A Beginner’s Guide to Using AI for Content Creation

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Steve

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Understanding AI and Its Role in Content Creation

Illustration representing a beginner's guide to using ai for content creation

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for content creation can be a game-changer, especially for small business owners in Swansea looking to grow with marketing automation. This guide is designed to help you understand how AI can revolutionise your content strategy, save you time, and drive your business forward.

Understanding AI and Its Role in Content Creation

AI Marketing Automation Adoption for Small Businesses

While Swansea-specific data isn’t readily available, global trends suggest that 25% of small businesses currently utilise AI in some capacity, with rapid growth in AI adoption for marketing automation. Notably, 64% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) employ marketing automation tools to remain competitive, and 78% report enhanced lead nurturing within just six months.

Key applications include:

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): 46% of SMBs use AI for CRM solutions.
  • Ad targeting and social media campaigns: 47% of marketers leverage AI for targeted advertising.
  • Chatbots and 24/7 customer support: 40% of retailers are employing AI to enhance customer service.

Core Benefits for Small Businesses

  1. Enhanced Efficiency:
    • AI-driven tools automate repetitive tasks like email campaigns and inventory management, potentially increasing productivity by up to 40%.
    • About 70% of small businesses using AI experience faster resolution times for customer queries.
  2. Cost Reductions:
    • Firms leveraging automation typically see a 12% average reduction in marketing costs.
    • AI-powered inventory and delivery optimisations can lead to cost savings of up to 20%.
  3. Lead Generation and Conversion:
    • 80% of marketing automation users note an increase in leads, with 35% of SMB marketers reporting significant lead generation boosts.
    • Personalised AI-triggered emails yield 10 times higher conversion rates than generic campaigns.
  4. Data-Driven Decision Making:
    • AI analytics tools can predict demand with 95% accuracy, helping optimise pricing strategies.
    • 72% of SMB leaders believe that AI provides a competitive advantage through actionable insights.
  5. Customer Experience:
    • AI chatbots provide 24/7 support, greatly enhancing customer satisfaction scores.
    • Approximately 56% of consumers expect tailored promotions, which can be delivered through AI-driven personalisation.

Challenges and Growth Opportunities

Despite the positive outlook, 29.5% of SMBs project that AI will greatly impact their operations in the coming year, yet many still face adoption challenges:

  • 77% of non-adopters cite insufficient knowledge or lack of clarity regarding AI benefits as primary barriers.
  • 47% of marketers emphasise prioritising cost savings and advertising efficiency as significant AI application areas.

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that 90% of businesses will embrace marketing automation by 2026. The global AI market is projected to reach $407 billion by 2027, expanding at a remarkable 36.2% annually.

For small businesses in Swansea, cost-effective platforms like HubSpot, Mailchimp, and ManyChat offer scalable solutions that align with these trends.

Why Swansea Businesses Should Care About AI

Small businesses in Swansea can significantly benefit from AI-driven marketing automation strategies to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and foster growth. Here are practical insights tailored to help local entrepreneurs efficiently adopt these technologies:

Automate Content Creation

AI tools such as Jasper and ChatGPT enable the automatic generation of blog posts, social media updates, and product descriptions. This ensures consistency and optimises content for SEO, allowing businesses to maintain their branding effectively. These tools can adapt to specific brand voices, producing tailored content quickly.

Optimise Social Media Management

Utilising platforms like Hootsuite or HubSpot’s Marketing Hub can enhance your social media strategy. These tools not only schedule posts but also analyse engagement metrics and identify optimal posting times. Furthermore, services like Brand24 provide insights into trending topics and sentiment analysis in real-time, keeping your content relevant and engaging.

Streamline Email Campaigns

Implementing solutions like Salesforce Starter Suite or HubSpot can automate email marketing workflows. These platforms assist in creating tailored messages based on customer behaviours, which can significantly improve open rates and conversions, particularly for campaigns such as abandoned cart reminders and lead nurturing.

Leverage Chatbots for Customer Support

Chatbots developed through tools like Zapier can effectively manage customer interactions, resolving frequently asked questions and capturing leads. With extensive free options available, businesses can efficiently enhance customer service, resolving up to 80% of routine inquiries automatically.

