AI is making big waves in marketing, but not all the claims are created equal.
The Myth: AI is a magic bullet that will solve all marketing problems instantly.
The Reality: AI’s impact on marketing is undeniable, but it’s not about overnight miracles. The news shows a mixed bag: small businesses might see a 10% growth using AI and eco-strategies in mobile commerce by 2025, and AI-driven consent practices could boost engagement by 20% in 2025. On the other hand, 72% of marketers plan to increase AI use, yet only 45% feel prepared, showing a gap between aspiration and readiness. Companies like Palantir are teaming up with Stagwell to use AI with data platforms, SOCi has 150K AI Agents handling 10M local marketing tasks, and Adclear raised £2.1 million for AI compliance in financial marketing. AI is being used for market research, predictive marketing, and generative engine optimization, but these are tools, not silver bullets.
The truth is…
- AI is being actively applied to predictive marketing for client acquisition.
- AI is being used to transform market research practices.
- AI is being applied to redefine discovery with generative engine optimization.
Why this matters: AI offers real opportunities for marketers, but the industry needs to move beyond the hype and focus on practical implementation and readiness. The real value comes from understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations and using it strategically to improve marketing outcomes.