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A David and Goliath Experiment

Hello, interested reader. I am but a humble copywriter for 6AM Marketing in Madison, WI, and I have decided to take AI down … a peg. This started as a simple idea: a blog post about AI’s role in marketing. Zzzzzz, right? Then I thought, well, if I’m gonna do a post on a topic that already has a million blogs, I might as well just have AI write the damn thing itself. So that’s what I did.

Well, I quickly realized that I couldn’t – Nay, that I didn’t WANT to – put my name on what AI put out.

With all this talk of AI being the next big thing and people ruining their pants thinking it’s going to take over, I couldn’t help but notice some of its shortcomings. Well, let’s just read through it together, shall we?

Unleashing the Future: How AI is Transforming the Landscape of Marketing

In the ever-evolving realm of marketing, where strategies and trends shift at lightning speed, a new force has emerged as a game-changer: artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative technology has stepped onto the stage with its ability to revolutionize the way businesses connect with consumers, understand their preferences, and craft personalized experiences like never before.

Hi, it’s me, human copywriter again. Thought I would interrupt this entirely AI-generated post to point out just how braggadocious and cocksure AI is about itself. “Game-changer”?  “Revolutionize”?! To be fair, I did prompt this AI generator to write about itself; I just didn’t realize it would be so self-aggrandizing. I, unlike the AI author of this post, am a real person with feelings, emotions, (a sense of humility) and, sadly, an expiration date. Let’s keep reading, but I may be chiming in from time to time. Anyway, sorry for the interruption. Continue, AI.

AI has seamlessly woven itself into various aspects of marketing, redefining traditional approaches and propelling brands toward greater success. Let's delve into the dynamic ways AI is reshaping the marketing landscape:

Before I — or the collective works gathered by ChatGPT, I should say — delve into those dynamic ways, I would like to say something as a copywriter. First off, unless you’re living under a rock, you’re familiar with the concern that AI will replace my job. I don’t think it will. When machines were created to put cars together in place of workers on a factory line, someone had to run the machines, right? I think of AI as a tool — a very confident tool, mind you. And I do use AI quite a bit. I’m clearly using it for this blog post, which reminds me: Let’s get back to those dynamic ways AI claims it’s reshaping the marketing landscape.

Predictive Analytics for Precise Insights

One of the standout features of AI in marketing is its predictive analytics prowess. By analyzing vast amounts of historical data, AI algorithms can forecast consumer behaviors, preferences, and trends. This empowers marketers to make informed decisions, optimize their strategies, and tailor campaigns that resonate with their target audience on a deeper level.

See, this is a perfect example of what I was saying: In little time, AI can comb through the internet (the internet is pretty big, btw), recognizing patterns that, frankly, I just don’t have time to do myself. So thank you, AI; great illustration of you serving as a tool, NOT A REPLACEMENT, for me, a human. Go on.

Hyper-Personalization

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all marketing. AI's data-driven insights enable hyper-personalization, where brands can create tailored content and recommendations for individual customers. From product suggestions to email subject lines, AI ensures that every interaction feels like a bespoke experience, fostering stronger connections and driving customer loyalty.

Wait a minute! Are you telling me that this email addressed to me from Adobe reminding me about a live webinar next month went out to other people, too?!

Of course I am making a joke – something AI has yet to perfect. On a serious note, though, this works and is incredibly helpful. Think of it like database software, except instead of plugging in addresses from a spreadsheet, it constructs content specifically for your customers based on analytics and insights from the previous point.

Although it is nice to get email opens from customers thinking it’s a personal email written just for them, they may still read it after discovering it’s an AI-generated email because they know it is tailored to their interests.

If I get an email telling me Pearl Jam is performing in a nearby city, I am not gonna delete it when I realize it’s only because I watched some Pearl Jam YouTube videos. I like Pearl Jam, and I got the email because I’m interested.

Chatbots and Customer Engagement

Customer service is elevated to new heights through AI-powered chatbots. These virtual assistants provide instantaneous responses to queries, enhance customer engagement and streamline the user experience. With their 24/7 availability, chatbots offer real-time support that aligns with the modern consumer's demand for instant gratification.

