AI-Powered Marketing: Your Guide To Getting Started (With Tools)

In a 2024 survey, 54% of organisations reported that AI delivers cost savings on their marketing campaigns (WebFX). This focus on efficiency – including automation and streamlining complex, repetitive tasks – is driving many businesses to embrace AI-powered marketing.

In this article, we delve into the world of AI-powered marketing, providing marketers and business owners with a comprehensive understanding of this transformative approach.

But, before diving in, let's explore: what exactly does it mean to be AI-powered?

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What Is AI-Powered Marketing?

Simply put, AI-powered marketing leverages machines that learn from data to enhance marketing efforts.

It's more than just automation:

❗️While AI can automate repetitive tasks like scheduling and reporting, its true power lies in its ability to learn and evolve. AI-powered marketing utilises algorithms to transform vast amounts of customer data into actionable insights.

In marketing, AI tackles tasks like:

• Analysing customer data: AI can identify patterns and trends in customer behaviour, leading to better targeting and strategy.
• Personalising marketing messages: AI tailors messages to individual customers based on their preferences and behaviour, increasing engagement and effectiveness.
• Segmenting customers with laser focus: AI can help with highly targeted marketing campaigns that resonate on a deeper level.
• Predicting customer needs and behaviour: AI can analyse historical data to predict customer churn risk, future purchases, and even product preferences.
• Understanding customer sentiment: AI can reveal how customers perceive your brand and competitors. This allows you to address customer concerns promptly, capitalise on positive sentiment, and refine your brand messaging.

7 Ways To Transform Marketing With AI:

For large organisations, the marketing landscape can be complex and demanding. AI is a powerful ally, helping overcome some of the biggest challenges.

1) Streamlining complex workflows with AI

Manual processes like content creation, scheduling, and asset management can be incredibly time-consuming.

AI tools like Rhapsody's Engine can automate these tasks, freeing up your marketing team to focus on strategic initiatives. Engine is a central hub which allows seamless collaboration between teams regardless of location, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

AI tool for marketing workflow automation: Engine

🧠AI food for thought:

Marketing teams using AI for workflow automation report a 20% increase in overall efficiency, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategic initiatives. (McKinsey & Company)

👉 Learn more about Engine here

2) Personalising content for diverse audiences with AI

AI analyses customer data and preferences to create targeted content strategies. This data-driven approach can significantly improve engagement and conversion rates.

👀 Did you know that…

Personalised content can increase conversion rates by up to 20% and improve customer satisfaction scores by 12%? (Accenture Interactive)

3) Analysing competitor strategies with AI

With AI you can identify areas where your competitors might be vulnerable and use those insights to craft unique selling propositions (USPs) that set your brand apart.

🧠 AI food for thought:

64% of marketing leaders use competitive intelligence tools powered by AI. (Gartner) 

4) AI-powered image enhancement

Traditionally, optimising image quality was a time-consuming process of trial and error. By analysing vast sets of image data, AI can automatically enhance your images in a way that resonates best with your target audience.

🧠 AI food for thought:

Marketing teams using AI for image enhancement report a 20% reduction in image-editing time. (source PwC)

5) Focusing your marketing efforts on high-value segments with AI

Using profitability predictions as a basis, AI can analyse customer lifetime value (CLTV) and segment your customer base. This allows you to allocate more resources to marketing campaigns targeting customers with the highest predicted lifetime value.

🧠AI food for thought:

Companies that leverage AI for customer segmentation see a 76% increase in marketing ROI. (Twilio Segment)

6) Optimising marketing campaigns for better targeting and resource allocation with AI

By predicting customer behaviour and identifying high-value segments, AI can help you tailor your marketing campaigns to reach the most receptive customers at the right time, thus maximising campaign effectiveness.

🧠 AI food for thought:

Companies that leverage AI for marketing campaign optimisation experience a 30% increase in marketing ROI. (SiriusDecisions)

7) Analysing social media sentiment and trends with AI

AI can analyse social media conversations to understand how customers perceive your brand and its competitors. For example, this allows you to identify and address negative customer sentiment about your brand or products before they escalate into major issues.

👀 Did you know that…

83% of social media marketers leverage social listening tools powered by AI. (Sprout Social)

The Future of Marketing: Where AI Takes the Lead

Let's delve into some of the most exciting ways AI is reshaping the marketing landscape.

AI-powered influencer marketing

The days of generic influencer marketing are over. AI empowers you to forge genuine connections with the right influencers. By analysing audience demographics and engagement patterns, AI can identify influencers whose content resonates deeply with your target market. This fosters a more authentic brand message.

The rise of AI-powered print

While the world embraces digital content, the allure of print remains strong. AI is revolutionising this traditional format as well.

At Rhapsody, we are dedicated to keeping the publishing industry thriving, which is why we offer a suite of AI-powered tools specifically designed to streamline and enhance the print production process.

