I’ll be honest, AI still blows my mind. Not because it’s new (it’s been mainstream for over two years now), but because I still see marketers fumbling their way through it like it’s some mysterious, unpredictable force. AI isn’t here to replace us. It’s a tool—an incredibly powerful one—but only if you know how to use it right. And if you’re still sitting there staring at a blank Google Doc, waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re doing content ideation all wrong.
Before AI, there were months where I needed to come up with 60 article topics. That meant diving into keyword research tools, analyzing competitors, and trying to reverse-engineer search intent to come up with fresh, relevant ideas. It was exhausting, and half the time, I felt like I was just rehashing the same concepts. When AI became a practical tool for content ideation, everything changed. Instead of spending hours trying to force creativity, I could instantly generate starting points and refine them into something unique.
AI streamlines the brainstorming process, making it easier to come up with high-quality, creative, and differentiated topics. It lets me think beyond keyword trends and competitor analysis and focus on ideas that provide real value to my audience.
Why AI Should Be Your Go-To for Content Ideation
Content ideation used to be a nightmare. Before AI, you had to:
- Manually research trends.
- Scroll through competitor blogs for inspiration.
- Guess which topics would perform well.
- Pray your gut feeling was right.
Now, AI takes all the guesswork out. It generates ideas in seconds, helps validate them with real data, and refines them to match your audience’s needs. But the key is knowing how to guide it effectively. If you just type in “give me blog ideas,” you’ll get generic suggestions that won’t move the needle.
My Go-To AI Tools for Content Ideation
There are a lot of AI tools out there, but three stand out when it comes to finding, evaluating, and refining content ideas: ChatGPT, Exploding Topics, and Brandwell. Each serves a different purpose, and together, they create a powerhouse system for content planning.
1. ChatGPT: Your Starting Point for Ideas
ChatGPT is like having a brainstorming partner that never runs out of steam. It won’t replace in-depth research, but it will help you overcome the blank page problem instantly.
Here’s how I use it:
- Kickstarting ideas – I start with a simple but specific prompt:
“Research the topic of artificial intelligence in marketing and generate 10 blog ideas for marketers looking for AI-powered growth solutions.” - Refining topics – Once I have a list, I ask ChatGPT to narrow each topic down to one primary focus keyword. This makes it easier to optimize for SEO later.
- Checking for overlap – Not all AI-generated ideas are winners. Some will be too similar, too broad, or just not relevant. That’s where the next tool comes in.
One of the biggest advantages of using ChatGPT is that it helps me step outside the usual keyword-driven approach. Instead of just looking at what’s already ranking, I can start thinking about unique angles, fresh takes, and emerging conversations that competitors might not be covering yet. That’s how you create content that stands out.
2. Exploding Topics: Finding Data-Backed Trends
If ChatGPT is great for brainstorming, Exploding Topics is where I separate the strong ideas from the weak ones. Owned by SEMrush, this tool analyzes search trends to identify topics that are on the rise.
Here’s why I love it:
- Instant trend validation – If a topic is experiencing consistent growth, it’s worth writing about. If it’s volatile or declining, I skip it.
- Seasonality insights – Some topics spike for a few months and then disappear. Others have steady, long-term growth. Exploding Topics helps me spot the difference.
- Hidden gems – Sometimes I find terms I’ve never even heard of. For example, I recently discovered “Explainable AI” (XAI)—a niche but rapidly growing topic that perfectly aligns with AI-driven marketing.
I use Exploding Topics to make sure I’m not just writing about what’s already been covered to death. I want to find fresh, unique ideas that add something new to the conversation. When I pair those insights with the creativity I get from ChatGPT, I can create content that’s both timely and original.
3. Brandwell: Going from Idea to Execution
Brandwell is the final piece of my process because it bridges the gap between ideation and execution. Unlike ChatGPT and Exploding Topics, which focus on idea generation, Brandwell helps manage and optimize content for search rankings.
Here’s why I find it useful:
- Keyword research baked in – It automatically pulls keyword data for your selected topics, so you don’t have to jump between multiple SEO tools.
- Content optimization – It audits your existing content, suggesting updates for underperforming articles before you invest time in brand-new pieces.
- Content planning made easy – Instead of letting ideas sit in a spreadsheet, Brandwell organizes everything into a structured content calendar.
This is where AI becomes a serious differentiator. Instead of just generating ideas, it helps refine and execute them in a way that aligns with search demand and audience intent. When I was doing 60 topics a month manually, I was bound by what I could realistically research and validate on my own. Now, I can expand my approach and incorporate ideas I might have overlooked before.
Start Using AI Right
AI is not here to take over creativity. It is here to remove the friction in the ideation process so you can focus on what really matters—creating content that stands out. The goal isn’t to rely on AI blindly but to use it as a tool to sharpen your thinking, uncover new angles, and push beyond the obvious.
If you’re still hesitant, start small. Use AI to spark ideas, validate trends, and streamline your planning. The sooner you embrace it, the faster you’ll see how much time and effort it can save without sacrificing originality. The challenge is not whether AI can help, but whether you’re using it effectively.
