A year of AI transformation

Discover how AI can boost your productivity: Real-World applications for Creative Online Professionals.

A year of AI transformation
Creating a perspective on AI and the transformative powers it had on my life this year

It's been an extraordinary year since the introduction of various AI technologies that have profoundly altered the way we interact with the digital world. I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of AI.

In this blog post, I'll share my experiences and impressions of how AI, across various applications, has impacted my work and daily life over the past year.

A year with ChatGPT

In the past year, the introduction of ChatGPT into my toolkit has ushered in a revolution in how I approach creativity and receive support across various aspects of my work as a web strategist and content writer. ChatGPT has emerged as a dynamic and indispensable partner, facilitating tasks that range from brainstorming ideas to enhancing my technical skills.

Here's a closer look at its role in my professional journey:

Idea generation and brainstorming

One of the standout features of ChatGPT is its ability to assist in idea generation. Whether I'm seeking inspiration for blog topics, marketing campaigns, or creative projects, ChatGPT serves as a virtual brainstorming companion. By providing prompts and engaging in dialogue, it helps me explore new concepts, refine existing ideas, and uncover fresh perspectives.

Information sorting and organization

The volume of information available in today's digital landscape can be overwhelming. ChatGPT plays a pivotal role in organizing and sorting through this vast sea of data. It helps me structure my research, categorize information, and distill key insights from diverse sources, enabling more efficient decision-making and content creation.

Technical support and skill expansion

AI-powered technical support is another area where ChatGPT shines. It assists me in various technical aspects of my work, from writing Python code for automation tasks to optimizing SEO strategies for improved online visibility. This technical guidance not only saves time but also empowers me to take on more complex projects and expand my skill set.

Content generation and revision

As a content writer, the quality of my written work is crucial. ChatGPT assists in generating high-quality content by suggesting sentence structures, providing synonyms, and offering alternative phrasing.

It serves as a writing companion, aiding in content refinement and ensuring that my written pieces resonate with the intended audience.

Enhancing SEO strategies

Effective SEO strategies are essential for online visibility and reach. ChatGPT's insights into SEO trends, keyword optimization, and content structuring contribute to the enhancement of my SEO strategies.

It assists in identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring that my online content remains competitive in search engine rankings.

Versatile problem solving

Beyond its specific applications, ChatGPT's versatility shines in problem-solving across a spectrum of subjects.

Whether I'm troubleshooting technical issues, exploring new marketing tactics, or unraveling complex concepts, ChatGPT's ability to provide clear and concise explanations aids in informed decision-making and problem resolution.

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AI: A Diverse Category of Capabilities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a diverse category of technologies. From Natural Language Processing (NLP) to computer vision and more, AI capabilities can be combined and stacked to create innovative solutions. For example, ChatGPT uses NLP for text understanding, but it can also listen, speak, and generate images. Explore the versatile world of AI.

- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understanding and generating human language.
- Computer Vision: Enabling machines to interpret and analyze visual information.
- Generative Models: Creating content, images, and text using AI-generated data.
- Machine Learning: Algorithms that learn patterns and make predictions.
- Robotics: Combining hardware and AI for physical tasks.
- Speech Recognition: Transforming spoken language into text or commands.
- Reinforcement Learning: Teaching AI through rewards and punishments.
- Expert Systems: Mimicking human expertise for decision-making.
- Neural Networks: Model inspired by the human brain for complex tasks

Photo management and creativity

One of the earliest and most impactful changes has come in the realm of photo management and content creation. AI's ability to search through my photos, enhance their quality, propose captions, and generate summaries has revolutionized my content creation process.

Whether I'm crafting blog posts, social media updates, or marketing materials, AI's assistance has become indispensable, boosting my creativity and productivity.

Efficient meetings and communication

AI-based transcription and summarization tools have revolutionized the way I handle meetings. The ability to automatically transcribe and summarize discussions has not only saved time but has also improved the clarity and accessibility of meeting records. This has made collaboration more efficient and effective.

Now I use Tactiq but I am also evaluating Fireflies and Otter.ai.

Review of transcription software: Tactiq vs. Fireflies.ai
Join me on a journey as I test and contrast Tactiq and Fireflies.ai, seeking the best transcription tool for video meetings in a web strategist’s life.

Multilingual and editorial texts

In a globalized world, effective communication in multiple languages is crucial. AI-powered translation tools have been a game-changer, enabling seamless cross-border collaborations and broadening my audience reach.

The ability to effortlessly translate between English and Dutch has opened up new opportunities for engagement and understanding. For translations I rely on DeepL and for editorial support on LanguageTool. In the article 'Blog writing workflow' I explain my workflow.

Explore nature

AI has extended its influence beyond work, enriching my personal life. Apps that recognize trees, flowers, mushrooms, animals, and even clouds have added depth to my outdoor adventures. AI's ability to provide information and insights about the natural world has deepened my connection with the environment.

The two main apps I use are Obsidentify and PlantNet. The first is more local and also trained on animals, insects and mushrooms. The second is very thoroughly trained on trees, plants and flowers.

Exporing nature in action. Left Obsidentify and right PlantNet.
Exporing nature in action. Left Obsidentify and right PlantNet.

Access to Up-to-Date Information

In our age of rapidly evolving information, staying informed is vital. I use a tool called Perplexity to access the latest information with reliable sources for day to day research. It ensures that I can provide clients and readers with the most current and credible information available.

Here I go on depth what this AI-powered tool can do: Perplexity, the AI-powered answer engine.

The ongoing AI Journey

Reflecting on the past year, I'm astounded by the profound impact AI has had on my work and life. AI technologies, spanning various applications, have empowered me to work more efficiently, think more creatively, and explore new horizons. However, it's crucial to remember that AI is a versatile tool whose impact is shaped by our creative application.

The future holds boundless possibilities as AI continues to advance. I eagerly anticipate discovering new ways to leverage these technologies to enhance my work as a web strategist and content writer. AI's potential is limitless, and I'm excited to be part of this ever-evolving journey.

In conclusion, a year of AI transformation has taught me that these technologies are not merely tools; they are partners that can amplify our abilities and enrich our lives in unexpected and remarkable ways.

Want to know more and see what AI could do for you or your company, feel free to reach out or subscribe to my newsletter for updates. I also was a podcast guest and talked about the topic of using AI in blogging.

Rob Hoeijmakers: using AI to transform blogging workflows
Rob Hoeijmakers is an independent web strategist based in Amsterdam. He’s using AI tools to streamline his research and writing workflows.