AI’s impact on marketing is a hot topic, and the news is a mixed bag. On one side, AI might be an ad killer. On the other, it could be the key to marketing automation.
The Contenders
One study showed that revealing an ad is AI-generated could decrease clicks by 31 percent. But companies like Salesforce are investing heavily, including the $1.5B acquisition of Qualified to enhance Agentforce with AI automation.
The Breakdown
AI as an Ad Killer
Pro: Highlights consumer wariness of AI-generated content.
Con: Doesn’t account for improvements in AI ad quality or transparency strategies.
AI as Marketing Automation Savior
Pro: Promises efficiency and innovation in areas like SEO (now GEO), B2B marketing, and video creation (Arcads.ai raising $16M).
Con: Requires careful implementation to avoid alienating customers and raises questions about “agentic AI” running autonomous campaigns.
The Verdict
Marketers should tread carefully, balancing AI’s potential with the need for transparency and human connection.