Enhance Ad Campaigns with AI

AI-driven tools like Trellis aid in optimising advertising strategies for platforms such as Google Ads. These tools analyse performance data to make real-time adjustments, maximising return on investment (ROI) without exceeding budget constraints.

Utilise Customer Feedback Analysis

Platforms like Brand24 monitor brand mentions and customer feedback across various channels. This sentiment analysis helps businesses understand their customer’s pain points, allowing for refined marketing strategies that address specific needs.

Simplify Lead Generation and Sales

Utilising automated lead scoring through systems like QuickBooks can help prioritise high-value prospects. This integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems streamlines tracking customer interactions and offers insights into their interests and needs.

Implementation Tips

  • Start Small: Focus on automating one or two high-impact areas, such as email marketing or chatbots, before expanding your AI toolkit.
  • Monitor Analytics: Make use of analytics tools to evaluate performance and adjust your strategies based on customer behaviour.
  • Budget Wisely: Explore free or affordable options initially, like the basic features of HubSpot and ChatGPT, to ensure cost-effectiveness.

By strategically employing these AI tools, small businesses in Swansea can enhance efficiency, optimise marketing efforts, and compete more effectively in today’s dynamic market landscape.

Automating Routine Tasks with AI

Common Misconceptions About AI in Marketing

Small business owners often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential applications in marketing. However, there are several misconceptions that can hinder their adoption of AI tools. By clarifying these myths, we ensure that Swansea businesses can make informed decisions and leverage AI to drive growth.

1. AI Replaces Human Marketers
Many believe that AI systems will fully automate marketing processes, eliminating the need for human marketers. In reality, AI amplifies human effort by handling tasks like data analysis and ad targeting, while creativity and strategic insight remain the domain of skilled professionals. The integration of AI into marketing routines should be viewed as a collaborative effort.

2. AI Operates Without Human Oversight
Some entrepreneurs think that AI tools can function optimally without human intervention. This is misleading, as AI relies heavily on quality data and human guidance to prevent errors. Inaccurate or outdated data can lead to misguided marketing strategies, reinforcing the necessity for ongoing human involvement.

3. AI Is Unaffordable for Small Businesses
The perception that implementing AI is too costly for small enterprises is widespread. In fact, many affordable AI-driven tools, such as ChatGPT and Hootsuite, are accessible, providing automation solutions that scale with business growth. This democratization of technology enables even small-scale operations to benefit from advanced marketing capabilities.

4. AI Exclusively Benefits Large Corporations
There’s a common myth that only large enterprises can effectively utilize AI due to their resources. On the contrary, small businesses increasingly use AI for fraud detection, personalised marketing, and optimising operations through tools designed specifically for their scale and budgets.

5. AI Requires Technical Expertise
The belief that advanced technical skills are necessary for AI implementation can deter small business owners. However, many user-friendly platforms have emerged that simplify marketing tasks, such as email segmentation and ad optimisation, making AI accessible even to those without a technical background.

6. AI Delivers Instant Results
Many expect immediate improvements in performance upon using AI tools. In reality, AI requires time to learn from data, adapt, and refine processes, meaning that businesses may need to be patient and allow time for growth.

7. AI Lacks Personalisation
Some think that AI-generated content tends to be generic and lacking in personal touch. In truth, AI can analyse customer behaviour to deliver highly targeted content, but human input is essential to ensure that it aligns with brand identity and resonates on a personal level.

8. AI Predicts Outcomes with Certainty
There’s a misconception that AI can provide flawless predictions about consumer behaviour. Predictions depend heavily on historical data, and AI can falter in rapidly changing market conditions. Regular assessment and adjustment of strategies are necessary for success.

9. AI Functions with Poor Data Quality
Lastly, the idea that AI can perform effectively with low-quality or insufficient data is misguided. AI’s performance is directly tied to the integrity of the data it uses, making data management crucial for accurate outputs.

By addressing these misconceptions, Swansea businesses can approach AI not as a threat, but as a valuable partner in their marketing journey, ultimately driving growth and engagement.

