10 ways AI is actually changing marketing

AI is already changing the game, and most marketers are still playing catch-up. Here are 10 ways it’s happening right now:

1. AI fluency is non-negotiable.
If your team doesn’t know how to use tools like Claude Code or ChatGPT, you’re falling behind. I used AI over a weekend to produce $45,000 worth of SEO work in under an hour. 600 pages shipped. No code. No excuses.

2. Real-time analytics = better decisions.
AI lets you pull insights across platforms fast. We’ve helped clients cut wasted Google Ads spend just by letting AI turn off brand bidding when no one else is competing.

3. Revenue per employee is going up.
Our creatives are building entire systems solo. AI helps 1 person do what 3-4 people used to handle. Agencies with $200k revenue per employee will look average in a few years.

4. Product-led growth just got easier.
You don’t need to know code to build a product anymore. Mockups, MVPs, workflows? AI gets it done. Free tools become lead magnets. Then you monetize your audience.

5. Personalization at scale is finally real.
AI can sync retargeting, email, and SMS, all based on behavior. No more janky automation. Better personalization = more conversions.

6. Strategy > execution.
AI handles more of the grunt work. That means if you’re not strong at thinking, you’re replaceable. Execution without strategic depth is becoming a commodity.

7. Services are making a comeback.
AI doesn't eliminate the need for talent; it increases the demand for smart humans. Service businesses that adapt will thrive. The lazy ones die.

8. AI is speeding everything up.
Leadership wants updates every month. Soon, it’ll be weekly. AI isn’t cutting headcount, it’s forcing velocity.

9. AI theater ≠ AI revenue.
Most companies are pretending. They buy AI tools, roll out seats, and brag about adoption, but have no idea what ROI looks like. The winners will be the ones who tie AI back to cash.

10. No more excuses for junior marketers.
You don’t need courses or blogs. You just need questions and the right prompts. If you can’t use AI to figure things out, you’re not employable.

Need help using AI to improve your marketing ROI? At Single Grain, we use AI to drive growth, build scalable systems, and save clients six to seven figures in wasted spend.

To marketing that moves fast (and makes money),
Eric Siu

P.S.

1 - If you want to grow faster using the power of AI, my agency Single Grain is offering free marketing plans to qualified Leveling Up newsletter subscribers, check it out here.
2 - We’re hiring AI-forward performance ad creative strategists, AI-forward SEOs and paid media people, AI short form creators, AI automation interns, and more. If you’re interested, apply at our Careers page.
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