against.

Competitive Deep-Dive Prompt:

Analyze [TOP RANKING URL] for the keyword "[KEYWORD]"

Provide:

STRUCTURE ANALYSIS
- H1:
- H2s (in order):
- H3s (sample):
- Estimated word count:
- Content types used (lists, tables, images, etc.):

CONTENT QUALITY
- Depth score (1-10):
- What do they cover exceptionally well?
- Where is the coverage shallow or outdated?
- What's their unique angle/hook?

EXPERTISE SIGNALS
- Author credentials shown?
- Original data or research?
- Case studies or examples?
- First-person experience?

WEAKNESSES TO EXPLOIT
1. [Gap I can fill]
2. [Better approach I can take]
3. [Missing information I can add]

Research Documentation

For every piece of content, I document:

This becomes the foundation for Stage 2.

Stage 2: Planning With AI

Never start drafting without a plan. Most people skip ahead here and regret it.

Creating the Content Brief

The brief is your blueprint. Everything flows from this.

Content Brief Prompt:

Create a content brief for: "[TOPIC]"

CONTEXT:
- Target keyword: [keyword]
- Search intent: [from research]
- Target audience: [who specifically]
- My expertise/angle: [what makes my take unique]
- Word count target: [based on competition]

Generate:

1. TITLE OPTIONS (3)
   Focus on: benefit-forward, specific, compelling
   - Option 1:
   - Option 2:
   - Option 3:

2. HOOK (first 2-3 sentences)
   Start with reader's pain point or bold claim

3. CONTENT OUTLINE
   ## H2 Section 1: [Title]
   - Key point to cover
   - Key point to cover
   - Example or proof needed

   ## H2 Section 2: [Title]
   [Continue for all major sections]

4. MUST-INCLUDE ELEMENTS
   Based on competitor analysis:
   - [ ] [Element top articles all have]
   - [ ] [Element that would differentiate]
   - [ ] [Data point to include]

5. INTERNAL LINKING PLAN
   - Link TO these existing pages: [list]
   - This page should be linked FROM: [list]

6. CTA/NEXT STEP
   Where does this content lead the reader?

Outline Best Practices

Your outline should follow your site architecture and silo structure.

Strong outline characteristics:

• H2s answer search intent directly - If someone searches “how to X”, an H2 should be “How to X”
• Logical flow - Each section builds on the previous
• Specific, not vague - “Finding Profitable Keywords” not “Keywords”
• Action-oriented where possible - “Setting Up Your Tracking” not “Tracking Overview”

Template structure I use:

# Title (H1) - matches target keyword

[Hook - 2-3 sentences max, bold claim or pain point]

[Why this matters paragraph]

---

## Quick Navigation (optional for long content)
[Table of contents with anchor links]

---

## Section 1: [Address main search intent]
[Core content]

---

## Section 2: [Next logical step]
[Expanded coverage]

---

## Section 3: [Practical implementation]
[How-to content]

---

## Common Mistakes / What to Avoid
[Preventative advice]

---

## Conclusion / Next Steps
[Summary + CTA]

Stage 3: Drafting With AI

AI works well here. But there’s a right way and a wrong way.

The Wrong Way

Write a 2000 word article about [topic]

This produces generic, unfocused content that reads like everything else online.

The Right Way

Draft section by section, with specific context for each.

Section Drafting Prompt:

Write the content for this section of my article.

ARTICLE CONTEXT:
- Topic: [overall topic]
- Target audience: [who]
- Tone: [describe - e.g., "direct, practical, no fluff"]
- Article goal: [what reader should be able to do after reading]

THIS SECTION:
- Heading: [H2 heading]
- Purpose: [what this section accomplishes]
- Key points to cover:
  1. [point]
  2. [point]
  3. [point]
- Word count target: [number]

REQUIREMENTS:
- Open with a strong first sentence that hooks
- Use specific examples, not generic ones
- Include actionable takeaways
- No filler phrases ("In today's world...", "It's important to note...")
- End with a transition to the next section

Write this section:

Expanding Specific Points

When a section needs more depth:

Point Expansion Prompt:

Expand this point into detailed, actionable content:

POINT: [the concept to expand]

CONTEXT: This is for an article about [topic] targeting [audience].

