Marketers, content writers, bloggers and anyone producing content online are pumping out articles faster than ever.
I remember years ago, I would struggle for over a week to create one 2500 word article. Now, thanks to AI, I can get an outline, bullet points for what to write, and even the full article in just a few minutes.
Other affiliates are doing the same thing. AI tools make writing affiliate content faster but there’s one big problem. Most AI content sounds robotic and fake.
The FTC guidelines for affiliate marketing require clear, honest communication with your audience.
Readers can normally spot AI writing from a mile away. They want real advice and real experiences from real people, not generic text that could apply to just about anyone.
The good news?
You can fix AI content with some simple editing tricks. This guide shows you exactly how to make your AI-written affiliate posts sound natural and trustworthy.
This post may contain affiliate links. ThriversHub earns commissions at no extra cost to you when purchases are made through links on this page. For more info, visit the disclosure page.
Why AI Content Sounds Fake (And Why It Matters)
AI writers use patterns from the millions of articles they’re trained on. They copy the same phrases over and over. And unlike real people, they don’t have real experiences to share.
For example, thousands of people buy the same products. No two experiences turn out the same. My experience with a product is unique and sharing experience can mean a lot to someone looking for a review.
Here’s what makes AI content so obvious to readers.
- Uses the same transition words repeatedly
- Sounds overly formal and stiff
- Lacks personal stories or examples
- Uses generic advice that applies to everyone
- Has perfect grammar but no personality
When readers spot AI content, they lose trust fast. They click away. They don’t buy your affiliate products.
Search engines are getting better at finding AI content too. Google wants helpful content from real experts. Their helpful content guidelines specifically mention the importance of first-hand experience and expertise.
The last thing Google wants is recycled information that has no value to the reader.
The 6-Step System to Humanize AI Content
I’ve been using AI to help me write content for some of my affiliate blogs. I soak up everything I can about humanizing AI-written content and put what I learn into practice.
Here’s a simple 6-step system that I use to turn robotic AI text into engaging human writing.
Step 1: Start With the Right AI Prompt
Most writers fail before they even begin editing. They feed AI basic prompts like “Write an article about affiliate marketing” and wonder why the output sounds generic.
I made this mistake in the early days of AI too but quickly found out that the secret is in your prompting strategy.
To succeed right from the start, give AI specific instructions in your prompt about:
Writing style and tone
- “Write in a conversational tone like you’re talking to a friend.”
- “Use simple words and short sentences”
- “Write at a grade 7 reading level”
- “Include personal anecdotes and examples”
Content structure
- “Start with a personal story or question”
- “Use sub-headings that promise value”
- “End each section with an actionable tip”
Audience context
- “Write for busy parents who want quick solutions”
- “Address common objections about [product].
- “Assume readers have tried similar products before”
Instead of writing something like “Write an article about affiliate marketing tools”, you can try a prompt like:
“Write a casual blog post about 5 affiliate marketing tools I use daily. The 5 tools I would like you to write about are: ‘tool 1’, ‘tool 2’, ‘tool 3’, ‘tool 4’ and ‘tool 5’ in that order. Include specific examples of how each tool helped me increase my income. Write like I’m sharing tips with a friend over coffee. Start with a story about my biggest affiliate marketing mistake. Use simple words and short sentences and write at a grade 7 reading level”
My prompts are more elaborate than this but you can see the difference here. The better your prompt, the less editing you’ll need later. But even with great prompts, you’ll still need the following steps to make it truly human.
Step 2: Add Your Personal Voice
Read your AI content out loud. Does it sound like you talking to a friend? Probably not, even if you used a good prompt.
To begin with, fix boring introductions.
Before: “Affiliate marketing is a popular business model that allows individuals to earn commissions by promoting products.”
After: “I started affiliate marketing three years ago with $50 and a basic blog. Here’s what I wish someone had told me from day one.”
Add personal touches.
- Share your mistakes and wins
- Use words you actually say
- Tell short stories from your experience
- Include your opinions (even the controversial ones)
Replace formal language.
- “Additionally” becomes “Plus”
- “Furthermore” becomes “Also”
- “Subsequently” becomes “Then”
- “Utilize” becomes “use”
I have this baked into my prompting but I still go through the output and replace words that I wouldn’t normally use when talking to a friend.
Step 3: Include Real Examples and Stories
When people see real stories, they’re put at ease. The effort you made to humanize of AI-written content is paying off.
AI loves to give vague advice. Real humans share specific examples.
Instead of generic tips like “Choose products that align with your audience’s interests”, give specific examples. Like:
“I promote kitchen gadgets on my food blog. My Instant Vortex Plus review made $528.38 last month because my readers trust my cooking advice.”
You can add mini-stories throughout. When prompting the AI, you can ask it to add indications throughout on where you can add mini-stories and examples.
Add things like:
- How you discovered a product
- A mistake that taught you something
- Why you stopped promoting certain items
- Reader feedback you received
These stories don’t need to be long. Two or three sentences can work well.
