Exploring AI tools for marketing success
If you feel like AI is taking over the world, you're not alone. While it can feel intimidating, if you approach it strategically and realize you don’t have to use AI for EVERYTHING, it can feel more manageable. AI can and should be used as one tool in your marketing tool box, and there are many different ways to integrate it into your overall marketing strategy.
Whether you're a solopreneur or running a full-fledged marketing department, here’s a breakdown of how AI tools can take your marketing to the next level.
Why Use AI in Your Marketing?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room; AI isn’t here to replace creative thinking. However, it can definitely enhance it. Used strategically, AI tools can help you:
Save time on repetitive tasks
Create and repurpose content faster
Analyze data more effectively
Personalize customer experiences
Stay flexible through industry changes
How AI tools can be used
CONTENT CREATION AND COPYWRITING
Creating content regularly can be a struggle for many. Sometimes AI can help you with generating ideas and even drafting content faster. It’s like asking someone to brainstorm with you.
Tools to explore:
ChatGPT: Great for blog outlines, ad copy, social captions, and more.
Jasper: For marketers with templates for everything from emails to landing pages.
Copy.ai: Quick, user-friendly content generation for small businesses.
Important note: You don’t want to try to connect with your audience using content that was written by robots. Make sure you’re humanizing any content generated by AI. Any initial drafts created by AI should never be your final product.
DESIGN AND VISUAL CONTENT
There are some projects that hiring a graphic designer for is best and some that you can do on your own. And you don’t need to be a graphic designer to create beautiful visuals anymore. AI tools can help with everything from image generation to brand consistency.
Tools to explore:
Canva’s AI features: Background removal, Magic Write, and design suggestions.
Adobe Firefly: For more professional-level AI-generated graphics.
Lumen5: Turns blog posts into engaging videos using AI.
Important note: There are still issues with copyright when it comes to AI-generated images and videos on many platforms, so use them sparingly and wisely. Sometimes it’s almost better to start with a royalty-free image or one of your own.
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT & CHATBOTS
It can be hard to stay on top of every single customer inquiry – although, we’d argue that if you have a solid content strategy for your socials and your website, you can eliminate a lot of confusion. If you’re looking for AI-powered support, chatbots can handle FAQs, qualify leads, and keep customers engaged. This can free you up to work on other aspects of your business
Tools to explore:
Drift: AI chatbot for sales and support.
ManyChat: Automate conversations on Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp.
Tidio: AI-driven live chat for small businesses.
Important note: AI chatbots and engagement isn’t perfect. There are many instances where misinformation was given. So, if you’re going this route, make sure to monitor it regularly.
ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS
Analytics and data has become more and more important to creating a better marketing strategy. If you’re looking at the right things, you can get a better understanding of what’s working (and what’s not). AI tools can analyze large amounts of data quickly and give you actionable insights.
Tools to explore:
Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Now has predictive metrics and deeper AI-based insights.
HubSpot: Offers AI features in marketing automation and CRM.
Crimson Hexagon / Brandwatch: For social listening and sentiment analysis.
Integrating AI into your day-to-day
You don’t have to use every AI tool that is out there. You don’t have to use AI at all! However, if you are going to use AI, then you want to be intentional and strategic with how you integrate it into the day-to-day flow of your business. When used in the right ways it can be a powerful tool. If it feels overwhelming, start small. For example, you could:
Use AI to generate first drafts of social media posts or email subject lines.
Let AI help with keyword research or analyzing campaign performance.
Test different AI tools to find the right fit for your needs.
Most importantly, don’t lose the human touch. Authenticity, empathy, and creativity are still the most valuable tools in your marketing toolbox.
AI isn’t a magic carpet ride to marketing success, but it can help take your marketing strategy to the next level.