In 2024, AI usage among the public increased nearly tenfold, and a staggering 87% of marketers had already experimented with AI tools. This surge in interest is not without reason. AI technologies, such as LLMs, are changing how marketers engage with customers and streamline operations.
The benefits of AI in marketing are twofold. First, it enhances customer engagement through personalized content generation and audience segmentation. Second, it boosts operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and providing deep insights from customer data analysis. But with so many new tools popping up, as a marketer you are bound to be in a dilemma and end up just not using any of them after being frustrated. This is where solutions like an AI marketing copilot can help, or you might consider outsource marketing services to navigate this complex landscape.
Don’t worry! In this blog, we will be testing out some of the top “frontier” models available globally, evaluate which one performs the best and understand if AI marketing is really worth the hype?
The Contenders
Gemini 2.0 (Google)
- Agentic Era: Advanced multimodal capabilities with native image and audio output.
- Deep Research: Acts as a research assistant with long-context understanding.
- Performance: Twice as fast as Gemini 1.5 Pro with better spatial reasoning.
GPT-4o (OpenAI)
- Real-Time Multimodality: Reasoning across text, audio, and images with 232ms response time.
- Performance & Efficiency: 50% cheaper and twice as fast as GPT-4 Turbo.
- Language Improvements: Enhanced accuracy in non-English languages.
Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic)
- Speed & Cost Efficiency: Twice as fast and more affordable than Claude 3 Opus.
- Coding Proficiency: Solves 64% of coding tasks with improved performance.
- Vision Capabilities: Excels in tasks requiring visual understanding.
DeepSeek R1 (DeepSeek)
- Open-Source Disruptor: Low-cost LLM with open-source accessibility.
- Market Impact: Topped App Store charts, disrupting U.S. AI dominance.
- Training Innovations: Uses reinforcement learning for efficient performance.
Test 1: Can AI Build a Marketing Strategy from Scratch?
We asked each AI model to create a marketing strategy for a SaaS product launching a project management tool. We evaluated their responses based on clarity, market insights, and strategic creativity. Many companies choose to outsource marketing services to better reach these diverse segments but lets see how AI performs on this.
Scenario:
A SaaS company, TaskFlow, is launching a project management tool specifically designed for small businesses. TaskFlow offers features like task tracking, project timelines, and team collaboration, with an emphasis on ease of use and affordability. The company aims to scale quickly by targeting small businesses in North America, and their initial focus is on reaching small teams with 5–50 employees in industries like tech, marketing, and consulting.
Target Audience:
- Small businesses with 5-50 employees
- Industries: Tech startups, marketing agencies, consulting firms
- Key Decision Makers: Founders, team leads, operations managers
Marketing Goals:
- Build brand awareness
- Acquire 500 paying customers in the first 6 months
- Establish a loyal customer base by fostering engagement through content marketing and customer support
KPIs:
- Website traffic and sign-ups
- Conversion rate from trial to paid customers
- Social media engagement (shares, comments, likes)
Query: We are launching TaskFlow, a SaaS project management tool designed for small businesses. Create a 6-month marketing strategy that includes market research, target audience segmentation, buyer personas, key messaging, and strategic channels (social media, SEO, PPC, etc.). Respond in less than 250 words.
| Parameter | GPT-4o | Gemini-2.0 Flash | Claude 3.5 Sonnet | Deepseek R1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specificity/Detail | Provides clear timeframes and messaging examples but lacks budget details and has generic KPIs | Basic timeline breakdown with some content examples but vague on implementation and metrics | Detailed with specific budget allocations, channel percentages, and program names | Strong metrics (15% conversion, 20% MoM growth) with specific survey targets and named personas |
| Structure/Organization | Clear monthly breakdown with logical progression, though some section overlap | Simple two-phase structure but less detailed timeline and unclear progression | Comprehensive month-by-month breakdown with clear channel mix and distinct phases | Well-categorized with strong progression but less temporal organization |
| Actionability/Practicality | Clear action items but missing resource allocation and specific tools | Practical SEO and content focus but missing implementation timeline | Complete with budget allocations, resource distribution, and balanced channel mix | Strong tactical approach with specific metrics but lacks budget details |
Test 2: How Well Can AI Plan a Marketing Campaign?