Anytime a chatbot tries to help me, I just reply “REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE” over and over until I get a human. These chatbots have yet to solve a problem for me. They just serve as an obstacle between me and someone who can actually help me. Maybe in the future, after they complete a few upgrades, I will give them another try, but for now, I’m out of patience.

“Hello, I’m your virtual assistant. How can I help you?”

“My flight got changed from 9:15 a.m. to 11 p.m., so I need to cancel it.”

“Sounds like you’re trying to locate your bags. Is that right?”

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Data-Driven Decision Making

Marketers have always relied on data, but AI takes it a step further by analyzing complex data sets swiftly and extracting actionable insights. This enables marketers to make data-driven decisions with precision, optimizing campaign performance and resource allocation.

Uhmmm, this sounds an awful lot like “Predictive Analytics for Precise Insights” from above. If I was writing this blog — which, remember, I am not; this is AI’s thing — I would probably combine these into one point. But what do I know? I’m just a simple human being with thoughts and opinions. Sarcasm: another empty holster in AI’s toolbelt.

Optimizing SEO and Content Creation

AI is rewriting the rules of search engine optimization (SEO). Algorithms can analyze search patterns and user behavior to craft content that aligns with what users are searching for, increasing a brand's visibility and reach. Additionally, AI-generated content tools assist marketers in creating compelling copy, saving time and effort without compromising quality.

Enhanced Ad Campaigns

AI-driven ad platforms optimize advertising campaigns by analyzing performance data and adjusting strategies in real time. This results in higher conversion rates and more efficient ad-spend allocation, ultimately driving better return on investment (ROI).

Marketing Automation and Workflow Efficiency

AI-powered automation tools take care of repetitive tasks, allowing marketers to focus on strategy and creativity. From email marketing to social media scheduling, automation enhances efficiency and enables seamless multi-channel campaigns.

Hey, it’s me again. Did you forget about me? Of course you didn’t; my interjections are the most exciting part of this blog. (Wow, AI’s arrogance is rubbing off on me.) I just wanted to point out that I haven’t seen any source attribution in this blog. That’s not really fair, considering AI’s lifeblood is content that other people have contributed to the internet. What, does AI just get a pass because it doesn’t have feelings or body odor? I would love to not have to cite my sources — to be honest, that was my incentive for this whole blog post commentary gimmick in the first place.

Ethical Considerations

While AI presents numerous benefits, it also raises ethical questions, particularly concerning data privacy and algorithm bias. As AI's role in marketing grows, it's crucial for businesses to address these concerns transparently and prioritize responsible AI usage.

Very clever, AI. Very clever. So when a business gets in trouble for AI-caused data privacy breaches and unfair algorithm biases, is this your “Don’t blame me, I said to use me responsibly” excuse?

Well, sincerely, this is a good point. Like with any tool, you must be careful with it. Much like the humans running the machines at the car factory, someone needs to be monitoring what AI is outputting. As with any tool, the user is accountable for the result.

OK, we’re almost to the end. Let’s see how AI wraps this thing up.

In the digital age, where consumers are inundated with choices, attention spans are fleeting, and preferences are constantly evolving, AI has emerged as a beacon of innovation for marketers. Its ability to analyze data, predict trends and create personalized experiences empowers brands to connect with their audience in ways that were once unimaginable. As the synergy between AI and marketing continues to evolve, the future promises a more engaging, efficient, and personalized marketing landscape that caters to the ever-changing needs of consumers.

Well said, AI. Together, we make a great team.

And thank you, beloved reader, for sharing this journey with me. Sure, it started as a cop-out to putting in the work of researching a topic and citing sources, but what’s that old saying, “Avoiding hard work and looking for easy shortcuts is the mother of invention”? Well, maybe that’s not it, but we have AI, and it’s not going anywhere. It truly is a helpful tool and is only getting smarter and more useful. My recommendation is to give its ego a pass and hop on the AI train.

And, hey, if you wanna collaborate with an agency that knows how to leverage AI’s offerings while believing your brand is best understood by a human with feelings, emotions, and social insight, I can put in a good word for ya at 6AM Marketing. Oh, and they hire super cool copywriters, too.

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