Common Misconceptions About AI in Marketing

Swansea small businesses can leverage AI-driven content creation and marketing automation to enhance efficiency and customer engagement while competing effectively in a crowded market. Below are actionable strategies and tools tailored to local needs:

AI Content Creation Tools & Applications

  • SEO-Optimised Content: Use tools like Jasper.ai or ChatGPT to generate blog posts, social media captions, and email campaigns with localised keywords, improving search visibility.
  • Visual Design: Canva paired with AI tools enables streamlined creation of infographics, presentations, and social media assets, critical for consistent branding.
  • Personalised Campaigns: AI analyses customer data (e.g., purchase history) to craft tailored email sequences or ad copy, boosting conversion rates.

Case Study: A Swansea café saw a 30% increase in bookings after implementing AI chatbots for real-time follow-ups and personalised booking confirmations.

Marketing Automation Strategies

  1. Automated Email Campaigns
    • Use AI tools to design and send personalised email sequences (e.g., welcome series, abandoned cart reminders) with predictive analytics to optimise timing and content.
    • Example: HubSync automates SMS reminders and email follow-ups, reducing response times and improving lead conversion.
  2. Social Media Management
    • Schedule posts across platforms using AI-driven analytics to identify peak engagement times. Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer integrate AI to suggest hashtags and captions.
    • Automate responses to common queries via chatbots, freeing staff for complex tasks.
  3. Local SEO Optimisation
    • AI tools identify conversational keywords (e.g., “best coffee shops near Swansea”) and automate Google Business Profile updates, improving local search rankings.

Local Resources & Support

  • Managed AI Services: Partners like Omni Marketing offer tailored AI solutions, including content generation, CRM integration, and compliance support, minimising technical barriers.
  • Training Programs: Gower College Swansea provides hands-on workshops for AI tools and Canva, equipping teams to create professional content.
  • Amazon Innovation Accelerator: SMEs can join this free program for workshops on digital transformation, AWS tools, and access to a £100,000 innovation prize fund.

Addressing Common Challenges

ChallengeSolution
Skill GapsPartner with agencies like Omni Marketing or Thrive Agency for training and strategy implementation.
Budget ConstraintsPrioritise free/low-cost tools (e.g., Canva, ChatGPT) and leverage grant programs like the Amazon Innovation Challenge.
Data IntegrationUse platforms like HubSpot to sync CRM, email, and analytics data, reducing manual entry.

Implementation Steps

  1. Audit Workflows: Identify time-consuming tasks (e.g., social media scheduling, customer inquiries) for automation.
  2. Pilot Projects: Test AI tools with small campaigns (e.g., automated email sequences) and refine based on performance metrics.
  3. Train Teams: Use local workshops or agency support to build proficiency in AI-driven content generation and analytics.

By adopting these strategies, Swansea small businesses can reduce manual workloads, enhance customer experiences, and compete effectively against larger rivals.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Mistakes When Implementing AI

AI Tools That Drive Marketing Success

For small business owners in Swansea, leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance marketing efforts, improve efficiency, and reach potential clients more effectively. Here’s a guide to selecting some of the best options available based on specific marketing needs.

Content Creation & SEO

  • Jasper: This AI writing assistant excels at generating marketing materials including blog posts, social media content, and product descriptions. With SEO capabilities, it can help ensure that your content ranks well. Pricing starts at £29/month.
  • Google Workspace (Gemini): Ideal for drafting and managing content, this tool integrates features for summarising information and automating responses to emails. It brings collaborative benefits to your marketing team.
  • Frase.io: This tool not only helps create content but also optimises it for search engines. It provides insights on keywords and content performance, ensuring that you are hitting the mark for your target audience.

Social Media Management

  • Sprout Social: A comprehensive suite for managing social media activities, Sprout Social provides AI-driven analytics to understand audience engagement and optimise post timings. It starts from £83/month.
  • Brand24: This tool tracks online mentions of your brand and provides alerts for significant social media activity, ensuring you can manage your reputation effectively. Plans start at £89/month.

