I like to describe my relationship with artificial intelligence as an over eager intern with no context or feelings (but you bet your bottom dollar that I am polite to them in case our robot overloads take over). So, with that in mind, I combine my most unique asset (my experience and expertise) with my intern (ChatGPT) to help me create content that I distribute across my channels. The Process for Getting Great Content from AI Tools The rumor mill about the AI tools creating terrible content for businesses is true. It’s not a writer, it’s a really good researcher who happens to generate content because you asked it to do so. There are a few tips for getting the best out of it, however. Here are a few things to consider:
AI Tools to Use to Create Great, Personalized Content Everyone is claiming to incorporate artificial intelligence into their tools, and not for the first time. So, how do you separate the good from the bad? Let me help. Here are a few tools that are inexpensive and perfect to help exponentially improve your productivity in your small business: 1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)
> What are the top AI tools for content creation that are inexpensive for small business Content Creation Using AI Ok, now how do you get started? Great question! Let’s use an example so I can give you real-live prompts that will allow you to easily follow along. Hopefully you’ll find parallels with your own business that will allow you to grab, edit, and go with these prompts. Business Example Summary So, for our example we are a locally owned fitness studio. Judy, a Bremerton native with a degree in kinesiology, combined her passion for fitness and community to open Harbor Moves, a welcoming fitness studio in downtown Bremerton. After years of working as a personal trainer in big-box gyms in more urban areas, she returned home to create a space where people of all fitness levels could connect and thrive. Offering group classes, wellness workshops, and locally made activewear, Judy has made her studio a community hub. Her popular "Sunday Stretch and Sip" classes and charity fitness events embody her mission to make Bremerton stronger—one workout and connection at a time. She needs to get serious about marketing and getting the word out about her offerings. That’s where we come in. We are going to show her how it’s done using AI. Planning Content Using AI Tools The prompt Judy uses to have ChatGPT help her plan: > I need to come up with some marketing plans to get the word out about my business and merchandise. Can you help me come up with a few key messages that I can use to launch my new blog? ChatGPT is VERY accommodating with its response and provides both the big messages that it thinks are important based on what it knows about Judy. Most AI engines are far more effective about helping you come up with content you will love if you help them understand you better or “train” them. So, it’s using the business example summary from above. Here’s the first draft: Key Messages for Your Blog Launch
Assuming that we’re happy with this first draft, it also gave us this: Blog Content Ideas
Next comes the writing phase. Judy loves these ideas and understands that in order to get the best results from this blog article she can’t rely solely on what her AI tool will come up with for her. She starts to brainstorm on what the best way to train the tool. Creating Content Using AI Tools Judy settles on drafting the blog article herself. She starts with “Behind the Scenes: The Story of Harbor Moves Merchandise” using a voice recorder because she knows her own story well. Every morning she drives to the senior center to teach a gentle stretching class about 20 minutes away, so she talks about how she got started both to the senior center and back again. She takes the recording and uploads it into her AI tool. Here’s the transcript: ["Okay, so… I’ve been thinking a lot about the merch lately. Like, why I even started it in the first place. It wasn’t just, you know, ‘Hey, let’s sell some t-shirts and water bottles.’ It’s bigger than that. I think about all the different people who come through the doors at Harbor Moves—new moms trying to carve out time for themselves, retirees looking to stay active, even people who’ve never set foot in a fitness studio before. And I kept asking myself, How can I make everyone feel like they belong here? That’s really what the merchandise is about—creating something that says, Hey, you’re part of this community. Like, the Harbor Moves hoodies? I picked those because I wanted something cozy, something you’d wear not just after a workout but, like, on a lazy Saturday morning. And the logo—ugh, I obsessed over that logo—because I wanted it to feel like Bremerton. Something people would be proud to wear, whether they’re grabbing coffee downtown or just out for a walk. And the leggings—I love those. I went with a local brand because I wanted to support other small businesses, but also because their sizing is inclusive. That was non-negotiable for me. Everyone deserves to feel good and comfortable in what they’re wearing, no matter their size or shape. It’s funny… I didn’t realize how much thought would go into something as simple as water bottles or tote bags, but here I am. And, honestly, I’m proud of it. Every piece of merch feels like a little extension of what Harbor Moves is all about: being a place where everyone, every single person, can feel like they’re part of something bigger." "Anyway, that’s where my brain is at right now. Time to get back to the studio."] Then she adds the prompt: > Can you help me turn my transcript into a blog article that focuses on why I created the merchandise I did but I want to make sure there is a section at the bottom that talks about the merch I created and provides a link to my store? Here’s what it spits out for her: Why I Created Harbor Moves Merchandise When I first opened Harbor Moves, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a fitness studio. I wanted it to feel like a second home, a place where anyone—no matter their fitness level or background—could walk in and feel like they belonged. Over time, I realized that building a sense of community wasn’t just about the classes we offer or the conversations we have after workouts; it’s about creating something tangible that people can carry with them, wherever they go. That’s where the idea for Harbor Moves merchandise came from. I wanted to create pieces that weren’t just functional, but meaningful—a reflection of our mission to make fitness welcoming and inclusive for everyone. The Inspiration Behind the Merch Each piece of merchandise at Harbor Moves has been chosen with purpose. For me, it wasn’t about slapping a logo on a t-shirt and calling it a day. I thought about you—the people who come to our studio, the lives you lead, and the unique ways you show up for yourselves and each other.
Why It Matters I’ve always believed that fitness is about more than physical strength. It’s about community, connection, and the way we show up for each other. The merchandise at Harbor Moves isn’t just about selling products; it’s about celebrating those connections and making sure everyone feels included. When you wear our merch or carry our bags, you’re representing a movement—one that says, “Everyone belongs here.” Shop the Harbor Moves Store I’m so proud of the pieces we’ve created, and I hope you love them as much as I do. Whether you’re looking for a cozy hoodie, inclusive activewear, or a durable water bottle, there’s something for everyone. Click here to shop the Harbor Moves store! If Judy wasn’t comfortable with just talking into a recorder, she could also ask a friend to interview her or ask the AI tool to help generate a list of questions and respond to that. Is it perfect? No! Is it a pretty great start? Absolutely. And sometimes, as small business owners, that’s what we need: a pretty good start. Sharing Your Content Judy has decided to use this blog article as a way to get people excited about her merchandise while also telling her story. As a marketer, I approve of (and made up) this approach because people have a reason to be here beyond “BUY MY STUFF”. Understanding the “why” behind a business is far more impactful than anonymous consumerism. She has five main ways to get the word out about her latest piece:
She’s busy. She’s moonlighting at the senior center to make ends meet while trying to launch this new business. She’s got a severance from her last job and some savings but she wants to be careful about how much she goes through. So, in order to get the most out of her piece she’s going to ask her AI tool to help her write a first draft of these. Judy asks her AI tool: > Can you help me with some content that will help me drive people back to this blog article? The ways I can reach out are: Facebook, Instagram, and X. I also want to run a facebook ad in my community, I'd like to send an email to my subscribers, I want posters to put up around town, and a short blurb to put in the Greater Kitsap Chamber Newsletter. can you help me write those? Here’s what the AI tool spit out for her: 1. Facebook Post (Organic) Caption: "Harbor Moves is more than just a fitness studio—it’s a community. That’s why I created our merchandise line: to give you something meaningful, comfortable, and uniquely Bremerton. 🏋️♀️💛 Curious about the inspiration behind our hoodies, leggings, and more? Check out my latest blog post and learn why each piece was designed with you in mind. 