Future Trends in AI Marketing for Small Businesses

AI: Peeking Into the Marketing Crystal Ball

In the last of our three part series on AI for Small Businesses, I wanted to take a look at future trends. Look, nobody can see into the future, but as small business owners, it is important to stay ahead of the curve.

But it’s not always easy knowing where the curve is going!

If you’re only getting to grips with AI and it’s capabilities, then stay on the current tools. As I said in the last article, Practical Applications of AI in Small Business Marketing, just because there are upteen tools at your disposal, it doesn’t mean you have to use them all.

If looking into the marketing crystal ball of AI is of interest, read on. If not, then go back to the Introduction to AI and Practical Applications and immerse yourself in them.

A map to the Future

With AI in marketing, though, it’s like having a map to the future. So, lets take a little look at what the future holds for AI in marketing and how you can be ready to meet it head-on.

Emerging Trends in AI Marketing for Small Business

As we stand slap bang in the middle of 2024, several key trends in AI marketing are shaping up to be game-changers for small businesses. Here’s what’s catching my eye:

1. Voice Search Optimisation
   With devices like Alexa and Google Home becoming household staples, voice search is on the rise. We talked about that on our Marketing Trends for 2022 even...but AI has certainly evolved it or made it happen much quicker.

   AI can help optimise your content to be more conversational and voice search-friendly, ensuring your business doesn't get left behind when customers say, "Hey Google, find a local bakery near me."

   If you download ChatGPT app on your phone, there’s a voice command there. Check it out. 

2. AI-Generated Content
   Imagine generating blog posts, social media content, or even videos at the click of a button. It is a concern as to what will be real or not in the future, but AI tools are getting smarter at creating quality content that doesn’t just fill space but engages and converts.

3. Predictive Customer Behaviour
   AI is moving beyond simple analytics to predict future customer behaviours with impressive accuracy. This means you can anticipate market trends and customer needs, adjusting your strategy to stay one step ahead. I think this will be incredibly useful in the future especially for small businesses who don’t have access to huge budgets for data analysis and consumer insight analysis.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping Experiences
   AR and AI are joining forces to transform the shopping experience. For instance, your customers could see how a piece of furniture looks in their space before buying it, all powered by AI that enhances their shopping journey. This is exciting and small businesses need to be aware of this.

5. Ethical AI and Privacy
   As AI becomes more entrenched in our daily lives, ethical use and data privacy will move to the forefront. Customers are becoming more aware and cautious about their data, and businesses will need to adapt their AI strategies to be more transparent and secure.

Why All This Matters for Your Business

These trends aren't just for the big players, they're increasingly accessible for businesses of all sizes – whether you are a 1-2 person business or 100!

By adopting these AI innovations, you can offer more personalised experiences, create more effective marketing content, and ensure your business is a step ahead in a competitive market.

Something for you to think about, watch and plan for the months and years to come.

Future-Proof Your Marketing Strategy

As daunting as it might seem, embracing AI in marketing is less about keeping up with technology and more about understanding and anticipating your customer's needs. (The pure definition of marketing!) It’s about being proactive rather than reactive, and AI is the perfect co-pilot for that journey.

If you’re wondering how to start implementing these trends, there are plenty of tools designed for small businesses. From AI-driven analytics platforms to AR apps, the key is to choose tools that align with your business goals and customer needs.

Let’s Make It Happen

Curious about integrating these AI trends into your marketing strategy? Reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help you navigate the future of marketing with AI, ensuring your business not only survives but thrives.