Marketing Automation

  • Zapier: Perfect for automating workflows between different applications, Zapier connects over 3,000 apps to save time on repetitive tasks. Pricing begins with a free tier, with advanced options available from £16/month.
  • HubSpot AI Marketing Hub: This integrated platform offers tools for email automation, social media scheduling, and lead management, suitable for businesses looking for comprehensive marketing solutions. Free and paid plans are both available.

Customer Engagement

  • Tidio: This live chat and chatbot tool enhances customer engagement by providing immediate support on your website. Plans start at £19/month, making it a cost-effective solution.
  • Dialpad: With AI-powered transcription and call analytics, Dialpad improves communication with potential clients. Starting at £12/month, it is useful for businesses that rely heavily on phone interactions.

Strategic Considerations

When selecting AI tools, consider:

  1. Your specific marketing goals—whether it’s improving content quality, managing social media, or enhancing customer engagement.
  2. The integration potential with existing tools in your marketing stack.
  3. Budget constraints and value for money concerning features offered.

AI Tools That Drive Marketing Success

Marketing automation is a game changer for small businesses in Swansea, offering tools to streamline processes, enhance customer relationships, and drive growth without requiring extensive resources. Here are some notable advantages that local businesses can harness:

Increased Operational Efficiency

Marketing automation significantly reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks such as email campaigns, social media posting, and lead nurturing. By automating these processes, businesses can focus on strategic, high-impact activities. For instance, tools facilitate multi-channel workflows (e.g., email, SMS, social media), meaning customers can engage 24/7 without manual input, leading to 14.5% higher sales productivity and a 12.2% reduction in marketing costs for those who implement these strategies effectively.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

Personalisation is key in today’s marketing landscape, and automation allows businesses to tailor communications based on customer behaviour. AI-driven tools can deliver dynamic and relevant content, such as personalised product recommendations or reminder emails for abandoned carts, which boast open rates exceeding 50%. Segmentation techniques can effectively target audiences, ensuring messages resonate and increasing customer retention.

Improved ROI and Cost Efficiency

Automation not only enhances engagement but also shows measurable returns on investment. Businesses can see a 25% increase in marketing ROI with effective automation. Tools provide real-time analytics, enabling rapid adjustments to marketing strategies that are underperforming, further optimising resource allocation and achieving a 12% reduction in overhead costs.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Access to real-time analytics offers invaluable insights into campaign performance, including open and click-through rates. By leveraging data from automation platforms, businesses can fine-tune their offerings and strategies based on solid evidence, enhancing lead scoring and targeting for more impactful customer interactions.

Cross-Channel Integration

Unified marketing platforms allow for seamless multi-channel campaigns, combining email, SMS, social media, and CRM functionalities. This integration enhances engagement by delivering consistent messaging tailored to customer preferences. For example, mobile-optimised campaigns can effectively target the growing mobile user base, which now exceeds 5.7 billion globally.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

In 2025, businesses that employ AI and machine learning in their automation tools can expect several benefits, including:

  • Predictive analytics, which helps determine the optimal times for sending emails or the best types of content to share.
  • Chatbots for around-the-clock customer service, enhancing user satisfaction through faster response times.
  • Real-time product recommendations based on browsing history, which significantly increase the likelihood of converting visits into sales.

Lead Nurturing and Conversion Optimisation

Automated workflows excel in guiding prospects through the sales funnel with minimal manual intervention. Using drip campaigns and triggered emails helps maintain engagement, for instance, follow-up emails after a purchase can enhance customer satisfaction. With automation, a staggering 67% of small businesses report improved targeting and personalisation, which fosters stronger customer relationships.

Competitive Advantage

With nearly 45% of small businesses adopting marketing automation tools, it is becoming vital for scaling operations. These technologies democratise advanced marketing capabilities, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to compete with larger firms, leveraging customer-centric strategies for impactful results.

Small businesses in Swansea can significantly enhance their marketing efforts through AI-driven content creation and automation. By implementing these strategies, they can save time, improve customer engagement, and streamline their marketing processes.