Include:
- Clear explanation (assume smart reader, no jargon dumbing-down)
- Real-world example (specific, not hypothetical)
- Why this matters / what happens if you skip it
- Common mistake to avoid
- Actionable next step

Target: 200-400 words
Tone: Direct and practical

Drafting Tips

Do:

• Draft in order (intro last, often)
• Keep each section prompt focused
• Include your unique angle in the context
• Generate 2-3 versions of important sections

Don’t:

• Ask for the whole article at once
• Accept the first draft without review
• Skip adding your context and expertise
• Let AI decide the structure (that’s your job from Stage 2)

Stage 4: Enhancement (The Human Layer)

This stage is what separates your content from AI slop.

AI can’t add:

• Your personal experience
• Original data you’ve collected
• Case studies from your work
• Opinions and perspectives AI hasn’t seen
• Connections to your other content

This is how you earn E-E-A-T signals. Skip this and you’re just publishing slightly edited AI output.

What to Add

Enhancement Checklist

For every article before it moves to editing:

• At least 2-3 personal experience insertions
• At least 1 specific data point or statistic (with source)
• At least 1 “I’ve found” or “In my experience” section
• Original screenshots where relevant
• Clear opinion on best approach (not “it depends”)
• Something that couldn’t exist in any other article on this topic

Finding Enhancement Opportunities

AI Assist for Enhancement Review:

Review this draft and identify where human enhancement is needed:

DRAFT:
[paste your draft]

Identify:

1. GENERIC SECTIONS
   Where content could appear on any site:
   - [Section] - needs [type of personal input]

2. UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS
   Statements that need data or examples:
   - "[Claim]" - add [type of proof]

3. MISSING EXPERTISE
   Where first-person experience would strengthen:
   - [Location] - add [type of experience]

4. OPINION OPPORTUNITIES
   Where a clear stance would differentiate:
   - [Topic] - take position on [issue]

5. VISUAL GAPS
   Where screenshots or examples would help:
   - [Section] - add [type of visual]

Prioritize the top 3-5 enhancements that would most improve this piece.

Stage 5: Editing With AI Assistance

Don’t publish first drafts. Ever.

I run a three-pass editing process, with AI assistance on each pass.

Pass 1: Structure

Questions to answer:

• Does the flow make sense?
• Is information in logical order?
• Any redundant sections?
• Anything missing that should be covered?

Structure Review Prompt:

Review this article's structure:

[paste article]

Evaluate:
1. Does the opening hook effectively?
2. Does each section flow logically to the next?
3. Are there redundant or overlapping sections?
4. Is anything missing that the target reader would expect?
5. Does the conclusion summarize and prompt action?

Provide specific restructuring recommendations if needed.

Pass 2: Substance

Questions to answer:

• Are all claims supported?
• Are examples specific enough?
• Does content deliver on the title’s promise?
• Any factual errors?

Substance Review Prompt:

Review this article for substance issues:

[paste article]

Flag:
1. UNSUPPORTED CLAIMS
   "[Claim]" - needs [source/example/proof]

2. VAGUE SECTIONS
   [Section] is too abstract - needs [specific detail]

3. PROMISE VS. DELIVERY
   Title promises [X] - does content deliver? [Yes/No/Partially]
   If partial, what's missing?

4. FACTUAL CONCERNS
   Anything that seems incorrect or outdated?

5. DEPTH ISSUES
   Where does coverage feel thin compared to search intent?

Pass 3: Style and Voice

Make sure it sounds like you, not a robot.

Style Review Prompt:

Review this content against these style guidelines:

VOICE: [describe your voice - e.g., "direct, confident, practical, occasionally edgy"]

FORMATTING PREFERENCES:
- [Your preferences - e.g., "short paragraphs, heavy use of bold, no fluff"]

CHECK:
1. Does the tone match throughout?
2. Are sentences tight? Flag any that could be shorter.
3. Is formatting consistent?
4. Any robotic or generic phrases to replace?
5. Does it sound like [BRAND] or like generic AI output?

Provide specific edits for any issues found.

