How to Write for AI (Humans Will Thank You)

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How to Write for AI (Humans Will Thank You)
1:53

Above image is from HubSpot's INBOUND 2025 session.



Search engines aren’t just crawling your site—they’re training on it. The way you write today decides if your content shows up in tomorrow’s AI answers.

That means structure, clarity, and credibility decide whether your words show up in AI answers

1. Write for AI, Not Just People

AI loves structure:

  • Short paragraphs
  • Bullet points
  • Step-by-step instructions

Example: Fixing a leaky faucet? Write it like this:

  • Turn off the water supply.
  • Remove the handle.
  • Replace the washer.
  • Test for leaks.

Clear formatting = higher chance AI pulls your answer.

2. Answer Before They Ask

Google and AI reward direct, expert-backed answers.

  • Add FAQ sections with exact phrasing of customer questions.
  • Use headers like “What is X?” or “How much does Y cost?”
  • Start with the answer, then expand.

That’s how we land in snippets instead of languishing on page two.

3. Build Authority Beyond Your Site

AI isn’t just fed by blogs—it hoovers up LinkedIn, Reddit, and forums. If you’re not posting there, you’re invisible.

Quick test:
Search your industry in ChatGPT or Perplexity. Notice the sources? They’re often community conversations, not just websites.

4. Think Beyond Keywords

The old game: keyword stuffing.

The new game: context and credibility.

AI checks for:

  • Consistent messaging across platforms
  • Sources cited in multiple places
  • Content that’s easy to cross-reference

If your expertise lives only on your website, you’re at risk.

Bottom Line

Writing for AI isn’t about tricks. It’s about being so clear, structured, and consistent that people and machines recognize your authority.

Haven't downloaded our AI Website Optimization Checklist yet? Get it here.