A lot of people confuse programmatic SEO with AI content – and they are not the same. But they are both (different) types of scaled content and methods for scaling content output at a lower cost – and I believe both have their place in a balanced content strategy. BUT – they should be used to produce different types of content – let’s have a quick look at what they both are best for:
Programmatic SEO for Blog Content
Programmatic SEO leverages automation to produce large quantities of SEO-friendly content based on templates that fill in predefined variables. This method suits particular types of content and scenarios:
Types of Content
- Repetitive Keyword Patterns: Ideal for content that can be generated using a formulaic approach, such as listings, basic guides, and standard informational posts that repeatedly use specific keywords.
- Complex Variable Combinations: Effective for generating content for niche, long-tail keyword phrases like “{Tool1} vs {Tool2} – which is better for {use case} for {persona}?” These phrases often target specific comparisons or detailed queries with potentially zero search volume but are crucial for targeting bottom-of-the-funnel users.
Language Constraints
- Analytic Languages: Programmatic content generation works well with languages that are less inflectional, such as English. In these languages, the structure of sentences is less dependent on the form of the words used, making the automation and scalability of content creation simpler.
- Inflectional Languages: For languages like Polish, Russian, Hungarian, or Czech, which involve significant inflection, programmatic approaches often struggle to maintain natural, fluent content quality due to the complexity of grammatical structures.
Content Updates
- Frequent Updates: If your content strategy involves regularly updated information, programmatic SEO is advantageous. Content can be updated in a centralized database and republished efficiently, ensuring that your SEO content remains accurate and current.
Scaled Thought Leadership
- Reuse of Material: Programmatic approaches are also excellent for repurposing existing material, such as quotes from interviews, across multiple articles. This method can efficiently produce varied articles that cater to different user intents while maintaining a consistent authoritative voice.
AI-Generated Content for SEO Blogs
AI-generated content uses sophisticated models to produce text that is contextually rich and stylistically varied. It is suitable for:
Types of Content
- Top-of-Funnel (TOFU) Content: AI is ideal for generating engaging, high-search-volume content that attracts early-stage users. This includes comprehensive guides, introductory posts, and broad informational content.
- Unique Variable Content: Best for content that incorporates a single, unique variable that does not easily lend itself to recombination with other keyword patterns. This allows for tailored content that addresses specific queries uniquely each time.
Language Flexibility
- Multi-Language Capability: AI tools, such as those that support multiple languages, are versatile in handling content creation across different linguistic settings, offering high-quality, natural-sounding text in supported languages.
Content Updates
- Static Nature: Unlike programmatic content, AI-generated pieces are usually unique and not centrally managed, which makes them less suitable for scenarios requiring frequent, bulk updates. Each piece is typically treated as a standalone creation, akin to traditional content writing.
Thought Leadership
AI should not be used to “generate” original quotes purported to be from real people. Such practices can mislead readers and detract from the credibility of the content. Thought leadership relies heavily on genuine insights and unique perspectives, typically derived from experts or experienced individuals in a particular field. AI lacks the personal experience and subjective viewpoint necessary to authentically represent human thought leaders.
You can also find all the templates here if you upgrade to my Patreon’s PRO plan!
English