From Blank Page to Viral Post: A Guide to AI Content Creation

Blank cursor anxiety is real. This guide gives you a end-to-end workflow to go from idea → draft → edited post → distributed content, using AI for speed and structure while preserving your voice. You’ll get prompts, frameworks, and practical guardrails that work specifically on LinkedIn.

1) Seed prompt (set constraints that guide style & substance)

Your first prompt should communicate outcome, audience, tone, and raw notes. Constraints reduce generic output and increase relevance.

2) Generate variants (keep the strongest hook only)

Ask for 3 versions with different hooks. Keep one hook and merge body lines if needed. Hook types:

• Result-first: “We cut onboarding time by 42% - here’s the 3-step checklist.”
• Tension/problem: “Most ‘best practices’ slowed us down. This is what actually worked.”
• Micro-story: “A customer almost churned. One small change flipped it.”

3) Credibility pass (trim, specify, personalise)

Do a 60-second edit: remove filler, add 1–2 specifics, and inject your lived line.

• Trim 20–30% of fluff (e.g., “revolutionary”, “game-changing”).
• Replace “better activation” with “+18% week-1 activation at 1k signups/month”.
• Add 1 proof line: metric, client type, stack, or constraint.

4) Structure that drives saves (H.I.C. pattern)

A simple LinkedIn layout that performs well for depth and saves:

• Hook: 1–2 lines that tease the payoff.
• Insight: 3–6 short lines with specifics (one idea per line).
• Cue: 1 genuine question or actionable CTA (comment/DM for a template).

5) Carousels & multi-image posts (save-worthy packaging)

When your content is stepwise (frameworks, checklists), convert to a carousel (PDF) or multi-image post.

• Slide 1: a clear promise (e.g., “3 prompts that booked 12 demos in 30 days”).
• Slides 2–6: one tip each, 8–25 words, big headings.
• Final slide: practical CTA (discuss/DM “template”).

6) Comment magnets (drive early discussion)

Seed 1–3 credible comments in the first hour to extend dwell time and social proof. Ask collaborators for perspective (not praise). AI can draft angle suggestions you then personalise.

• Ask for an alternative view, a caveat, or an example - avoid generic “great post”.
• Reply to replies to keep threads alive (follow-up questions add depth).

7) Distribution checklist (beyond “post and hope”)

• Post when your audience is active (test 2–3 slots; stay consistent).
• Share to a small, relevant Slack/Discord/WhatsApp peer group for perspective, not link-drop.
• Atomise: turn 1 post into 2 comments, 1 DM template, and 1 slide for a future carousel.

8) Measurement that matters (opt for depth)

Track metrics that correlate with business outcomes - not vanity.

• Depth: comments per impression, saves, profile visits.
• Quality: % comments with substance (not emojis), DM starts.
• Flow-through: discovery calls, trials, or email signups linked to post.

9) Guardrails & compliance (keep it human)

• No mass automation. Use AI for drafts; you approve and send.
• Avoid manipulated claims; add qualifiers when needed.
• Respect privacy: no quoting private messages without consent.

10) Accessibility & clarity (wider reach, better UX)

• Use plain language (Grade 7–9 readability). Break long lines.
• Add quick context to images/carousels (alt text in first comment if needed).
• Avoid wall-of-text paragraphs; 1 idea per line works best on mobile.

• Trim 20–30% fluff
• Add 1 number, 1 name, 1 noun
• Break long lines for mobile
• End with 1 real question

Thanks for chiming in on [topic] - your point about [specific] stood out.
I’ve got a 3-step checklist we used for [result]. Happy to share if useful?