Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between what we know and how we can use it to transform the marketing landscape. For being fairly new to the digital world, AI is already rapidly making waves in how businesses communicate with their consumers. However, this technology comes with complex nuances, making the terminology and potential applications intimidating to someone who is unfamiliar with it. Fortunately, this guide will break it down piece by piece to provide you with a roadmap to utilize AI for your marketing efforts.

The steps listed below will get you on the path to AI success. Each section will take you through the process of leveraging AI to boost your business goals and objectives. Following these 3 steps, you will be able to create quality content, ideas, and other outputs.

Step 1: Choosing Your AI Tool

Diving into the world of AI might seem intimidating at first, but don't worry! There are plenty of user-friendly AI platforms out there that are perfect for any level of experience. AI tools can be used for a wide range of applications, including content creation, idea generation, writing assistance, and even coding and problem-solving. Here are some some great options to start:

A well-established chatbot known for its versatility. Users can apply it to a wide range of tasks, from creative writing and content generation to code assistance. Developed by OpenAI, it can automate repetitive tasks and increase productivity.

Use ChatGPT

A newcomer focused on providing reliable and secure responses across various prompts and tasks. Some of its functions include translation, image analysis, and advanced reasoning. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners who prioritize safety and copyright indemnity when using AI.

Use Claude

An intelligent assistant that focuses on providing real-time information and generating creative content based on your prompts. It offers a more engaging user experience within the social media environment as it was developed by Meta, which owns Facebook.

Use Meta AI

A state-of-the-art chatbot that can not only generate but combine various mediums such as text, code, images, and more. Developed by Google, it is their most comprehensive AI model. It includes safety features and filters to create a more secure experience.

Use Gemini

We suggest trying multiple AI tools to find the ones that best suit your needs. Different tools may excel in various situations, and personal preferences will vary. By exploring a variety of options, you can identify which tools work best for you.

Pro tip: Try asking the same question across multiple AI tools and comparing the responses to see which one best meets your needs.

A hand holds a smartphone with Google's AI Prompting Guide 101 on the screen.

Step 2: Craft Your AI Prompt Like a Pro

After selecting an AI tool, you'll need to provide a prompt, which is essentially a set of precise instructions for the AI. The more specific and detailed your prompt is, the better the AI can understand your needs and generate content that hits the mark.

Google's “Prompting Guide 101” outlines foundational skills for writing great prompts. According to Google, there are four main components to consider: persona, task, context, and format. While you don't need to use all four in every prompt, incorporating a combination can enhance your results.

  • Persona: Who are you creating content for? (e.g., busy professional, young gamer)

  • Task: What specific action do you want the AI to perform? (e.g., write a blog post, generate social media captions, write an email)

  • Context: Provide background information to set the scene for the AI. (e.g., brand voice, target audience)

  • Format: Specify the desired output format. (e.g., email newsletter, product description, bulleted list)

Experiment with an AI tool by using one of the following prompts:

  • Outline the steps for creating a successful social media marketing campaign for a small business. Include tips for setting goals, identifying the target audience, and measuring success.

  • Generate a list of 10 fun and engaging indoor activities for children during a rainy day. Consider options that promote creativity, learning, and physical activity.

  • Create a 75-word description for a beginner-level yoga class suitable for a gym's website. Highlight the class's focus on gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and stress relief, using a welcoming and inclusive tone.

  • Explain the concept of blockchain technology to a non-technical audience. Use simple language and real-world examples to illustrate how it works and its potential applications.

Crafting effective AI prompts might seem daunting at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Remember to be specific, provide context, and iterate based on the results. As you experiment with different prompts and AI tools, you'll discover what works best for your unique content needs. So, go ahead and give these prompts a try – you might be surprised at how quickly you become an AI prompt pro!

Step 3: Refining Your Results with the AI Tool

The initial response from AI might not be perfect, but that's where the refinement process begins. Refining your results is all about having a conversation with your AI tool and guiding it towards the content you're looking for. Here are effective methods to provide feedback and achieve the best results:

Ask Clarifying Questions

  • “Does the tone sound appropriate for the target audience?”

  • “Are the key features and benefits of the product clearly communicated?”

  • “Does the content flow logically and cohesively?”

Provide More Specific Feedback

  • "The social media post is a good start, but could you add a call to action that encourages users to sign up for the free trial?"

  • "The product description is informative, but can you rephrase it to be more engaging and conversational?"

Offer Suggestions and Examples

  • "For the blog post, could you incorporate some statistics or expert quotes to add credibility?"

  • "For the image generation, could you try using a different color palette that aligns with our brand?"

Don't be afraid to experiment with different prompts and refine your instructions based on the AI's responses. The more you work with the AI tool, the better you'll understand its capabilities and how to guide it towards your desired outcome. The key to success in AI-assisted content creation is to view the AI as a collaborative partner.

Interior view of Click Rain's office.

The key to success in AI-assisted content creation is to view the AI as a collaborative partner.

AI Limitations

AI has made incredible strides, but it's important to remember it's still under development and not a perfect tool. AI systems can sometimes produce biased or inaccurate results, so it's crucial to fact-check and apply critical thinking when using AI-generated content. AI and humans can be a powerful team; AI excels at generating vast amounts of content, while human expertise refines it for accuracy, engagement, and an authentic voice.

Click Rain team members, George and Payton, working together in the Click Rain office.

Let Us Help You Make Sense of AI

AI is an exciting field with endless possibilities. Remember to craft clear prompts, experiment with different use cases, and stay mindful of the limitations surrounding AI. As you experiment, don't hesitate to seek out additional resources and join communities to further your knowledge and skills. Happy exploring!

Chat With Us
new headshot of Bailey W in Click Rain's HQ

About the Author Bailey Wood // Associate Director of Marketing

Bailey (M.B.A., Creighton University) excels in the details. She brings a discerning, data-driven mindset to every client account, consistently providing keen analysis and useful insights.

Read more »