Forward-thinking marketers understand that AI is no longer an ambitious concept. It is, in fact, revolutionizing business and the marketing industry in ways that cannot be ignored. AI-powered solutions are driving business success by enhancing services, reshaping customer interaction, reducing costs, offering greater flexibility and personalized experiences, and giving businesses a competitive edge.
AI Use in Business
The application of AI in business gives companies many new capabilities. Areas of business such as management, e-commerce, and marketing all use AI in different ways. For a business, artificial intelligence applications can be used in the following ways:
- Data Analysis: AI allows businesses to easily analyze a vast volume of data, and enables them to make sense of what it all means for their business. Machine learning applications detect patterns, provide interpretation, and make predictions. Imagine user information being pulled from various platforms and valid info being filtered to garner accurate insights of your target market – information that can then be used to strategize based on your target market’s needs.
- AI Chatbots: Natural Language Processing, voice conversion, and semantic recognition aspects of AI technology have made it possible for businesses to deliver a better customer service experience. One of the advantages that AI chatbots provide is one-to-many support rather than the one-to-one support typical of traditional customer service. They also provide 24/7 real-time responses to customer queries, providing greater efficiency and customer experience. Starbucks, for example, simplifies the customer experience by making it easy to place an order using either voice commands or messaging, and the chatbot informs customers of when their order will be ready and when the payment will be due. Some suggest that customer relationship management (CRM) software tools and chatbots enhance productivity by streamlining marketing and sales activities.
- Process Automation: A step up from automation tools, robotic process automation (RPA) technologies behave like a human who captures data, retrieves the information from multiple IT systems, and then inputs and processes it. AI can be used to update customer files or records, add new contact information, pull information from multiple systems, and communicate with customers. According to Forbes, when NASA was faced with cost pressures, it launched four RPA pilots in accounts payable and receivable, IT spending, and human resources. Afterwards, the HR application allowed for 86% of transactions to be completed without human intervention.
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AI in the Print World
The print industry is not sleeping on the potential benefits that AI technologies could provide. Incorporating artificial intelligence can help to minimize waste and reduce cost, improve turnover time, enhance flexibility for personalization, and deliver innovative marketing and print solutions. AI is currently reshaping the print industry in recognizable and meaningful ways. Consider these AI-driven solutions:
AI-Assisted Print Layout
Smart layouts automatically optimize how your print material is used, minimizing waste in the process. AI maximizes the use of space on each sheet, whether printing simple squares or complex shapes or patterns. AI automates the process and delivers quick and easy solutions for even your most challenging print job.
Workflow Automation
Like many other industries, AI is used for workflow automation to speed up processes and limit the need for manual workloads. AI machine technology uses programming to perform various repetitive tasks, and in the print industry, orders can be processed faster, shipping and logistics can be simplified, tracking inventory is no longer a headache, and resupply orders are done automatically.
Targeted Marketing
The role of AI in targeted marketing is an essential one. AI can micro-target advertisements. Ever get that creepy feeling that your computer is listening to your every word? You just mention blue jeans and you see an ad pop-up related to blue jeans. You’re not being spied on. That’s AI at work, profiling your digital data (like your search history and social media posts). You can draw upon consumer behavior to make product recommendations and even automate complex marketing campaigns based on assessing consumer behavior in real-time. For example, you look at Amazon products online and notice the suggestion of additional items to also purchase – that’s their AI algorithm working. More and more companies are monitoring consumer behavior with AI focused on targeted marketing.
Related: Using Personalization Without Being Creepy
The future of AI in business and marketing is a positive one that’s showing no signs of slowing down. If anything, marketing departments are looking to make greater use of artificial intelligence to grow their business. Still, there is uncertainty behind AI as well, since technologies evolve rapidly, and there is no clear answer to where exactly AI will take businesses in the future. Ironmark’s digital marketing experts will be there, however, studying it and learning how to use it to its fullest potential. Want to be there with us and see AI make your business excel? Get in touch today.
