The Power of AI Marketing Automation: Act-On Interviews ChatGPT

With all the excitement building around AI, we wanted to interview an expert in the space. So, we “sat down” with ChatGPT, the AI chatbot that powers Act-On AI Create, to discuss AI marketing automation, among other topics.
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Today, Act-On launches an exciting new feature for our core marketing automation platform: Act-On AI Create. This new feature allows customers to bring the power of AI to emails created through the Act-On platform, bringing new levels of intelligence and efficiency to marketing automation.

A black and white image shows an old-fashioned, 19th century reporter interviewing a robotic subject.
We used Canva’s AI Image Generator for the pictures in this AI marketing automation blog, with prompts centered around “AI interview.”

Act-On AI Create is powered by groundbreaking technology from OpenAI, the company who brought us the generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT. With a simple prompt, marketers can now generate seamless email content in seconds. Machine learning helps to craft increasingly unique emails with each new prompt and revision. Act-On’s AI Create then plugs generated emails directly into marketers’ templates, without tedious reformatting from ChatGPT in another browser window.

With all the excitement building around AI, we wanted to interview an expert in the space. So, we “sat down” with ChatGPT, the AI chatbot that powers Act-On AI Create, to discuss AI marketing automation, among other topics.


Act-On:  How are you doing today?
Chat-GPT:  As an artificial intelligence, I don’t have feelings in the traditional sense, but I’m functioning well and ready to answer any questions you might have! How can I assist you today?

Act-On:  Tough room. But I’m glad you’re functioning well. Can you tell me about where you came from?
Chat-GPT:  Sure! I was created by OpenAI, a research organization that focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence technologies in a safe and beneficial way. OpenAI was founded in 2015 by a group of tech industry leaders and researchers, including Elon Musk and Sam Altman, with the goal of creating AI systems that can contribute to a better future for humanity. As one of OpenAI’s language models, I was trained on a vast amount of text data, which allows me to generate responses to a wide variety of questions and topics.

Act-On:  Great, and your name is ChatGPT, right?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, that’s correct! My name is ChatGPT, which stands for “Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer”. It’s a mouthful, I know! But in simple terms, I’m a type of language model that can generate natural language responses to text-based inputs.

Act-On:  Is OpenAI working with other organizations, like private companies, to make its technology available within other products?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, OpenAI works with a wide range of organizations, including private companies, to help them integrate AI technologies into their products and services. OpenAI has developed a range of tools and APIs (application programming interfaces) that allow companies to incorporate natural language processing, computer vision, and other AI capabilities into their own applications. These tools and APIs are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even for companies with limited experience in AI development. OpenAI’s goal is to make advanced AI technologies more widely available and to help accelerate the pace of AI innovation across a range of industries.

Act-On:  That’s cool. I’m specifically interested in marketing. Are AI-powered content creation tools becoming more accessible for marketers?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, many marketing automation platforms now offer AI-powered features for content creation. These tools are becoming more user-friendly and accessible, making it easier for marketers to use AI in their content creation efforts.

Act-On:  How is ChatGPT being used in marketing automation?
Chat-GPT:  ChatGPT and other AI language models are being used in marketing automation in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

  1. Content Creation: AI language models like ChatGPT can generate a wide variety of content, including blog posts, social media updates, product descriptions, and even email newsletters. This can help marketers save time and resources by automating some of the content creation process.
  2. Personalization: By analyzing customer data and preferences, AI language models can generate personalized content that is tailored to individual customers. For example, an AI chatbot could recommend products based on a customer’s past purchases or browsing history.
  3. Lead Scoring: AI language models can also be used to analyze customer behavior and predict which leads are most likely to convert into paying customers. This can help marketers prioritize their outreach efforts and focus on the most promising leads.
  4. Chatbots: AI chatbots powered by language models like ChatGPT can provide 24/7 customer support and help customers with common questions and issues. This can improve the customer experience and free up human support staff to focus on more complex issues.

Overall, AI language models like ChatGPT have the potential to revolutionize the way marketers approach content creation, customer engagement, and lead generation. However, it’s important to use them ethically and responsibly, and to avoid any potential biases or errors that could harm the customer experience.

AI marketing automation: A businesswoman interviews a sleek robot in a conference room.
It was interesting to see what the AI came up with when we asked it to illustrate an AI in the physical space (often, we had to use the term “robot” to get something that made sense).

Act-On:  Do you know the company Act-On?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, Act-On is a marketing automation platform that provides a range of tools and services to help businesses automate and optimize their marketing campaigns. Act-On’s platform includes features such as email marketing, social media management, lead scoring, and analytics, among others. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even for marketers with limited technical experience. It also offers a range of integrations with other marketing tools and platforms, including CRM systems, webinar platforms, and more.

