Artificial Intelligence has been a buzzword for some time now, but what does it actually mean? And does it have any relevance to marketing?
What is AI and how is it used?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of machines that are programmed to work and think like humans. Delivering tasks like learning and problem-solving. It is an extensive branch of computer science. Continued developments in the field, including progressions in machine learning and deep learning, have generated applications in a variety of industries. AI systems are dynamic. They get smarter the more data is analysed. They learn from experience and become increasingly capable and autonomous.
Lets Take a Look at the Numbers...
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What industries is
AI best suited too?
AI is becoming more mainstream and its applications are prevalent in a large number of industries. This will become more apparent as further developments are made in the field of technology and data collection. There are certain industries that have already successfully employed artificial intelligence in their operations.
So... What Applications Does This Have For Marketing?
AI has the ability to transform marketing in a number of ways. Primarily, through the use of tools to manage data and customer profiles. This highlights the best ways to communicate with potential customers. It can deliver targeted and tailored messages at the correct stage in the customer journey. AI has applications in every stage of the customer journey, from the creation of more relevant content to gathering insights. All enhancing the user experience. The development of a chatbot can aid marketers. This can provide efficient communication with customers, as well as greater personalisation, to assess customer and business preferences.
In Industry Examples
AI can help brands to develop their marketing strategies. For inspiration – there are a number of examples of brands successfully implementing it.
B2B Examples
• Service Max uses AI to predict the customer journey, allowing upgraded demonstrations displays to potential customers.
• Artesian develops insight-driven engagements; understanding potential customers and providing direction on targeting.
• VMware streamline and accelerate its content creation; providing efficient delivery of content to potential customers which allows for greater reach.
B2C Examples
• Starbucks used AI to serve personalised recommendations to customers through predictive analytics. This was supported by data collection through their loyalty card and app.
• Sephora used a chatbot to create a quiz about product preferences, aiding customers with their purchase decisions. This provides an interactive method of data collection whilst delivering personalised recommendations.
What are the Key Trends in AI?
Employee Effectiveness
Employee's time is spent completing higher-value tasks that cannot yet be computerised; allowing for improvements to a number of business functions.
More Valuable Specialisation
Specific categories of unstructured data can be converted into a valuable and structured data set. AI uses this to become effective and perform tasks more accurately.
Data Insights
Real-data insights can be uncovered to provide an understanding about ad wording and creatives; improving overall performance.
Customer Experience
By utilising new data collection methods, brands are able to deliver an improved customer experience; increasing customer loyalty and improving brand reputation.
What Developments are Taking Place in the Industry?
Who are the Key Players?
IBM
With a market share of over 9% by creating conversational AI assistances, AI-powered tools, software that delivers health care insights and managing customer life-cycles.
Nvidia Corp.
Developments in AI are formed around their graphics processing unit which powers areas including autonomous vehicles, high-performance gaming and cloud computing.
Alphabet
Google use AI and deep learning to automate functions including search results, speech recognition, ad pricing and personal assistant software.
Amazon
They are leaders in AI. Their key capabilities include forecasting, product demand, optimising logistics and making improvements to the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant.
Twilio
Cloud-based programming that allows voice, video and messaging features to be built into apps. Predicted 45% compound annual profit growth over the next 5 years.
Microsoft
Azure, a cloud computing service that uses AI-driven tools. OpenAI, developed in 2019 with an initial $1 billion investment, is designed to do anything human intelligence can.
Salesforce
Bonobo AI delivers automated analysis of communications. Partnering with Einstein: detects unseen patterns, delivers sales leads and predicts best performing copy.
Alteryx
Products allow data scientists and analytical professionals to collaborate with each other to discover data-based insights and deploy new machine learning code.
So, what do you think?
AI is a fast developing technology. It’s clear it’s going to have wide reaching applications for the majority of industries. At Beach, we are interested in the new technology that is shaking up our ever-changing industry. This will have a big impact on B2B marketing and we can’t wait to see where it goes.
What are your thoughts?