Welcome to another episode of The Advisory Board Podcast! In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of AI in franchise marketing with two industry experts, David Stein and Kylon Gustin, co-founders of SalesChats and AI Ads. With decades of combined experience in franchising, marketing, and technology, David and Kylon bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, promising a deep dive into how AI is revolutionizing marketing strategies for franchises.
But before we jump in, a heartfelt thank you to our sponsor, ClientTether, for making this episode possible.

Host Dave Hansen kicks off the episode by introducing his guests, highlighting their impressive backgrounds. David Stein, a veteran in franchise marketing, has been helping brands succeed for nearly 20 years. Kylon Gustin, with his extensive tech background, has been instrumental in pioneering digital transformations since the 1980s. Together, they form a formidable team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI in marketing.

The discussion begins with a look at the current landscape of AI in marketing. David explains that while AI is often surrounded by hype, the real challenge lies in effectively integrating it into marketing and advertising to achieve tangible results. Kylon adds that successful AI implementation is all about teaching the machine with relevant data. Without this foundational step, AI's potential remains untapped.

David and Kylon share their journey of developing an AI platform specifically tailored for franchise advertising. They emphasize the importance of training AI to understand the unique aspects of franchising, a sector with its own set of challenges and requirements. By leveraging their extensive experience, they have created a platform that not only analyzes data but also learns in real-time to optimize ad campaigns.

One of the critical insights from the episode is the importance of targeted ad copy. Kylon explains how their AI Add Analyzer tool helps in creating effective ad copy by analyzing hundreds of data points. This tool ensures that the ad content resonates with the intended audience, leading to better engagement and conversion rates. David underscores this by highlighting the pitfalls of generic AI-generated content, which can often miss the mark and even harm the brand's image.

The conversation also delves into the future of AI in marketing. David and Kylon discuss exciting developments on the horizon, including tools that can predict market trends and automatically adjust ad campaigns based on real-time events. For instance, a tool that can recommend ad strategies following a local event, such as a hailstorm in Texas, ensuring that the marketing efforts are always relevant and timely.

Throughout the episode, the emphasis remains on the meticulous process of training AI. Dave Hansen likens this process to raising a child, stressing the importance of guiding AI through the right resources and giving it the feedback needed to learn and improve continually. David and Kylon agree, noting that this investment in training AI is crucial for achieving consistent and valuable outcomes.

As the discussion progresses, the trio touches on the potential misuses of AI. They caution against over-relying on AI for content creation without proper oversight. David shares anecdotes about companies that faced backlash because their AI-generated content strayed from the brand's voice, leading to a disconnect with their audience. Kylon adds that in regulated industries like franchising, improper AI use can lead to legal issues, making it imperative to control the "temperature" or creativity of the AI to ensure compliance.

The episode wraps up with a forward-looking perspective on AI's role in marketing. David and Kylon express their optimism about the future, envisioning a landscape where AI not only assists in data analysis and ad creation but also becomes integral to strategic decision-making. They are working on new tools that will further enhance AI's capabilities, making it an indispensable asset for marketers.

For those interested in exploring the potential of AI in their marketing efforts, David and Kylon recommend starting with a clear understanding of what AI can and cannot do. They advise marketers to invest time in training AI with relevant data and to use it as a tool to augment their strategies rather than replace human insight.

To connect with David and Kylon, visit saleschats.com or email David at dstein@saleschats.com. Their expertise and innovative approach to AI in marketing make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of digital marketing.

In conclusion, this episode of The Advisory Board Podcast offers a comprehensive overview of how AI is transforming franchise marketing. David Stein and Kylon Gustin provide valuable insights into the effective use of AI, the importance of targeted ad copy, and the future potential of AI-driven marketing strategies. With their combined expertise and forward-thinking approach, they offer listeners a roadmap to harnessing the power of AI in their marketing endeavors.