March 13, 2024

A quick guide to getting started with AI, for marketers

In the heart of today's tech-savvy world, artificial intelligence beats louder than ever.
MarTech
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Everywhere you turn, conversations buzz with mentions of AI’s immense potential—whether it’s driving growth or enhancing efficiency. Indeed, a recent PWC study underscores this narrative, suggesting that AI could account for an astounding 45% of economic gains by 2030. 

Enter marketers, standing at the precipice of this transformation, ready to harness AI’s power. 

But how can they do this, when most marketers “think that AI is only chatGPT?” lamented Stagwell Marketing Cloud’s CTO Mansoor Basha.

It’s true: AI is so much more than one well known product, and marketers would be wise to dig into the vast products and capabilities that fall under the heading of AI.

Otherwise, they run the risk of losing out to other marketers and agencies that have proactively learned these tools and become the glue between this technology, and rising consumer demand for the data analysis, personalization, predictive analysis and operation efficiency. 

So how can they do it? Let’s first start with an understanding of where we’re at now. 

AI in marketing: the current, personalized landscape

Marketing’s journey from print ads and TV spots to the proliferation of sophisticated digital campaigns is nothing short of remarkable. But as we stand on the brink of another evolution, AI is poised to permanently redefine marketing. At the core of this transformation is personalization, a facet that AI magnifies, ensuring that every consumer feels uniquely seen, heard, and understood. It’s every marketer’s dream, now made a reality.

"We haven’t fully tapped the capabilities of advertising and marketing—and now, AI will allow us to,” said Basha.

He goes on to speak directly to creatives, saying, “If you’re a creative, you know that what we do today via a TV ad or an Instagram reel, that’s just one small part of what’s possible–because it’s only tapping into sight and sound. If we are to think creatively and harness the technology at our fingertips, we might be able to use more senses when interacting with an advertisement, one that’s personalized to our individual senses.”

Personalization in AI-driven marketing stems from its immediate and tangible impact on consumer engagement. AI-enabled personalization creates tailored experiences that meet customers' unique preferences and needs.

This level of customization in marketing has been a game-changer, allowing brands to connect with their audience more effectively than ever before. 

Additional AI applications

In contrast, other AI applications in marketing such as data analysis, predictive analysis, and operational efficiency, though rapidly evolving, are not as immediately visible to consumers and require a deeper integration into a company's internal processes. 

These areas, while incredibly valuable, often involve more complex implementations and require longer to demonstrate visible ROI. As a result, they are currently in a developmental phase, gaining momentum as businesses gradually recognize their long-term strategic value in enhancing decision-making, anticipating market trends, and streamlining operations.

But, as customers are increasingly more savvy, “they’re attuned to piecemeal, siloed marketing campaigns, and a more holistic and integrated approach is needed,” notes Basha.

These additional AI capabilities that spur further integration and collaboration are increasingly proving their worth in driving sustainable, data-driven marketing strategies that convert consumers. 

  • Data Analysis: The digital age drowns us in data. Yet, AI has emerged with the ability to process vast data troves of data swiftly, unveiling insights that could easily elude human analysts.
  • Predictive Analysis: The ability to predict is game-changing. With AI, agencies can foresee market shifts, consumer inclinations, and impending challenges—offering proactive strategies over mere reactions. It’s as if you’ve been given a crystal ball, and the ability to see the future. 
  • Operational Efficiency: From automating mundane tasks to refining ad campaigns in real-time, AI elevates operational prowess, ensuring that every resource is optimized.

While it’s clear AI can help optimize these areas, many are lost about how to get started. It can be helpful to unpack specific use cases—which we've done here, in this quick exploration of how Stagwell Marketing Cloud can change how you do business.

Tools and Technologies to Consider

For marketers, technology holds the key to unlocking unprecedented success and winning new business. But before running headlong into purchasing AI tools, it’s essential for teams to think about what technology is right for the job.

Here's a glance at the technologies to explore in general.

1. Content Creation & Optimization Tools 

AI now has the power to generate captivating and relevant content. These tools not only help in creating initial drafts but also fine-tune content, ensuring it's perfectly aligned with the target audience's preferences and needs. The benefits are clear:

  • Rapid content development, even with minimal input.
  • Multilingual support for catering to global audiences—and the ability to expand your target demographic.
  • Enhanced SEO performance with real-time feedback and suggestions.

⚒️Tools to try: PRophet Earn, Copy.ai, Clickup

2. Ad Creation & Optimization Tools 

As they revolutionize the ad space, these tools allow marketers to create and target compelling ads within seconds. They provide:

  • Tailored ad campaigns that resonate with the audience.
  • Predictive metrics to gauge potential ad performance.
  • Real-time analysis and adjustment capabilities.

⚒️Tools to try: SmartAssets, CUE, The People Platform

3. Market Research Tools 

Understand your customer and audience at the deepest level, These tools can:

  • Summarize data and conduct data analysis of results
  • Support survey creation and targeted launches

⚒️Tools to try: QuestAI, QuestDIY 

Overcoming the AI learning curve

While the benefits of AI are clear, embracing AI isn't without challenges. It necessitates a paradigm shift for marketing professionals—a commitment to upskilling and continuous learning.

And while diving into the AI deep end might seem daunting, finding the right vendors can smooth the journey, ensuring that the learning curve isn't steep—but rewarding. And with it, your customers will “get a fuller, more holistic experience that allows a consumer to really interact with the brand,” says Basha. 

Interested in learning more about how Stagwell Marketing Cloud's suite of products can help your business? We'd love to show you what's possible.

Alicia Marie Beatty

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