Recent statistics paint a vivid picture: individuals dedicate nearly 40% of their waking hours online. The CMO office is presented with both a challenge and an opportunity in this digital milieu. AI doesn't merely serve as a tool but as a conduit to deliver meaningful experiences. At Globant Create, our 'Share of Life' strategy emphasizes leveraging AI to genuinely understand, respect, and add value to every individual's interaction.
Recent findings from the Edelman Trust Barometer highlight a sobering reality: overall the consumer trust in brands is at a low. Against this backdrop, while AI offers powerful tools for creating relevance and personalization, its misuse can further erode trust. Intrusive marketing, tracking every move of the customer, and relentless retargeting aren't just ineffective but damaging. Instead of hunting customers, CMOs must prioritize creating lasting, meaningful relationships.
Gartner's 2022 findings are a testament to the unmatched potential of intertwining a brand into the customer's daily rhythm. With AI, we're no longer speaking to broad segments; we're addressing segments of one. This tailored approach recognizes the spectrum of customer desires: from those seeking swift transactions to others desiring a deeper, more immersive brand connection.
McKinsey's 2021 revelations mark AI as indispensable in a CMO's toolkit. However, the game-changer isn't just AI but how it’s wielded. With the capability of AI today, CMOs can shift from generic segmentation to individualized strategies. It's about crafting a mutual, beneficial relationship, where customers willingly share their lives with a brand. This intersection of technology and strategy is anchored in trust – a currency more valuable than any other in today's digital age. BCG’s research strengthens this conviction - personalization isn't a luxury; it's imperative. Through an AI-anchored, human-first framework, we're not just tailoring interactions; we're curating meaningful experiences that can lead to an increase in growth rates by 6% to 10%.
PwC's 2023 report encapsulates a truth we must uphold – the sanctity of privacy. As the stewards of brand trust, advocating for responsible AI is our duty. In crafting meaningful experiences, we must ensure our customers feel both valued and protected. It's this dual commitment that will forge stronger brand bonds, nurturing a climate of trust and mutual respect.
In the complex maze of AI-infused marketing, CMOs have a guiding principle: to rebuild and foster trust. With the power of AI, we have the capability to provide authentic, enriching, and meaningful brand narratives. However, it's the ethical, trust-centered use of this tool that will determine the brands that thrive in the future. Our mission is clear: to prioritize genuine connection over intrusion, fostering enduring brand-customer bonds built on unwavering trust.
Integrating AI into marketing in a manner that adds value requires a thoughtful approach. Here are recommended steps for brands looking to take this route:
1. Establish Clear Objectives:
Define what you aim to achieve with AI in your marketing strategy. The objective should be clear, whether it's better personalization, enhanced customer experience, or better insights.
2. Data Collection and Management:
Invest in a CDP that aggregates customer data from various sources, ensuring a single view of the customer. Ensure all data collection methods comply with data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
3. Identify AI-Driven Marketing Tools:
Opt for leading marketing platforms with built-in AI capabilities. Whether it's AI-enhanced CRM systems, DXP platforms, or marketing automation tools, ensure they align with your goals.
4. Foster Collaboration:
Cross-Team Integration: Ensure your IT, data analytics, and marketing teams collaborate. A successful AI implementation requires alignment across functions.
5. AI Ethics and Responsible Implementation:
Develop a framework ensuring that AI is used ethically, avoiding biases and ensuring fairness. Make it clear to customers how AI is leveraged in your marketing strategies and how it enhances their experiences.
6. Continuous Learning and Adaptation:
Regularly review the performance of AI tools in real-world scenarios. Use these insights to refine and adapt strategies. The field of AI is evolving in a hyper-fast pace. Ensure continuous learning and stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices.