A detailed critique of generic AI chatbot output
I just asked Claude AI to "write about bouncy castle hire Manchester", and here's what it suggested:
"Looking for the perfect addition to your next event in Manchester? Bouncy castle hire Manchester offers an exciting range of inflatable attractions suitable for all ages and occasions. Whether you're planning a children's birthday party, school fete, corporate event, or garden party, local hire companies provide professional, reliable service with a diverse selection of bouncy castles and inflatable games. All equipment is regularly safety-checked, fully insured, and comes with professional installation and collection. From traditional castle designs to themed inflatables featuring popular characters, obstacle courses, and slide combinations, there's something to suit every preference and budget. Many Manchester-based companies offer competitive prices, flexible booking options, and serve the entire Greater Manchester area, including surrounding districts like Salford, Stockport, and Bolton. With experienced staff ensuring a smooth rental process and strict adherence to safety guidelines, you can focus on enjoying your event while the little ones bounce away to their heart's content."
At a brief glance this might seem okay, but if you copied something like this onto your site you'd be really doing a disservice to your business. Here's some flaws with it:
- It says "local hire companies.." and doesn't mention your business name
- It says "many Manchester-based companies" - is it advertising your competitors?
- It makes claims about "all equipment" being insured and coming with professional installation - is that always true?
- It said "strict adherence to safety guidelines" but doesn't mention RPII or BS EN 14960 or PIPA tags
- It mentions "themed inflatables featuring popular characters" - beware the copyright police!
- It lists slides and obstacle courses - do you hire these?
- It says you cover the "entire Greater Manchester area" - really? That's a very big delivery radius
- It says "suitable for all ages and occasions" - but some units will be kids-only
- It says you have "flexible booking options" - but you probably don't take last minute bookings, or might want a deposit up front
- It contains "bouncy castle hire Manchester" repeated unnaturally - this is called "keyword stuffing" and Google doesn't like it
- It doesn't mention ANYTHING unique about your business
- It phrases things in USA corporate speak - "surrounding disticts"? Nobody says that here.
- It doesn't mention anything about the nuances of hiring in Manchester - for example, the near-continuous rain
- It's one big paragraph which is hard to read.
If you instead prompted Claude with something like:
"Write a page in British English for my bouncy castle business in Manchester, Stef's Bouncers, with subheadings and lists when appropriate. We are based in Prestwich with free delivery in Prestwich, Whitefield, Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall. Middleton, Radcliffe, Bury, and Salford cost £20 delivery. All of our castles are PIPA tagged and BS EN 14960 tested. We do not hire in heavy rain or winds and you will get a refund. We properly secure every castle with stakes and sandbags if on hard surfaces. We've been hiring since 2004 and have a team of four. We are a family business. We regularly provide castles for events at Heaton Park. Do not make up any new information. Write succinctly but with a friendly voice."
You'd get a response like:
Stef's Bouncers - Manchester's Trusted Bouncy Castle Hire
Located in the heart of Prestwich since 2004
Welcome to Stef's Bouncers
As a family-run business with nearly 20 years of experience, we take pride in > bringing joy to children's parties and events across North Manchester. Our team of four dedicated professionals ensures every bouncy castle is delivered, installed, and secured with the utmost care and attention to safety.
Safety First
• All castles are PIPA tagged and BS EN 14960 tested • Professional securing with stakes or sandbags (for hard surfaces) • Full safety inspection before every hire • Weather policy: Free cancellation and refund for heavy rain or high winds
Delivery Areas
Free Delivery:
- Prestwich
- Whitefield
- Cheetham Hill
- Crumpsall
£20 Delivery Fee:
- Middleton
- Radcliffe
- Bury
- Salford
Why Choose Stef's Bouncers?
- Established in 2004
- Family-owned and operated
- Regular supplier for Heaton Park events
- Professional installation team
- Fully insured
- Reliable, friendly service
Weather Policy
We prioritise your children's safety above all else. If weather conditions are unsuitable (heavy rain or strong winds), we'll contact you to arrange a full refund or reschedule your booking.
Contact Us
[Insert contact details]
Ready to bring bouncing fun to your event? Get in touch with our friendly team today for availability and pricing.
This is much better! It's easier to read, it provides value to the visitor, and it doesn't make as many assumptions about your business because the input text is much more detailed.
You should still edit this text yourself, though - it's missing some key information like the types of products you hire, and some bits still sound quite corporate. But as a basis to build a page from, this is a great start.
I hope this gives some inspiration about how to prompt your AI chatbots more successfully!
For more on this topic, read my guide to using AI effectively - and if you'd like me to critique your website the way I've critiqued this one, have a look at my SEO audits.