▶  seo · S5E103 · · January 26, 2026

Inside Melissa Popp’s Multi-LLM AI Workflow for Powerful Content Strategy

Guest: Melissa Popp, VP of Content Strategy & Innovation at RicketyRoo
Hosts: Jon Clark & Joe DeVita

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

What if your content didn’t just rank — it resonated? In this episode, Melissa Popp reveals her exact AI-powered workflow for creating content that’s strategic, scalable, and unmistakably human. Jon and Joe sit down with Melissa Popp, VP of Content Strategy & Innovation at RicketyRoo, for a deep dive into content that connects — not just ranks. With over 20 years in the content game, Melissa has mastered the art of blending storytelling with strategy, using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to enhance (not replace) human insight. Melissa shares her exact workflow for integrating LLMs, the client onboarding questions that unlock authentic brand voices, and why internal linking deserves more love. She also explores the balance between creating at scale and crafting content that truly moves people. Whether you’re an SEO pro, a content strategist, or navigating the noisy world of AI-powered marketing, this episode is a masterclass in doing content the right way.

In This Episode

  • Why content should be human and honest, not just optimized
  • How Melissa blends ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity into her content process
  •  The key questions that help brands find their voice
  • Using AI to uncover hidden gems for internal linking
  • The power of A/B testing and regular content updates
  • Why Melissa avoids shortcuts like listicles for the sake of quality
  • Custom GPTs, spaces, and workflows explained
  • Why AI can’t replace real empathy, nuance, and storytelling
  • How SMBs can stand out even in “unsexy” industries
  • Redefining content success: from quantity to action-driven quality

Whether you’re updating legacy blogs or starting from scratch, Melissa offers an approach that proves good content is still the best strategy — even in an AI world.

CONNECT WITH MELISSA POPPS

Melissa’s Website
Melissa on LinkedIn
Melissa on X
Melissa on Instagram
Melissa Bluesky
Melissa on Threads

Chapters

  • 0:00

    Introduction to Content Marketing and Storytelling

  • 2:48

    The Role of Literary Analysis in Content Creation

  • 6:11

    Innovation in Content Marketing: Integrating AI

  • 8:57

    Exploring AI Tools for Content Creation

  • 11:55

    Understanding LLMs: ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity

  • 15:05

    Building Effective Workflows with AI

  • 18:10

    The Importance of Client Conversations in Content Strategy

  • 20:51

    Custom Instructions and Knowledge Bases for AI

  • 24:04

    Defining Brand Stories and Unique Selling Points

  • 26:54

    A/B Testing and Semantic Triples in Content Strategy

  • 31:08

    Exploring Semantic Triplets in Content Creation

  • 34:09

    The Balance of Writing for AI and Humans

  • 36:32

    Quality Content: The Foundation of SEO and AI

  • 40:40

    Navigating AI Content Creation Challenges

  • 46:39

    Quality vs. Quantity in Content Production

  • 50:24

    The Importance of Internal Linking

Resources mentioned