Benefits of AI for Small Businesses

AI tools provide a array of benefits, allowing small businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively. Here are some key advantages:

  • Time Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks such as social media management and email campaigns frees up valuable time for marketing teams.
  • Consistency: AI tools help maintain a uniform brand voice across various platforms, ensuring that all content aligns with the company’s identity.
  • Scalability: As businesses grow, AI can easily adapt to varied content requirements, catering to diverse audience preferences.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: By streamlining operations, small businesses can reduce marketing expenses, allowing for reinvestment in other growth areas.

Top AI Tools for Different Content Types

Utilising the right tools can streamline content creation across various media:

  • Social Media & Writing:
    • Predis.ai: Generating posts and visuals from simple prompts.
    • Anyword: Crafting SEO-optimised blog posts with performance predictions.
    • Jasper: Customising content to align with marketing objectives.
  • Graphics & Design:
    • Canva: Offering AI-powered design tools for various content types.
    • Microsoft Designer: Creating brand-specific visuals effortlessly.
  • Audio/Video Production:
    • Adobe Premiere Pro: Leveraging AI for insightful video editing.
    • Podcastle: Transforming written material into engaging podcasts.
  • Email Marketing & CRM:
    • Pipedrive: Predictive tools for lead management and personalised communications.

Best Practices for Implementing AI in Marketing

  1. Ensure Compliance: Regularly review AI-generated content for accuracy and alignment with ethical guidelines.
  2. Maintain a Human Touch: Use AI outputs as drafts, refining them to incorporate your brand’s unique voice.
  3. Be Transparent: Disclose the use of AI in your content creation to build trust with your audience.

Increasing Engagement with AI-Personalised Content

AI tools can significantly enhance content creation and marketing automation for small businesses in Swansea, offering cost-effective solutions to streamline workflows and target local audiences effectively. Here is an overview of tools and best practices tailored to local business needs:

Key Benefits of AI for Small Businesses

  • Time efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., social media posting, email drafting) to focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Consistency: Maintain brand voice and visual identity across platforms using tools like Canva (AI-generated designs).
  • Local targeting: Use geo-tagging in social media posts to boost local SEO and reach Swansea-based customers.
  • Scalability: Repurpose content (e.g., blogs into podcasts or videos) to maximise reach.

Top AI Tools for Local Marketing

Content Writing

  • Anyword: SEO-optimized blog drafting, plagiarism checks. Ideal for generating localized blog posts for Swansea audiences.
  • Lately: Repurpose long-form content into social posts. Useful for converting Swansea-specific case studies into LinkedIn/Instagram updates.
  • Claude: Style-guided content creation for emails and blogs. Excellent for drafting personalised email campaigns targeting local clients.

Design & Visuals

  • Predis.ai: Automates social media posts with images and captions, generating geo-tagged Instagram posts highlighting Swansea landmarks.
  • Microsoft Designer: Text-to-image and brand kit creation for designing promotional materials featuring Swansea’s local attractions.

Video & Audio

  • Vidyo.ai: Repurposes long videos into short clips for social media, perfect for turning Swansea community event footage into TikTok highlights.
  • Murf AI: Provides AI voiceovers with pitch and speed adjustments, useful for creating audio guides for Welsh tourists or product demos.

Analytics & Automation

  • Pipedrive: Features AI email creation and deal probability analysis, enabling automated lead nurturing emails for Swansea-based clients.
  • Jasper: Offers content optimisation for SEO and pay-per-click, which can be leveraged to tailor ad copy for Swansea-specific keywords.

Best Practices for Local Businesses

  1. Prioritise human oversight: Treat AI outputs as drafts to refine for brand voice and local relevance (e.g., mentioning Swansea communities).
  2. Comply with regulations: Ensure AI-generated content adheres to search engine guidelines and applicable legal standards.
  3. Geo-tag content: Add location metadata to social posts and blogs to enhance local SEO and visibility in Swansea.
  4. Disclose AI use: Transparency builds trust (e.g., “AI-generated content edited by our team”).

For Swansea businesses, combining tools like Lately (content repurposing) and Predis.ai (automated social posts) can efficiently manage multi-channel marketing while leveraging local-centric keywords. Pair these with Vidyo.ai for video snippets featuring Swansea landmarks to reinforce community connections.

