Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are technologies that are on the rise in the field of marketing. With their ability to process large amounts of data in real time, these technologies allow businesses to analyze consumer behaviors and optimize their marketing campaigns to deliver a personalized and targeted experience.
In this article, we’ll break down the main uses of AI and machine learning in marketing, explaining their ins and outs, as well as the benefits they can bring to businesses.
What is artificial intelligence and machine learning?
Before seeing how AI and machine learning can be used in marketing, it is important to understand what these technologies are.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the ability of a computer or software to imitate human cognitive abilities, such as learning, perception, and problem solving. AI can be divided into two main categories:
- Weak AI: Weak AI, also called first-generation AI, focuses on just one specific task. It is able to process large amounts of data quickly, but cannot adapt to new situations or learn new things.
- Strong AI: Strong AI, also called second-generation AI, is capable of learning autonomously and adapting to new situations. It is considered an advanced form of AI that can simulate human intelligence in a wide range of fields.
Machine learning
Machine learning, or automatic learning in French, is a technique used in AI which consists of giving a computer the ability to learn autonomously from data. Unlike weak AI, which is programmed to perform specific tasks, machine learning allows a computer to improve its performance by analyzing data and identifying patterns and trends. Machine learning can be divided into three main subcategories:
- Supervised learning: In supervised learning, a predictive model is trained on labeled data, that is, data for which the expected output is known. The model uses this data to predict the output for unlabeled data.
- Unsupervised learning: In unsupervised learning, the model is trained on unlabeled data. The model must then identify structures and patterns in the data to draw conclusions.
- Reinforcement learning, in which the model is trained to make decisions based on rewards and punishments, can be used to solve complex problems in which the data is incomplete or unpredictable. This technique is often used in video games, where the model must learn to play by making decisions in real time. In summary, AI and machine learning are technologies that allow a computer to simulate human intelligence and to learn autonomously from data. They can be used in many areas, including marketing, to improve advertising campaigns and provide a personalized experience to consumers.
AI and machine learning for marketing
AI and machine learning can be used in marketing to improve advertising campaigns and provide a personalized experience to consumers. Here are some examples:
Advertising targeting
AI and machine learning can be used to target advertising campaigns based on consumer interests and behaviors. By analyzing audience data, algorithms can identify target groups most likely to be interested in a product or service and serve ads only to those groups.
This allows businesses to save time and money by only targeting consumers who are most likely to be interested in their product or service, rather than serving ads broadly to all users.
Personalization of campaigns
Using AI and machine learning, businesses can personalize advertising campaigns based on consumer preferences and interests. By analyzing user data, algorithms can identify their interests and show them ads that are specifically tailored to them.
This can improve the effectiveness of advertising campaigns by increasing click-through rate and decreasing abandonment rate.
Consumers generally appreciate personalized advertising campaigns because they provide them with a more relevant and less intrusive experience. Additionally, by using AI and machine learning to personalize advertising campaigns, businesses can show consumers that they understand their needs and interests, which can build customer trust and loyalty.
Prediction of conversions
AI and machine learning can also be used to predict conversions, i.e. the actions consumers are likely to take following an advertising campaign. By analyzing user data, algorithms can identify behavior patterns that are associated with a conversion and predict future conversions with a certain probability.
This can help businesses optimize their advertising campaigns by targeting consumers who are most likely to convert. It can also help businesses evaluate the effectiveness of their campaigns by measuring actual conversions against algorithm predictions.
Bidding Optimization
In online auction systems, such as advertising networks, advertisers bid on keywords to place their ads in search results. AI and machine learning can be used to optimize these bids based on advertiser goals and campaign performance.
Algorithms can analyze data in real time and adjust bids based on campaign performance, targeting keywords that are most profitable for advertisers. This can help advertisers maximize the return on investment (ROI) of their campaigns by bidding on keywords that are most relevant to their products or services.
The benefits of AI and machine learning for marketing
Using AI and machine learning in marketing can bring many benefits to businesses, including:
- Better targeting of advertising campaigns based on consumer interests and behaviors
- Reduce costs by only targeting consumers who are most likely to be interested in a product or service
- An increase in the effectiveness of advertising campaigns by personalizing messages and targeting the most profitable keywords
- Better decision making using algorithms to predict conversions and optimize bids
- A more personalized and less intrusive experience for consumers
- An increase in customer trust and loyalty by showing that businesses understand their needs and interests.
Conclusion
AI and machine learning are technologies that have enormous potential in the field of marketing. Using these technologies, businesses can improve their targeting, personalize their advertising campaigns and predict conversions to optimize their marketing strategy.
Although AI and machine learning carry risks, particularly in terms of privacy, their use can bring many benefits to businesses and consumers. Marketing professionals need to be aware of these technologies and the opportunities they provide to stay competitive in an ever-changing market.