“Through automation and AI solutions, we can carry the weight that comes with book and magazine production.” Andy Berg, Rhapsody CEO

👉 Learn more about our AI tools here

AI-driven dynamic pricing and promotions

Take the guesswork out of pricing. AI automates the process of analysing real-time market data, customer behaviour, and competitor pricing. This allows you to adjust prices and promotions dynamically, ensuring you always offer the most competitive rates.

It's a win-win solution: benefit from increased efficiency and maximise profits.

The rise of voice search and conversational marketing

As voice search takes centre stage, brands that embrace AI-powered chatbots will be poised for success. These chatbots can engage customers in real-time conversations, answering questions, and offering personalised recommendations.

Ethical Considerations: Navigating the Responsible Use of AI in Marketing

By acknowledging ethical considerations and implementing responsible practices, businesses can ensure they are harnessing the power of AI for good, building trust with customers, and fostering a sustainable future for marketing.

Data privacy and transparency: With the rise of AI, data privacy regulations will likely evolve to give users more control. Proactive businesses will prepare themselves to adhere to stricter regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Mitigating algorithm bias with human oversight: Human oversight plays a key role in managing AI bias. Businesses should set up processes to review and explain AI-powered marketing decisions, particularly in sensitive areas like automated content generation or customer segmentation.

The ethical use of AI with regards to customer manipulation: AI shouldn't be used to manipulate customers. Businesses should avoid "dark patterns" i.e. deceptive design elements that trick users into unwanted actions, like fake countdown timers or hidden fees

The impact of AI on jobs with reskilling: AI will automate tasks, but human creativity and strategy remain irreplaceable. Businesses that invest in reskilling with top London marketing agencies and upskilling their marketing workforce will unlock the true potential of AI.

Regulation of AI in marketing – a need for clear guidelines: Businesses that advocate for clear regulations around data collection and the use of AI – as well as transparency and explainability of AI-powered marketing decisions – are future-proofing their approach.

4 Actionable Steps for AI-Powered Marketing With Examples

The potential of AI in marketing is undeniable, but translating that potential into tangible results requires a strategic approach. Here are some actionable steps to get your marketing team started on its AI journey:

1) Identify your AI marketing goals

Before diving headfirst into AI solutions, take a step back and define your primary goals. Here are some example goals that will help you get started:

• improve lead generation by 20%
• boost customer lifetime value by 15%
• streamline campaign optimisation to achieve a 10% reduction in cost-per-acquisition (CPA)

Aligning your goals with specific AI applications will ensure you choose the right tools for the job and maximise the return on your AI investment.

2) Focus on quick wins

Don't try to do everything at once. Instead, identify marketing areas where AI can deliver the most significant impact and demonstrate its value quickly. There is a template you can use:

Use case example - AI-powered text recognition technology with Rhapsody

Marketer problem: Traditional OCR (Optical Character Recognition) often struggles with flat images, particularly those containing faded text, handwritten notes, or complex layouts.

AI solution: Rhapsody’s TextKit pushes the boundaries of AI, leveraging cutting-edge machine learning to tackle these challenges and unlock valuable text from even the most difficult sources.

Example: TextKit allows you to extract editable text from flat images, PDFs, and scans, saving countless hours of manual retyping.

3) Choose the right AI marketing tools

Match your needs, not the type. Here's how to navigate the selection process:

A needs-based approach: Identify your specific marketing goals (think quick wins and goals) and seek out tools that directly address those needs, rather than ones that just have fancy features.

Data integration: Ensure the chosen tool seamlessly integrates with your existing marketing stack (CRM, marketing automation platform) to avoid data silos and streamline workflows.

Scalability and security: Choose a tool that scales with your growth and prioritises robust security measures to ensure customer data privacy.

Unsure about the right AI solution for you? At Rhapsody, we've been crafting bespoke AI solutions for marketing for years. Reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation and we'll guide you towards the perfect tool.

4) Integrate AI into existing workflows

AI shouldn't disrupt your existing processes; it should enhance them. Here's how to successfully integrate AI:

Start small: Don't rip everything up and replace it overnight. Choose a specific task within a workflow that you want to automate with AI (e.g., scheduling social media posts). This will allow your team to become comfortable with AI and identify its value.

Create an AI focus group: Select a dedicated group within your existing team to get on board with your chosen AI integration. This allows for focused learning and implementation.

Change management and training: Prepare your team for the adoption of AI. Provide training on using the new tools and empower them to leverage AI for better results.

Still Unsure How To Leverage AI for Marketing Success?

At Rhapsody, we understand that navigating the world of AI can be complex. That's why we offer more than just information; we're your one-stop shop for implementing a successful AI marketing strategy.

Don't wait any longer to unlock the potential of AI in your marketing efforts. Schedule your free consultation with Rhapsody today and discover how we can help you:

• Boost ROI and optimise marketing spend
• Gain deeper customer insights and personalise experiences
• Streamline workflows and automate repetitive tasks

Talk to our experts