Editing Checklist

Structure:

• Hook grabs attention
• Sections flow logically
• No redundancy
• Conclusion summarizes and prompts action

Substance:

• All claims supported with sources or experience
• Examples are specific, not generic
• Delivers on title promise
• No factual errors

Style:

• Matches brand voice
• Sentences are tight
• Formatting is consistent
• No AI-sounding phrases (“In today’s digital landscape…”)

Technical:

• Links work
• Images optimized with alt text
• Headers in correct hierarchy (H1 > H2 > H3)
• No spelling/grammar issues

Stage 6: Publishing and Optimization

Final optimization before you hit publish.

SEO Checklist

On-Page Elements:

• Title tag - Under 60 characters, includes primary keyword, compelling
• Meta description - Under 160 characters, includes keyword, prompts click
• URL slug - Clean, keyword-rich, no unnecessary words
• H1 - Matches title intent, includes primary keyword
• Header hierarchy - H1 > H2 > H3, logical structure
• Internal links - 3-5 relevant internal links added
• External links - Credible sources cited where data is referenced

Technical Elements:

• Images compressed and have descriptive alt text
• Schema markup implemented (Article, HowTo, or FAQ as appropriate)
• Page loads fast
• Mobile formatting looks good

Publishing Optimization Prompt

Optimize this content for publishing:

CONTENT: [paste final content]
TARGET KEYWORD: [keyword]

Provide:

1. TITLE TAG (under 60 characters)
   Option A:
   Option B:
   Recommendation and why:

2. META DESCRIPTION (under 160 characters)
   [Includes keyword, compelling click trigger]

3. URL SLUG
   /[recommended-slug]/

4. SOCIAL HOOKS
   Twitter: [short, punchy hook]
   LinkedIn: [professional angle]

5. INTERNAL LINKING
   This article should link to:
   - [Page] using anchor text "[text]"

   These pages should link to this article:
   - [Page] using anchor text "[text]"

6. SCHEMA TYPE
   Recommended: [Article/HowTo/FAQ]
   Reasoning: [why this schema type]

Post-Publish

Don’t forget:

• Submit URL to Google Search Console for indexing
• Share on relevant channels
• Add internal links from existing content to new piece
• Monitor performance after 2-4 weeks

Scaling Your Content Production

Once your workflow is solid, here’s how to scale.

Weekly Production Schedule

For solo operators building a content business:

Weekly capacity: 8-10 pieces researched, 4-6 published

Quality Gates (Never Skip These)

No matter how fast you want to move:

1. Brief approval - Don’t draft without a solid brief
2. Enhancement minimum - Every piece needs your unique value-add
3. Full edit pass - No publishing first drafts
4. Human final read - You personally read before publish

The fastest way to kill your content operation is publishing garbage at scale. 3 great pieces beats 10 mediocre ones.

Common Scaling Mistakes

Mistake: Skipping the enhancement stage to move faster Result: Generic content that doesn’t rank or convert

Mistake: Using the same prompt for every article Result: Repetitive content that sounds like itself

Mistake: No quality gates Result: Errors, factual issues, brand damage

Mistake: Not documenting your process Result: Inconsistent quality, can’t delegate or improve

Tools I Use

For reference, here’s my actual stack:

You don’t need all of these. Start with:

• One good AI (Claude or ChatGPT)
• One place to track briefs (even a Google Doc)
• Your expertise (non-negotiable)

What To Do Now

You’ve got the system. Here’s how to start using it today:

Step 1: Pick ONE topic you’ve been meaning to write about.

Step 2: Run the Topic Validation Prompt from Stage 1. See what competitors are missing.

Step 3: Create a brief using the Content Brief Prompt. Don’t skip this.

Step 4: Draft one section using the Section Drafting Prompt. Notice the difference from asking AI to “write an article.”

Step 5: Add your enhancement. Personal experience, data, screenshots, whatever makes it uniquely yours.

That’s one piece through the system. Do it five more times and you’ll have a week of content ready.

Content is the foundation of most AI-powered businesses, whether you’re building authority for consulting, creating traffic for affiliate revenue, or establishing expertise before launching a product. This workflow makes it sustainable.

Recommended Reading

Content Site Building:

• Previous: AI Overview Optimization
• Related: AI Site Architecture
• Related: AI Silo Structure
• Related: AI Internal Linking

Planning Your Content:

• Niche Research With AI
• AI Competitor Analysis

SEO Optimization:

• Schema and JSON-LD Guide
• AI Keyword Optimization