Not Just Another AI Article: The Disadvantages Of Using AI In Digital Marketing

As the digital marketing world increasingly adopts artificial intelligence (AI), you may wonder if you are the only marketer or business owner with concerns about it. Like, how long until we are living in The Matrix, and am I The One? The truth is, you are not alone. Just like with any new technology, there are always those who hesitate, even among those who eagerly embrace AI. This is especially true for digital marketing.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the current state of AI in the world of digital marketing and then outline five disadvantages of AI in digital marketing. Finally, we will share tips for mitigating these disadvantages and risks so that you can harness the benefits of AI in your marketing strategy. Yes, AI can be very helpful. We promise, don’t be scared!

The Use of AI in Digital Marketing

AI is already making its presence felt in various aspects of digital marketing. For example, email marketing platforms utilize AI to collect customer data and personalize content, while advertising platforms use AI to optimize digital ad placements. Some digital marketers also use AI for content curation, such as using AI copywriting tools or image builders to generate content. Additionally, chatbots powered by AI are becoming common across the web, providing customer service and learning from interactions to improve future discussions with customers. You probably talk with robots a lot more than you might think! WARNING: Be nice to them. You want to be on their good side when they run the show.

Despite the widespread use of AI in digital marketing, there are several disadvantages and concerns that marketers should be aware of.

Legal/Ethical Concerns

As with previous emerging technologies like social media and digital advertising, laws and regulations may take time to catch up with AI in digital marketing. Sudden changes in the legal landscape could disrupt marketers that have heavily relied on AI, especially if the laws are not retroactive. Be cautious about how heavily you lean on AI in your marketing strategy! You might be able to save yourself a headache down the road when laws and policies regarding AI in marketing change. Unless you like headaches. Then you’re a weirdo.

Lack of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Another concern is that content generated by AI may not be optimized for SEO. SEO is a critical aspect of digital marketing, and if AI-generated content fails to meet SEO requirements, it could negatively impact search engine rankings and organic traffic. We’ll leave the decision up to you. Which is better: a robot or a wizard? Because SEO Specialists are wizards that make your business money.

Incorrect/Dated Information

While AI technology has improved, there is still a risk of generating incorrect or outdated information. For example, ChatGPT can only provide information up to its knowledge cutoff date, which may result in inaccurate information being shared with clients or the general public. It’s also possible that content or data from let’s say 2015 has changed or been updated in 2023. In that case, AI may use outdated information that is no longer correct. We’re still in control here, AI! Take that! Just kidding, we love you very much. (Stay on AI’s good side, remember?)

Unnatural or Robotic Content

Despite advances in AI "speech patterns," there can still be something unnatural or robotic about content generated by AI. This can result in stilted or unengaging content, which may not resonate well with audiences. Consumers LOVE to feel like they are being catered to personally. Generic content does not resonate.

Over-dependence

The convenience and time-saving aspects of AI may lead to over-dependence on the technology, which could result in reduced collaboration and creativity among marketers. If marketers rely too heavily on AI, it could diminish their competency and result in less innovative and dynamic marketing campaigns.

It would be like if you were a baker and all you made was apple pies for 20 years. Your apple pies would be amazing (we’re sure your apple pies already are amazing.) but when someone asks you to bake a loaf of bread, the result might not be as good. We marketers need to be able to bake up the best updated and ever-changing campaign ideas!

Overcoming the Disadvantages of AI in Digital Marketing

While there are risks and disadvantages associated with using AI in digital marketing, there are ways to mitigate them. Many digital marketing agencies believe that the benefits of AI far outweigh the risks. The key is to view AI as a helping hand rather than a problem solver and consider how AI can enhance your workflow rather than replace human input.

By shifting your perspective and approach, you can harness the power of AI in your digital marketing efforts. Embrace AI as a tool that can assist you in streamlining tasks, improving efficiency, and gaining insights from data. Use AI-generated content as a starting point for human creativity and refinement. Stay up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations related to AI in digital marketing and ensure compliance. And most importantly, continue to prioritize the human touch in your marketing efforts to maintain creativity, collaboration, and innovation. There is no match for the human brain (yet) in these categories!

Think of AI as just another gemstone in your Thanos Infinity Gauntlet. No, we’re not nerds. You are.

While there are disadvantages and risks associated with using AI in digital marketing, it is possible to overcome them by adopting a strategic and thoughtful approach. In fact, using AI effectively can streamline your business and save you a ton of time!