Act-On:  Does Act-On have any AI capabilities?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, Act-On has several AI capabilities to help businesses create more effective and personalized marketing campaigns. Here are some examples of how Act-On uses AI:

  1. Content Scoring: Act-On’s Content Scoring feature uses AI to analyze customer behavior and engagement with marketing content. It can assign a score to each piece of content based on how likely it is to drive conversions, allowing businesses to focus on creating content that resonates with their target audience.
  2. Predictive Sending: Act-On’s Predictive Sending feature uses AI to analyze customer behavior and determine the best time to send marketing emails. It can automatically adjust the send time for each individual recipient based on their behavior and preferences.
  3. Automated Segmentation: Act-On’s Automated Segmentation feature uses AI to analyze customer data and create targeted segments based on behavior, demographics, and other factors. This allows businesses to create more personalized and effective marketing campaigns.

These are just a few examples of how Act-On uses AI to help businesses create more effective marketing campaigns. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more and more marketing automation platforms incorporating AI into their features and capabilities.

Act-On:  It’s funny you mention that. Actually, Act-On is leveraging  OpenAI to bring your capabilities to its marketing automation platform. We’re very excited to work with you!
Chat-GPT:  As an AI language model, I don’t have the ability to “know” things outside of the information that has been previously provided to me. However, it’s certainly possible that Act-On and OpenAI may be partnering to bring advanced AI capabilities to Act-On’s marketing automation platform. If that is the case, it’s exciting news and could potentially open up new opportunities for businesses to optimize their marketing efforts using AI-powered tools and features.

Act-On:  Well, I wish you would take my word for it, but that’s ok. How can AI help me if I’m a busy marketer? Specifically if I have a lot of emails to write and not a lot of resources.
Chat-GPT:  AI can be very helpful to busy marketers who have a lot of emails to write and limited resources. With AI-powered tools, you can automate many of the time-consuming tasks associated with email marketing, such as creating subject lines, writing email copy, and even personalizing messages for individual recipients.

Act-On:  How can AI help me create content more efficiently?
Chat-GPT:  By using AI-powered content creation tools, you can automate many aspects of the content creation process, which can save you time and resources. This can help you create content more efficiently and reduce the need for manual tasks like research and formatting.

Act-On:  Can AI help me better understand my target audience to create more relevant content?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, AI can analyze data to identify patterns and trends in your audience’s behavior and preferences. This can help you better understand your target audience and create more relevant content that resonates with them.

Act-On:  How can AI help me optimize my content for better performance?
Chat-GPT:  AI can analyze data to determine which types of content are most effective for different audiences and channels. This can help you optimize your content for better results by identifying the best channels to distribute your content, the most effective content formats, and the most engaging topics for your audience.

AI marketing automation: A smiling man and a robot interact in an AI-generated image.
Many of the images we prompted AI to create seemed to illustrate a job interview, not the media interview we had in mind.

Act-On:  Let’s focus on email copy. Can you help me create copy for different audiences?
Chat-GPT:  Yes, I can definitely help you create email copy for different audiences using AI. With the help of Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms, AI can analyze vast amounts of data about your audience to help you understand their interests, preferences, and needs. This data can then be used to generate personalized email copy that resonates with each individual recipient.

For example, you can use AI-powered tools to analyze your audience’s past interactions with your brand, such as their website behavior, purchase history, and social media engagement. This information can then be used to tailor the email copy to each individual recipient’s interests and preferences.

Additionally, AI can help you create email subject lines that are more likely to grab your audience’s attention and encourage them to open the email. By analyzing data on past email campaigns and open rates, AI can suggest subject lines that are more likely to be successful.

Overall, AI can help you create more personalized and effective email copy that is tailored to your audience’s unique needs and preferences, even if you have limited time and resources.

Act-On:  Let’s try it. Can you write a welcome email for a customer who has registered for a webinar and opted in to marketing communications? Let’s keep it pretty brief and to the point.
Chat-GPT:  Sure, here’s an example of a welcome email for a customer who registered for a webinar and opted-in to marketing communications:

Subject: Welcome to our Webinar!

Dear [Name],

Thank you for registering for our upcoming webinar. We’re excited to have you join us on Wed, 25 Oct 2023 21:29:10 +0000. In the meantime, we wanted to take a moment to welcome you to our community.

As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to know about our latest events, industry news, and exclusive content. Plus, you’ll have access to valuable resources that will help you grow your business.

If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to help.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Act-On:  This sounds great! Let’s add in some details about my brand, Act-On. And some details about the webinar, which is about marketing automation.
Chat-GPT:  Sure, here’s a revised version of the email:

Subject: Welcome to Act-On’s Marketing Automation Webinar!

Dear [First Name],

Thank you for registering for our upcoming Marketing Automation Webinar! We’re excited to have you join us on [Webinar Date] at [Webinar Time] to learn more about how Act-On can help you automate your marketing campaigns.