Step 4: Fix Repetitive AI Patterns
I can usually tell when an article is AI-generated and the blogger did not bother to edit. Even with good prompting, AI writers love certain phrases. They use them in every article. Your job is to spot and fix these patterns.
Here are some common phrases AI writers will repeat and how you can replace them to sound more human.
| Common AI Phrase | Action/Replace with: |
|---|---|
| “In today’s digital landscape” | “Right now” |
| “It’s important to note” | “Here’s the thing” |
| “When it comes to” | Just delete this phrase |
| “At the end of the day” | “Bottom line” |
| “Best practices” | “What works best” |
Now if you’re thinking, “Hey, I use some of these phrases”, it’s not that you can’t have them in your content. However, because they’re common AI phrases, you don’t want them to be in all of your content, repeatedly especially when you can use another phrase.
Even if you use “It’s important to note”, the phrase is so common with AI that your content will just look like AI-written content.
Another thing to do is to vary your sentence starters. AI often starts its sentences the same way. Mix things up.
- Start with action words: “Choose products you actually use”
- Ask questions: “Wonder why some affiliate links convert better?”
- Use short phrases: “Here’s what changed everything for me”
Step 5: Make It Scannable and Engaging
People skim affiliate content. They want quick answers. Make your content easy to scan.
Research shows that simpler writing increases comprehension and user engagement by up to 40%.”
Break up long paragraphs. AI often creates walls of text. Split them into 1-3 sentences max. This is something else that I add to my prompting to get scannable content from jump.
Add subheadings that promise value. For example:
- “The $200 Mistake That Taught Me Everything”
- “3 Products I Stopped Promoting (And Why)”
- “How I Double My Click-Through Rates”
Use bullet points for key info. You can usually do this for:
- Product features
- Step-by-step processes
- Quick tips
- Pros and cons lists
Finally, include power words like:
- “Secret” instead of “tip”
- “Proven” instead of “effective”
- “Simple” instead of “easy”
- “Fast” instead of “quick”
You can also add helpful images that break up text and add even more value to your content.
Step 6: Add Real Product Insights
This is where you separate yourself from AI content. Share real insights about the products you promote.
Include honest product experiences that AI couldn’t uniquely replicate.
- What you liked and didn’t like
- How long you tested it
- Who it’s perfect for (and who should skip it)
- Comparisons to similar products you’ve tried
Share reader feedback: “Three readers bought the Braun BrewSense coffee maker after my review. Two love it. One returned it because it was too loud for her apartment.”
Lastly, be honest about earning commissions: “I earn a small commission if you buy through my links. This doesn’t change my opinion. I only recommend stuff I actually use.”
Common AI Content Problems and Quick Fixes
No matter how good your initial prompt is, you’re going to run into some common AI content problems.
Here are some of those problems and how to fix them.
Problem #1: Sounds too perfect – AI content rarely points out flaws and limitations.
Quick Fix: Add honest disclaimers and realistic expectations.
“This won’t work for everyone. I struggled with it for two months before seeing results.”
Problem #2: Generic product descriptions – AI copies the product details from product websites.
Quick Fix: Share how you actually use the product.
“The manual says it serves 4 people. In reality, it barely feeds my family of 3.”
Problem #3: No personality – AI doesn’t have personal opinions, preferences or a sense of humor.
Quick Fix: Let YOUR personality shine through.
- Use humor (if that’s your style)
- Share unpopular opinions
- Admit when you’re wrong
- Show excitement about products you love
Problem #4: Missing context – AI doesn’t understand your specific audience
Quick Fix: Add context for your readers.
“As a busy mom of twins, I need products that actually save time.”
Whenever possible, you should give the AI as much information as possible when prompting to avoid most of these problems. It makes the editing process a lot easier.
Advanced Editing Techniques
When you can identify what’s wrong with your AI content, you can use these techniques to make it better overall.
Use the “Friend Test”
Read your content like you’re texting a friend. Would you actually send this message? If not, make it more casual.
For years I used a technique for relating to my readers called the “Grandma Method”. I’d pretend that my grandma (who I love dearly) asked me about whatever it was I’m writing about. Then I’d write as if I was just answering her.
If the AI content I use doesn’t sound like what I’d tell Grandma, I’d change it up.
Add Transition Sentences
AI often jumps between topics without smooth transitions.
Bad transition: “Now let’s discuss product selection.”
Good transition: “Speaking of trust, here’s how I choose which products to promote.”
Include Counter-arguments
AI rarely presents opposing views but real experts acknowledge both the good and the bad.
“Some affiliates promote everything they can find. I disagree. Here’s why being picky actually makes more money.”
Use Social Proof Strategically
Don’t just list features. Show how real people benefit from using the product.
“My newsletter subscriber Sarah bought this planner and organized her entire business in one weekend.”
SEO Tips That Keep It Human
You still need good SEO. But don’t sacrifice how your content reads just for the sake of keywords.