📖 Read it here: [Insert Link] P.S. Don’t forget to shop the collection and take a little piece of Harbor Moves with you everywhere you go!" Image/Graphic Idea: Showcase your merchandise on a flat lay or modeled by your members. Add text overlay: “Why I Created Harbor Moves Merchandise: A Blog by Judy”. 2. Instagram Post Caption: "You asked, and I’m sharing! 💬 Ever wondered what makes Harbor Moves merch so special? From inclusive sizing to supporting local businesses, every piece tells a story. ✨ Hoodies for post-workout coziness. ✨ Leggings designed for everyone. ✨ Water bottles that keep up with your hustle. Discover the inspiration behind the merch you love in my latest blog post. Tap the link in bio to read all about it! #HarborMoves #BremertonFitness #FitnessCommunity" Image/Graphic Idea: Carousel post featuring:
3. X (formerly Twitter) Post "Merch with meaning! 💪 I designed Harbor Moves merchandise to reflect our Bremerton community and make everyone feel included. Read the story behind it and shop the collection here: [Insert Link] #BremertonFitness #CommunityFirst #HarborMoves" 4. Facebook Ad (Targeting Local Audience) Headline: "Merchandise with a Mission: Harbor Moves’ Story" Ad Copy: "Harbor Moves is Bremerton’s hub for fitness and community—and now you can take that sense of belonging with you! Discover the story behind our locally-inspired hoodies, inclusive leggings, and more in Judy’s latest blog. 📖 Read the blog: [Insert Link] 🛍️ Shop the collection: [Insert Link] [Learn More Button]" Image Idea: A group photo of people wearing Harbor Moves merch in the studio or outdoors in Bremerton, with text overlay: “Designed for Comfort, Community, and YOU”. 5. Email to Subscribers Subject Line: "Why I Created Harbor Moves Merchandise (And What It Means for You)" Body: "Hi [First Name], Harbor Moves has always been about more than fitness—it’s about creating a community where everyone feels included and supported. That’s why I’m so excited to share the story behind our merchandise. In my latest blog post, I dive into the inspiration behind the hoodies, leggings, and water bottles you love and how each piece reflects our mission. 📖 Read the story here: [Insert Link] And don’t forget to check out the merch for yourself: [Insert Link] Thank you for being part of the Harbor Moves family! Warmly, Judy" 6. Poster for Around Town Headline: "Harbor Moves Merchandise: A Community You Can Wear" Body: "Fitness isn’t just about moving; it’s about belonging. Harbor Moves merchandise is designed with YOU in mind—cozy hoodies, inclusive leggings, and gear that reflects Bremerton pride. 💻 Read the story behind our merch: [Insert Link] 🛍️ Shop the collection: [Insert Link] Proudly supporting local fitness and community." Visual: An image of your most popular merch item with your studio logo prominently displayed and the tagline: "Designed for Comfort, Community, and You." 7. Greater Kitsap Chamber Newsletter Blurb Headline: "Harbor Moves: The Story Behind Our Merchandise" Body: "Harbor Moves isn’t just a fitness studio—it’s a community. Judy, our founder, has created a line of merchandise inspired by Bremerton and designed with inclusivity and comfort in mind. Read the story behind the merch and explore the collection: [Insert Link] Let’s move together, inside the studio and beyond!" Should these be used as is? Heck no! But I love that it explained WHY people should care about their merchandise and how it built suspense about her story. I don’t think it understood that the business was new, so that need to be fixed when she edits it. I also think it uses too many emojis. If I were Judy, I’d be inclined to do some edits to make sure it hits the right notes for my audience and then submit it to the appropriate channels. Wrapping it all Up Creating content for your small business can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you’re wearing multiple hats. But tools like AI can help lighten the load, giving you the time and space to focus on what you do best—running your business and serving your community. Whether you’re crafting a compelling blog post, brainstorming key messages, or streamlining your marketing efforts, AI tools can act like your over-eager, context-free intern—ready to assist when you give them the right direction. The key takeaway? AI isn’t here to replace your unique voice or expertise; it’s here to amplify it. With a little training and creativity, these tools can transform the way you approach content creation, helping you achieve more in less time. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you’re running a fitness studio like Judy or managing another small business, you’ve got the power to tell your story and connect with your audience like never before.
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