Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Simple Strategies for AI Marketing with Ali Schwanke

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Aug 7, 2025

In this insightful discussion, Ali Schwanke, CEO of Simple Strat and the host of HubSpot Hacks, shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of AI in marketing. She emphasizes that strategy should precede tools, advocating for human-centric approaches in a digital age. The conversation tackles AI anxiety, the dangers of overthinking, and the importance of creative courage in marketing. Ali also highlights the shifting landscape towards impactful distribution strategies and fostering genuine customer connections, reminding listeners that bold, authentic moves will set brands apart.

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INSIGHT

Human-First Marketing Works

Ali and Mike stress keeping humans at the start and end of AI workflows.
Center marketing on how real customers buy, not on chasing new tools.

INSIGHT

Analysis Paralysis Trumps Confusion

Ali says marketers aren't confused; they suffer analysis paralysis from too many AI options.
She recommends anchoring strategy in how people solve problems and find solutions.

INSIGHT

Creative Courage Beats AI Sameness

Ali warns that AI gives everyone access to the same playbook, reducing differentiation.
She says 'creative courage'—testing bold human ideas—now separates brands from AI-copy competitors.

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If AI has you feeling like you’re falling behind or drowning in prompts and platforms, this episode is your reset button. Mike Montague sits down with Ali Schwanke, CEO of Simple Strat and host of HubSpot Hacks, to unpack the real opportunities (and traps) SMB marketers face in today’s AI-fueled landscape. They break down how to stay creative in a world where everyone has access to the same playbooks and why “doing more” isn’t the same as “doing what works.”

You’ll hear smart, honest takes on AI anxiety, content overload, distribution strategies that actually work in 2025, and the underrated power of creative courage. Whether you’re leading marketing for a B2B brand or running the show as a small business owner, this conversation will help you stop chasing tools and start leading with strategy.

Top Takeaways

1. Strategy is greater than Tools.
AI isn’t the strategy, it’s a toolset; your strategy should still be grounded in how real people make buying decisions.

2. Analysis Paralysis is the Real Enemy
With so many AI options, marketers get stuck in overthinking instead of executing aligned, intentional campaigns.

3. Creative Courage is the New Differentiator
In a world where AI gives everyone access to the same ideas, brands win by making bold, untested, human-first moves.

4. Distribution Is Where the Game Is Changing
It's not about where you publish, it’s about who sees it, and trusted referrals and partnerships are outperforming ads.

5. Marketing Has Fragmented, And That’s OK
You don’t need to do everything; you need to do the right things for your audience, consistently and confidently.

6. AI Doesn’t Equal Certainty of Outcomes
Even great AI outputs don’t guarantee results; you still need human judgment to prioritize and refine.

7. Consistency Builds Trust
Many marketers quit too early; trust and results come from showing up repeatedly, not from jumping to the next shiny thing.

8. Live Events and Human Moments Are Making a Comeback
In-person dinners, niche gatherings, and face-to-face conversations are generating higher ROI than mass digital efforts.

9. AI Should Help You Scale Your Voice, Not Replace It
Success comes when AI reflects your unique brand personality, not when it floods the feed with generic content.

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.

Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.

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