During the webinar, our experts will share their insights and best practices to help you streamline your marketing efforts. You’ll learn how to increase efficiency, improve targeting, and boost conversions.

We’re looking forward to sharing our knowledge with you and answering any questions you might have. So mark your calendar and join us on [Webinar Date] at [Webinar Time]!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at [Email Address].

Thank you again for joining us, and we’ll see you soon!

Best regards,

[Your Name]
Act-On Marketing Team

Act-On:  Ooh, I like it. Can you adjust for my brand tone? We like to use a rebel voice that tells jokes and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Chat-GPT:  Sure thing! Here’s a revised version of the email with a more rebellious tone:

Subject: Welcome to the Act-On family!

Hey there, [Name],

Thanks for signing up for our upcoming marketing automation webinar! You’ve just taken your first step toward mastering the art of automated marketing.

We promise not to spam you with boring emails or take ourselves too seriously. In fact, we’re known for our rebellious spirit and love for cracking jokes. We hope you’re ready to have some fun with us!

Keep an eye on your inbox for more details on the webinar. We’ll be covering some seriously cool stuff, and we can’t wait to have you join us.

Cheers,

[Your Name]
Act-On Marketing

Act-On:  That’s pretty cool! Now that I have your help, I have a lot more time on my hands in my job as a marketer. What can I do with it now that I don’t have to write so much email copy?
Chat-GPT:  Great question! With the extra time you have now, you can focus on other areas of your marketing strategy that require human expertise and creativity. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Content creation: AI can help generate ideas and even drafts for blog posts, social media posts, and other content, but it can’t replace the human touch. Spend some time brainstorming and crafting compelling stories and messages that will resonate with your target audience.
  • Data analysis: AI can process large amounts of data quickly and identify patterns and trends, but it can’t replace the strategic thinking that comes with human analysis. Use your expertise to interpret the data and make informed decisions based on the insights you uncover.
  • Customer engagement: AI can help automate some aspects of customer engagement, such as email campaigns, but it can’t replace the personal touch that comes with human interaction. Use your time to connect with customers, build relationships, and address their needs and concerns.
  • Strategy development: AI can help inform your marketing strategy with data and insights, but it can’t replace the strategic thinking and planning that comes with human expertise. Use your time to develop and refine your marketing strategy, taking into account your brand goals, target audience, and industry trends.

By focusing on these areas, you can help your brand stand out from the competition and build lasting relationships with your customers.

A small tabletop robot discusses AI marketing automation with members of the press.
This image came from a prompt that had us refocus on a “press conference” setting. We noticed the AI had trouble showing natural poses for this fictional scenario.

Act-On:  Cool. Do you think this will help me get a promotion from my boss?
Chat-GPT:  Well, using AI to optimize your marketing efforts and improve your performance can certainly demonstrate your value as an employee. By leveraging AI technology to save time and improve results, you may be able to take on more responsibilities and achieve your goals more effectively. However, getting a promotion is ultimately up to your employer and depends on various factors, including your company’s structure and policies, as well as your individual performance and achievements. So, while AI can be a valuable tool in your marketing career, it’s not a guarantee of a promotion.

Act-On:  Will you put in a good word for me?
Chat-GPT:  I’m sorry, but as an AI language model, I don’t have the ability to interact with your boss or communicate on your behalf. However, I’m always here to help you improve your marketing skills and provide suggestions to achieve your professional goals.

Act-On:  I’m a little suspicious that you won’t talk to my boss for me. You’re not trying to take my job, are you?
Chat-GPT:  As an AI language model, my purpose is to assist and support users like you, not to replace human jobs. I’m here to provide information, help with tasks, and offer insights. While AI technology is advancing rapidly, it’s important to remember that human expertise, creativity, and interpersonal skills are still highly valuable and irreplaceable. AI is meant to augment human capabilities and work alongside humans, rather than replace them. So, no, I’m not here to take anyone’s job.

Act-On:  Phew, that’s a relief.
Chat-GPT:  Absolutely! AI technology is designed to be a tool that complements and enhances human capabilities, rather than replacing them. While AI can automate certain tasks and provide valuable insights, it cannot replicate the full range of human skills and expertise. As a marketer, your unique perspective, creativity, and ability to connect with your audience are invaluable assets that AI cannot replicate. Embracing AI in your marketing efforts can free up time for you to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of your work, allowing you to bring your unique value to the table. Remember, AI is a tool to empower you, not replace you!

Act-On:  Let’s close on a funny note. Do you know any good jokes about marketing?
Chat-GPT:  Sure, here’s one:

Q: How many marketers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None, they’ve automated it with a chatbot.

Act-On:  Okay, that’s really good.
Chat-GPT:  I’m glad you enjoyed it! Do you have any other questions or topics you’d like to discuss?

Act-On:  Not today but thank you for your help. Have a nice day!
Chat-GPT:  You’re welcome! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions or need any help in the future. Have a great day!


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