In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross delves into dynamic conversations with some of the best marketers in the industry — Bryan Casey, Rowan Tonkin, Joel Klettke, and Ronnie Higgins. Ross’ conversations with these seasoned marketing experts are all about strategies, tips, and inspiration.

Detailed Breakdown:

Bryan Casey reflects on the challenge of maintaining quality while considering the integration of AI-generated content into their strategy. He begins by acknowledging a Twitter comment about ChatGPT responses, highlighting his company's commitment to crafting high-quality content through investment in skilled individuals. Bryan expresses skepticism about AI's potential impact on their brand integrity, particularly regarding trust, a core value associated with IBM. Despite initial reluctance, he considers Google's guidelines on helpful content creation, pondering how AI could enhance user experience without compromising quality. Finally, he evaluates the ROI of investing in content, questioning the role of AI compared to their skilled team members in delivering top-notch content.
Rowan Tonkin emphasizes the necessity for marketing leaders to incorporate AI into their annual plans, warning that boards expect this integration for efficiency. He advises clear communication about AI's role and the need for agility in tech contracts and experimentation budgets to adapt to evolving technologies. Tonkin underscores the importance of fostering a culture of agility within the team through transparent communication and sharing insights from industry events to stay adaptable to change.
Joel Klettke discusses the impact of AI on content creation, emphasizing the need to embrace change rather than deny it. He illustrates this with an analogy about shoveling snow, highlighting how AI can streamline processes without compromising quality. Klettke believes that while AI may not replace human creativity, it can significantly accelerate mundane tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work. He envisions AI tools being integrated into various marketing functions, such as analyzing sales calls, repurposing content, and optimizing advertising campaigns. Additionally, he encourages marketers to experiment with AI tools, maintain curiosity, and actively engage with the technology to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape.
Ronnie Higgins outlines his approach to annual initiatives, starting with assessing resources like team and budget. He emphasizes the importance of conducting a risk assessment and aligning strategies with product roadmaps. Gathering inputs from various departments ensures alignment and avoids content becoming a service organization. Keyword research extends beyond SEO tools to consider social value, and ongoing projects involve auditing and building topic clusters to establish topic authority. Overall, the focus is on strategic planning to build authority rather than just ranking.

Resources:

Listen to Bryan Casey’s full episode - https://foundationinc.co/lab/bryan-casey
Listen to Rowan Tonkin’s full episode - https://foundationinc.co/lab/rowan-tonkin/
Listen to Joel Klettke’s full episode - https://foundationinc.co/lab/joel-klettke/
Listen to Ronnie Higgins’ full episode- https://foundationinc.co/lab/ronnie-higgins
AI Marketing Console - https://ross.gumroad.com/l/ai-console
Foundation Labs - https://foundationinc.co/lab/

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