💬 9 Ways to Use AI in Email & SMS Marketing |
AI is the ultimate hack for eCommerce marketers. |
It helps you automate the grunt work, sharpen your strategy, and send smarter messages that convert. And no, it doesn't kill creativity. It gives you more space for it. |
There are even platforms out there that can automate your retention strategy via AI (looking at you, Raleon). |
The problem? Most marketers aren't using AI to its full potential. |
Here are 9 clever ways to plug AI into your email and SMS marketing workflows. |
1. Let AI segment your list smarter |
AI doesn't just slice and dice your list – it reads between the lines. |
Beyond segmenting by gender or last purchase alone, AI can analyze thousands of data points to build hyper-targeted audience groups, such as: |
Behavioral patterns Browsing habits Purchase frequency Email engagement history
|
… or a combination of multiple factors! |
For example, a bedding store could use AI to spot who's struggling with sleep vs. back pain, and send each group what they actually need. |
Insomniacs get tips for better rest, while achy sleepers get help picking the perfect pillow. Here's how Casper does it: |
|
2. Personalize every message |
Forget "Hi [First Name]." AI can go way deeper. |
With access to historical data, AI can personalize everything, from product recommendations to dynamic pricing and tailored content, without you lifting a finger. |
For example, let's say a customer just bought running shoes. AI can automatically send them an SMS with a discount on socks, or an email with a how-to guide on caring for athletic footwear. |
3. Send at the right time, every time |
You don't need to guess when to hit send anymore. |
AI can analyze when each individual on your list is most likely to open and engage with your emails or texts – and schedule accordingly. |
For example, one customer might be a 7 AM inbox-checker, while another only reads emails after 9 PM. AI features within email tools like Omnisend can learn and adjust for each. |
Pro tip: Combine send-time optimization with smart segmentation to create supercharged campaigns that feel personalized and timely. |
4. Get better subject lines |
Subject lines can make or break your open rate. Luckily, AI has plenty of ideas. |
AI tools are trained on thousands of successful campaigns. They can generate subject line options, A/B test them, and even predict the winner based on tone, length, and structure. |
Let's say you're brainstorming subject lines for your back-in-stock email. Feed AI a solid prompt and watch it come up with amazing subject lines in seconds. |
|
Pro tip: AI isn't a mind reader, so tell it exactly what you want, like the type of email, your target audience, tone etc. If you want to avoid spammy phrases or excessive emojis, mention it. |
5. Content creation |
Pressed for time? Not your strongest writer? AI's got you. |
From email body copy to SMS drafts, AI tools can help you generate copy ideas, rephrase headlines, and even write full messages – all while you focus on strategy. |
For instance, you could have AI write a product launch campaign in multiple tones (funny, bold, professional) and personalized for VIPs vs. first-time shoppers. |
Pro tip: Use AI to create a first draft, but always layer in your brand voice and a human touch before sending. |
6. Run A/B tests without the headache |
A/B testing used to take forever. Now, AI can do it on autopilot. |
You can test different subject lines, layouts, offers, or CTAs, then let AI pick the winner based on real-time performance. |
|
Not sure whether a "20% Off" subject line beats "$10 Off"? AI can send both to a small group, monitor engagement, then roll out the winner to the rest. |
Some tools even let AI continuously tweak and evolve the winning version over time. Set it, monitor it, and let it improve itself. |
7. Predict what they'll do next |
Want to know what your customers will buy next? AI does. |
Using past behavior, purchase history, and engagement trends, AI can predict the next likely action – whether that's a product reorder, subscription upgrade, or churn risk. |
For example, a coffee brand can identify customers who usually reorder every 3 weeks and send a timely reminder SMS at the 18-day mark. |
Something like this email from Blue Bottle Coffee: |
|
Pro tip: Use predictive insights to build automated flows, like replenishment reminders, VIP exclusives, or retention offers. |
8. Stay out of spam folders |
AI helps your messages reach inboxes, not spam folders. |
It can flag words, phrases, or formatting that trigger spam filters, and recommend better alternatives. Some tools also monitor sender reputation and suggest ways to improve deliverability. |
Instead of "Click here for FREE access," for example, AI might recommend "Unlock your free offer today" to avoid triggering Gmail's spam radar. |
Pro tip: Run every email through an AI email spam checker before sending. It's a quick step that could protect your open rates. |
9. Automate your entire workflow |
AI-powered workflows are like cloning your best marketer. |
Set up automated sequences that adapt based on behavior: welcome flows, cart recovery, post-purchase follow-ups, loyalty campaigns – you name it. |
For example, a clothing brand could send one abandoned cart email if the user browsed once, and a three-email series if they added to cart twice in a week. |
Pro tip: Use AI to manage exclusions too, like suppressing promos to customers who just bought at full price. |
Wrapping up |
AI isn't a magic button, but it's pretty close when used right. |
Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind: |
✅ Smarter targeting: Use AI to segment and personalize based on real behavior.
✅ Perfect timing: Let AI send messages when each customer is most likely to engage.
✅ Better copy: Generate subject lines and message drafts in seconds.
✅ Test what works: Automate A/B tests and optimize based on real-time results.
✅ Hands-free workflows: Build behavior-based automations that run on autopilot. |
Remember, AI doesn't replace your team, it helps them. Ready to plug it in? |
No comments:
Post a Comment