AI-powered targeting, product discovery, and personalization—this is how it’s done.
AI-powered targeting, product discovery, and personalization—this is how it’s done.
Greetings,
And welcome to your weekly dose of growth insights!
You know that feeling when you walk into a store, and the salesperson somehow knows exactly what you’re looking for? That’s what AI does for ecommerce—except at scale and with insane accuracy. AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about getting inside your customers’ minds (in a non-creepy way) and offering them what they need before they even realize it themselves.
Now, before you think this is some complicated, futuristic tech that only Amazon can afford, let me break it down for you. If you sell online, you can start using AI right now to target potential customers. And the best part? It’s not rocket science.
In this edition, we’re covering how AI How AI Can Help You Find and Target the Right Customers. Plus, we’ll dive into the latest AI-driven updates, including Google’s AI Search rollout, Opera’s AI-powered browser, and Shopify’s newest AI tools for merchants.
Let’s get into the key steps to personalize your customer experience and find the right audience more effectively.
1. Gather Data Like a Pro
80% of customers are more likely to buy from a brand that personalizes their experience. If you’re not collecting and using customer data effectively, you’re leaving money on the table.
You can’t target the right people if you don’t know who they are. AI needs data—website visits, purchase history, social media interactions, even what time they browse your store. The more data you feed it, the better it gets at predicting who’s likely to buy and what they’ll want next. What You Can Do:
Use AI-powered analytics to track and store customer behavior.
Make sure your CRM, website, and ads are sharing data seamlessly.
Try tools like Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Segment, and Hotjar.
2. Use AI to Spot Buying Patterns
Ever wonder why Netflix always seems to know what you want to watch next? That’s AI tracking patterns. In ecommerce, AI does the same thing—it analyzes shopping behavior and predicts what customers might be interested in next.
For example, AI can notice that someone who buys protein powder today might be looking for shaker bottles next week. Instead of bombarding them with random ads, AI lets you show them exactly what they need at the right time. What You Can Do:
Use AI-driven insights to send the right offer at the right time.
Predict what customers will likely buy next based on past behavior.
Try tools like Adobe Sensei and Zeta Global.
3. Personalize Everything (Without Doing the Work)
Customers expect personalization. They don’t want generic emails or random product recommendations—they want things that feel tailor-made for them. AI makes this easy by automating personalized emails, SMS, and on-site experiences. What You Can Do:
Show personalized product recommendations based on browsing and purchase history.
Customize emails and SMS messages for each customer instead of sending generic ones.
Try tools like Klaviyo, Nosto, and Dynamic Yield.
4. Find More Customers Like Your Best Ones
AI can help you find “lookalike” customers—people who behave like your best buyers but haven’t discovered your brand yet. What You Can Do:
Use AI-powered ad platforms to target people similar to your best customers.
Optimize ad spend by showing ads only to the most relevant audiences.
Try tools like Meta Lookalike Audiences, Google Smart Bidding, and Clearbit.
5. Automate Without Losing the Human Touch
AI chatbots and virtual assistants can help you engage with customers 24/7, but they shouldn’t sound robotic. The key is blending automation with a personal touch. What You Can Do:
Use AI chatbots to handle FAQs and product recommendations.
Jump in with live support when a customer needs human assistance.
Try tools like Gorgias, Tidio, and Drift.
So, Should You Start Using AI? (Short Answer: Yes.)
AI is no longer a luxury for big brands—it’s the difference between showing up in front of the right customers or getting ignored. It’s not about replacing human effort but about working smarter.
Where to start?
✅ Use Google Analytics 4 or Segment to collect customer data.
✅ Try Klaviyo or Nosto for AI-powered personalization.
✅ Use Meta Lookalike Audiences to find new customers.
✅ Implement Tidio or Gorgias for AI-powered customer engagement.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start small—add AI-powered recommendations to your website or test an AI-driven email campaign. You’ll see the impact pretty quickly.
AI isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of ecommerce marketing. Time to make it work for you.
AI and Retail News and Trends:
1. Google’s AI Search Goes Live
Google has launched AI Mode for Search, changing how results are displayed. This could impact SEO rankings and eCommerce visibility.
2. Opera Unveils an AI-Powered Browser
Opera’s new AI assistant, Operator, is integrating AI-generated search summaries directly into web browsing.
3. Retail Crime Is Driving More People to Shop Online
A survey found that 58% of consumers prefer eCommerce over in-store shopping due to rising concerns over retail theft and safety.
4. Shopify Leverages AI to Attract Merchants
Shopify is integrating AI-driven tools to enhance merchant experiences, streamline operations, and strengthen its competitive edge in e-commerce.
That’s it for this week. Stay ahead, stay innovative, and keep testing new AI-driven strategies! 🚀
💡 What AI-powered tools are you using in your business? Reply and let us know!
Want to discuss AI opportunities or DTC growth strategies?
👉 Book your free strategy call today and set your brand up for success in 2025.
Here’s to a year of smarter decisions, stronger connections, and higher conversions! Stay tuned for more insights next week.
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Here's to your success,
Sid
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