Next, we tested the bots’ ability to design a campaign for a Black Friday sale. We compared ideas, content variations, and cross-channel strategies.
Scenario:
FitFlex is a brand specializing in home fitness equipment. For Black Friday, they are launching a sale on their top-selling product, the “FlexMat,” an eco-friendly yoga mat with built-in sensors to track user performance. FitFlex wants to boost sales by 30% and gain 2,000 new email subscribers during the Black Friday period. Their target market includes fitness enthusiasts, people starting their wellness journey, and eco-conscious consumers. FitFlex’s primary marketing channels include Instagram, email newsletters, and Facebook ads.
Target Audience:
- Age: 18–45
- Demographics: Fitness enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers
- Interests: Health and wellness, sustainable living
- Buying Behavior: Interested in discounts and promotions around fitness products
Marketing Goals:
- Achieve a 30% increase in sales for FlexMat during Black Friday
- Capture 2,000 new email subscribers
- Engage existing customers and increase repeat purchases
KPIs:
- Sales numbers
- Number of email sign-ups
- Social media engagement (click-through rates, conversions from paid ads)
Query: Create a Black Friday marketing campaign for FitFlex’s eco-friendly yoga mat, the FlexMat. Include promotional strategies, content calendar, social media posts, and email marketing strategies. Make sure to align it with the brand’s target audience and sustainability values. Respond in less than 250 words.
| Parameter | GPT-4o | Gemini-2.0 Flash | Claude 3.5 Sonnet | Deepseek R1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specificity/Detail | Basic with single discount offer (30%) and simple referral program. Clear content timeline but generic social posts | Comprehensive mix of offers (early bird, bundles, free shipping) but lacks specific discount amounts. Generic content suggestions | Specific offers (40% early-bird, 30% regular, $100 threshold gifts). Clear sustainability angle with tree planting initiative | Detailed tiered discounts (40% early access, 15% referral, 10% bundles) with specific timing (12 PM EST “Green Hour”) |
| Structure/Organization | Well-structured timeline with clear pre/during/post phases. Simple categorization of promotional elements | Good organization by channel but less detailed timeline. Lacks specific implementation steps | Clear 2-week timeline with well-defined phases. Organized by marketing channel with specific KPIs | Detailed 2-week timeline with specific hour scheduling. Well-segmented email campaigns and clear promotional hierarchy |
| Actionability/Practicality | Simple to implement but lacks measurement metrics and specific targeting strategies | Includes practical elements like countdown timers and segmented emails but missing specific metrics | Complete with metrics tracking, specific UTM parameters, and clear KPIs | Highly actionable with specific timing, segmented approaches, and clear tracking mechanisms through UTM links |
Test 3: Is AI Up to the Task of Writing Engaging Content?
Finally, we prompted the models to write blog post headlines and social media copy for a new product launch. We analyzed the creativity, tone, and engagement potential.
Scenario:
SmartSleep is a new product that combines AI-driven sleep monitoring technology with a personalized sleep improvement plan. The company is launching SmartSleep in the wellness space, targeting busy professionals who want to optimize their sleep for better productivity. The product will be available for purchase via the website, and the campaign will focus on building awareness and educating the audience about the importance of sleep. Content will be shared through blog posts, social media, and email newsletters.
