AI is Disrupting Marketing? Got it! Now What?

As another Cincy AI Week draws near, it’s important to remember just how disruptive generative AI technology is. Generative AI is disrupting marketing, and no one is exactly sure how it’ll all pan out. Here’s what experts had to say about these changes.

In the packed room at Cincy AI Week, a dynamic session took place, moderated by Kendra Ramirez, CEO of KR Digital. Industry leaders converged to explore the transformative power of AI in marketing, sharing insights that painted a comprehensive picture of the opportunities and challenges ahead. The panel, featuring Aida Ramusovic-Witham, Summer Crenshaw, Catherine O’Shea, Pete Blackshaw and Simcha Kackley, MBA, OMCP, offered their visionary perspectives with an approachable, expert tone.

Pete Blackshaw, CEO of BrandRank.ai, set the stage with a compelling call to action: “Know thyself.” His message underscored the importance of using AI to understand and reflect on one’s brand identity. “The fundamentals, the boring basics, and getting them right are crucial,” Blackshaw emphasized, highlighting the need for brands to start with listening to early signals. This foundational approach framed the session, underscoring leadership, practical applications, and ethical considerations in the AI era.

The Golden Age of Leadership

Blackshaw’s insights on the digital dualisms—efficiency versus ethics, integration versus simulation—struck a chord. He painted a picture of a landscape where AI heralds a golden age for leadership in marketing. Aida Ramusovic-Witham expanded on this vision, reimagining the future CMO as a conductor harmonizing different departments, including AI and technology. She emphasized that education and the right tool adoption are essential for successful navigation in this new terrain.

Practical Applications in the Real World

Summer Crenshaw, CEO of Enterprise Technology Association and co-founder of Cincy AI Week, shared her experiences using automation tools like make.com to save time on routine tasks, allowing marketers to focus on creative aspects like brand storytelling and customer solutions.

Simcha Kackley, CEO of Swivel, contributed vivid examples of how her team uses AI tools such as copy.ai for content generation, ChatGPT for data analysis, and MidJourney for design concepts. Her stories illustrated the immense potential of combining automation with AI to achieve remarkable efficiency and innovation.

The Personal Touch and Ethical Considerations

The necessity of personalized communication in marketing was a unanimous sentiment among the panelists. Kackley described how automated yet personalized LinkedIn messages significantly improve engagement rates. Blackshaw brought the conversation back to core values, stressing that even as AI is disrupting marketing, it should also be a tool to help brands stay true to their claims and maintain transparency.

Facing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Despite the excitement around AI, the panelists candidly discussed significant challenges. They acknowledged that while some clients are enthusiastic, they often feel overwhelmed by the plethora of tools, and others remain skeptical due to previous negative experiences. The panelists emphasized the need for transparent data sets and responsible AI use to build trust and reliability.

Practical Insights and Tools

As the discussion moved towards practical insights, the panelists shared several AI tools and techniques that have proven effective:

• Make.com: An advanced automation tool that saves hours by automating repetitive tasks.
• Copy.ai and ChatGPT: Tools for content generation and data analysis that provide significant time savings and efficiency improvements.
• Tango.ai: A tool for creating SOPs and training clients, ensuring smooth handovers and reducing follow-up queries.
• Narratize.com: A tool for crafting compelling narratives and stories, enhancing brand communication and audience engagement.

A Vision for the Future

In the closing moments, the panelists looked towards the future, advocating for deeper personalization, ethical AI practices, and the continuous evolution of AI tools to bridge gaps between different regions and sectors. They underscored that while AI is a powerful tool, it is ultimately the human element—leadership, creativity, and ethical considerations—that will drive successful AI adoption in marketing.

Kendra Ramirez wrapped up the session with a heartfelt message: “We’re all in this together,” she said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit needed to navigate the AI revolution in marketing. Her words left the audience feeling empowered and supported, ready to embrace the future of AI with both enthusiasm and caution.