The Cost Benefits of AI: Saving More Than You Spend

Key Strategies and Tools

  1. Task Automation Focus Areas
    • Social Media & Content Creation: Tools like Jasper AI or Canva automate content generation and design, reducing the time spent on social media management.
    • Customer Support: AI chatbots (like those using ChatGPT) provide round-the-clock assistance, significantly cutting down response times.
    • Email Campaigns: Integrating Mailchimp AI allows for personalised email sequences, resulting in higher open and conversion rates.
    • SEO & Local Visibility: Tools such as Surfer SEO help analyse keywords and competitive strategies, enhancing visibility in search rankings.
  2. Affordable AI Tools
    ToolUse CaseCost
    HubSpot CRMCustomer management & email automationFree tier available
    Zoho CRMPredictive analytics & lead scoringFrom £10/month
    Canva & ChatGPTContent creation & copywritingFree to low-cost
    ZapierWorkflow automation (e.g., synchronising with CRM)Free (100 tasks/month)
    Surfer SEOSEO optimisation & keyword researchPaid subscriptions

  3. Implementation Steps
    • Define Objectives: Establish SMART goals, such as automating 30% of customer support tasks by Q3.
    • Audit Workflows: Identify routine tasks that can be automated, focusing on repetitive processes like social media posting.
    • Select Scalable Tools: Choose platforms that support local integrations, such as services from Omni Marketing.
    • Pilot Projects: Implement small-scale tests, like automated email campaigns, to evaluate effectiveness before broader rollout.

Local Challenges and Solutions

  • Skill Gaps: Collaborate with local agencies, such as Omni Marketing, for bespoke training and managed services.
  • Financial Constraints: Focus on leveraging free or low-cost tools, maximising ROI without overspending.
  • Data Compliance: Ensure adherence to data protection laws like GDPR by employing managed services for automated workflows.

Metrics for Success

  • Time Saved: Keep track of the hours reduced in managing tasks like social media handling.
  • Engagement: Evaluate interactions such as comments, likes, and email open rates.
  • Revenue Impact: Assess sales growth linked to automated marketing campaigns, especially through targeted ads.

Future-Proofing Tactics

  • Predictive Analytics: Implement tools that predict customer behaviours and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.
  • Local SEO Optimisation: Focus on local keywords to attract regional customers effectively.

By effectively utilising AI tools and implementing strategic automation, Swansea businesses can enhance their market presence, improve customer interactions, and streamline operations.

Smoothing the AI Transition: Training Your Team

For small businesses in Swansea looking to enhance their marketing automation, leveraging AI-powered content creation tools can streamline efforts and maximise output. These tools not only save time but also enhance engagement by providing tailored content that resonates with audiences.

Social Media Management & Automation

FeedHive is an excellent choice for automating content scheduling. With AI-assisted post suggestions and multi-platform previews, it assists small teams in maintaining an active online presence. The service begins at approximately £15/month, offering analytics dashboards to track social media performance. However, it does have limitations in social listening functionalities compared to more comprehensive tools like Vista Social. Vista Social provides advanced features, such as engagement analytics and detailed social listening capabilities, though it comes at a higher price point.

Content Creation & SEO Optimisation

Rytr emerges as a valuable tool for generating short-form content, supporting over 40 templates, starting at around £7/month. For businesses focused on longer content, Anyword allows for SEO-optimised blog writing and predictive performance analytics, making it an excellent choice for enhancing organic reach. Another versatile option is Jasper AI, which caters to various content types while allowing for brand voice customisation. Its plans start at approximately £40/month, ideal for companies managing multiple brands.

Analytics & Monitoring

Brand24 tracks brand mentions and sentiment analysis across social media platforms, offering vital insights that inform marketing strategies. Meanwhile, Lately repurposes extensive content into concise social snippets using AI, ensuring relevance across different channels.

Affordable & Free Options

For those on a budget, free tools like ChatGPT for drafting ideas and Synthesia for quick AI-generated video content can be highly beneficial, providing essential functionalities without financial commitment.

Sources

Steve
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Steve

Steve has been helping local & national business owners market online since 2010. His expert knowledge of content marketing and SEO has helped clients with their success and his enthusiasm for AI tools and how they can be used for local business owners has him really excited for the future of marketing.

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