Here are three tips for making AI writing work while still maintaining good SEO practices.
1. Natural Keyword Use
Work keywords into your personal stories and examples.
Instead of: “The best affiliate marketing tools include…”
Try: “These affiliate marketing tools changed my business…”
2. Focus on User Intent
Before you even write a word, you need to figure out what do your readers really want to know.
- How much money can they make?
- What mistakes should they avoid?
- Which products actually work?
Answer these questions with real experiences, not generic advice.
3. Use Long-tail Keywords in Headings
You have a chance to include even more keywords semantically in your articles. Use the important ones in your headings.
- “Why I Stopped Using [Product Name] After 6 Months”
- “How [Product] Helped Me Make $1000 Last Month”
- “[Product] Review: 30 Days of Real Testing”
Tools To Help Your Editing Process
A good carpenter could probably build a nice wooden bench with just a saw and a hammer. He’d build a much nicer bench with the help of other tools like measuring tape, a pencil and some clamps.
The editing process is the same. You can probably do a good job with what you have. However, there are other tools that can help you refine your content.
I’ve used some of these over the years.
Readability Checkers
- Hemingway Editor – This editor can help you find complex, hard-to-read sentences and substitute them for easier to read ones.
- Grammarly – you can use this to help find AI-like patterns.
The Hemingway app can also check and adjust grade level.
Voice and Tone
For voice and tone, you can use a text-to-speech tool to read your content out loud. Some browsers have this feature built in so you don’t have to use paid tools.
One trick you can use is to record yourself explaining the topic and then match that tone.
Content Analysis
- Use Google’s “People Also Ask” to find real questions
- Check competitor content for gaps you can fill
- Look at product reviews for authentic language
Check out my list of essential affiliate marketing tools that I personally use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When editing AI content, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t over-edit – You can keep some natural imperfections. Perfect writing feels fake too.
- Don’t lose important information – Make sure that your edits don’t remove key product details or must-have SEO keywords.
- Don’t change everything – If a section sounds natural already, leave it alone.
- Don’t rush the process – Good editing takes time. Plan for multiple passes through your content.
- Don’t skip the prompting step – Many people focus only on editing and ignore the power of better AI prompts. Start strong to edit less.
Building Your Editing Flow
As I mentioned in the section above, you should plan for multiple passes through your content. Be sure to make time in your content calendar for editing content.
Here’s a sample workflow you can use to refine AI-written content.
First Pass: Structure and Flow
The first step is to make sure the structure and flow makes sense to you. This is how you would like to present the information.
- Check if sections make logical sense
- Add or rearrange headings
- Break up long paragraphs
Second Pass: Voice and Tone
Next, edit for voice and tone.
- Replace formal language
- Add personal touches
- Include stories and examples.
Your content is starting to look more humanized now but it can still be better.
Third Pass: Details and Polish
This is usually where I find content to link to both internally and externally. I usually ask AI to help suggest content to link to and where to place the links in the content.
In addition, you can add photos, embed videos and add further formatting to make everything more readable.
Plus:
- Fix repetitive phrases
- Improve transitions
- Add specific product insights
Final Pass: Read Aloud
In the final editing step, you can read your writing aloud to make some final tweaks.
While reading aloud, listen for awkward phrases and check to see if it sounds conversational.
Your Long-Term Strategy
If you follow this guide for editing AI content, the process will only get easier with practice. Now is a good time to start building habits.
For your long-term strategy, you should:
Create templates
These templates should include things like:
- personal story openers
- product testing frameworks
- AI prompts for different types of content.
Build a swipe file
Swipe files help you to find and apply things to your content that already work. Save great examples of things like:
- great transitions you’ve written
- personal stories that work well
- authentic product descriptions
- effective AI prompts that produce good results
The AI prompt that I currently use was saved as a swipe. I’ve asked AI to help refine it and it now works even better than the original.
Get feedback
You also want to constantly get feedback so that you can make your content creation process easier.
To get feedback, you can:
- Ask readers what they want to know
- Monitor comments for content ideas
- Test different writing styles
- Experiment with different prompting approaches
Final Thoughts
Editing AI content isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection.
Your readers want to trust you. They want real advice from someone who understands their problems. AI can give you a starting point, but your human touch is what makes the sale.
The key is to start with better prompts, then edit strategically. Most people take the prompting step lightly and get bad outputs that take forever to edit.
Start with one article. Apply these techniques. See how it performs compared to unedited AI content.
A lot of affiliates just getting started with affiliate marketing publish AI content without proper prompting or editing. That’s your advantage. Put in the extra work. Your readers will notice. Your bank account will too.
AI is just a tool, not a replacement for your expertise. Use it to write faster, but always edit to write better.
The affiliates making real money aren’t just publishing more content. They’re publishing better content that people actually want to read.
Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Don’t let AI erase what makes you unique.
Start with better prompts and edit like a human today. Your affiliate business depends on it.