Target Audience:
- Busy professionals (25-45 years old)
- Careers: Entrepreneurs, corporate employees, freelancers
- Interests: Productivity, personal wellness, health optimization
- Key Pain Points: Sleep deprivation, lack of energy, stress management
Marketing Goals:
- Educate the target audience on the importance of quality sleep
- Drive traffic to the website for SmartSleep purchases
- Grow the SmartSleep email subscriber list for future promotions and product updates
KPIs:
- Website traffic
- Number of units sold
- Email open rates and click-through rates
Query: Write a LinkedIn post for SmartSleep targeting professionals in high-pressure jobs. The post should emphasize the link between productivity and sleep, with a call to action to visit the website.
| Parameter | GPT-4o | Gemini-2.0 Flash | Claude 3.5 Sonnet | Deepseek R1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specificity/Detail | Basic post with general benefits. No specific data or statistics. Single format provided | Detailed with two format options, posting tips, and visual recommendations. Includes comprehensive hashtag strategy | Data-rich (76% stat, 40% focus increase) with specific discount code (LINKEDIN15). Clear feature breakdown | Specific statistics (1 in 3 professionals) and user base (10,000+). Clear problem-solution format |
| Structure/Organization | Simple flow: problem → solution → CTA. Basic emoji usage. Limited formatting | Well-organized with multiple options, clear sections, and detailed implementation guidance | Bullet-pointed features and benefits. Clear testimonial inclusion. Organized with emojis and sections | Strong hook → pain points → solution → CTA structure. Effective use of emojis and symbols |
| Actionability/Practicality | Basic CTA to website. Limited engagement elements. Missing tracking suggestions | Comprehensive with A/B testing suggestions, tracking metrics, and visual recommendations | Clear CTA with discount code. Testimonial adds credibility. Specific benefits listed | Interactive (💤 comment prompt), clear CTA, builds community. Includes social proof |
You can view all AI responses in this sheet.
Key Takeaways
AI’s Capability in Marketing Strategy Development:
- AI models can effectively build marketing strategies by providing detailed insights and creative approaches.
- They excel in defining target audience segments, crafting buyer personas, and establishing key messaging and channels.
- Each AI model showcased unique strengths, such as specificity in details or structure and organization, but often lacked comprehensive budget details or practical implementation steps. An AI marketing copilot can effectively support these strategic planning processes.
AI’s Role in Planning Marketing Campaigns:
- AI tools demonstrate proficiency in designing comprehensive marketing campaigns with structured timelines and strategies.
- They can generate a mix of promotional offers and align content with brand values and target audiences.
- While they offer actionable strategies with specific metrics and tracking mechanisms, some models may miss specific targeting details or measurement metrics.
AI’s Ability to Write Engaging Content:
- AI models can produce creative and engaging content tailored to specific audiences and marketing goals.
- They vary in their use of statistics, storytelling, and call-to-action (CTA) strategies to engage audiences effectively.
- Some models provide more structured and actionable content with detailed implementation guidance and engagement strategies.
Is It Really Worth It?
AI models, no matter how advanced they get, do hit their limitations, which can be easily observed once you start using them frequently. The main reason? You are trying to extract as much as possible from the AI without putting in effort. AI models can never be as creative as humans, but what they excel at is “brainstorming.” As a marketer, you are being bombarded with multiple tasks daily, but there is a limit to human creativity and decision-making abilities.
As Steve Jobs once said:
You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits. I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.
AI models can help you become super-efficient by filtering out repetitive tasks, opening doors to greater creativity. The problem with using tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, etc., is that they have absolutely no idea what your organization does or how your marketing strategy functions.
That’s where AI Marketing Copilot by CODESM Marketing comes into play. With AI Marketing Copilot, you get access to features such as:
- Personalized AI: Tailored specifically to your brand, audience, and business goals to ensure every strategy is effective.
- Multi-Modal Models: Leverages best-in-class AI models that excel in text, image, voice, and beyond, enhancing creativity and efficiency. You no longer need to compare responses from each AI model.
- Enterprise Ready: Designed to scale for startups to Fortune 500 companies with robust security and seamless integration.
- AI-Driven Marketing: Elevates all aspects of marketing from video to analytics using cutting-edge AI solutions.
- Image Generation: Produces AI-generated, photo-realistic stock images and brand-compliant visuals, including vectors and illustrations.
To get started with a personalized AI Marketing Copilot for your organization, click here.
