This year, most of the AI buzz has been around generative tools that help create content. But one of the best uses of AI is research. In fact, our VP of Digital Strategy Chrissie Koeppen, has been using AI in her research for years, well before today’s AI revolution.
I sat down with Chrissie to dive deep into the world of AI-powered research, data, and analytics, and suffice it to say, she’s way ahead of the curve.
Daisy 🌼: I’ll be honest, Chrissie, I haven’t thought much about AI regarding research, but it makes so much sense.
Chrissie: You’re not alone, Daisy. The only thing people really know about AI when it comes to research is the bad press whenever it yields an inaccurate fact.
Daisy 🌼: So, how do YOU think about AI and research?
Chrissie: Extremely highly. It’s incredibly powerful. In fractions of a fraction of a second, AI not only sifts through mountains of data, but also uncovers trends, patterns, and user behaviors, allowing you to make more accurate decisions. I’m a digital detective, and it’s like having a super-smart research assistant sidekick for all my detective work. There are a few tools to try. I would start with Resonate and Chat-GPT.
Daisy 🌼: Thanks, Chrissie. What about data? How can AI assist in collecting, analyzing, and gathering insights into data?
Chrissie: Well, think of AI as your data-savvy robot assistant. It can scrape the internet, collect data from various sources, and organize it neatly for your research. It can crunch numbers, identify patterns, and spot trends in your data faster than you can say “statistical significance.” AI can also suggest correlations, predict future trends, and even recommend actions based on your data.
Daisy 🌼: How can someone take AI-produced insights to make their website user experience (UX) as smooth as possible?
Chrissie: In the UX world, AI analyzes user interactions to predict what your visitors want, need, and are looking for across every webpage, at any given time. It can recommend products, personalize content, and optimize layouts. I recommend these tools to try: Optimal Workshop, Qualtrics (for VoC), Hotjar, Heap and Figma with Figmafy.
Daisy 🌼: Speaking of websites, can AI help SEO?
Chrissie: AI is like the SEO guru you never had. It helps you identify keywords, optimize your content, and track your rankings. It even predicts Google's mood swings (algorithm updates) and helps you stay ahead with on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. AI and SEO truly is a match made in digital heaven, as it helps your website climb the search engine ranks and keep it at the top of the search pile. Try these tools in your next SEO challenge: SEMrush and Answer the Public.
Daisy 🌼: Hmm, this leads me to think about content strategy. Can AI help there?
Chrissie: Absolutely! AI is like a content genie. It can suggest topics, generate headlines, and even write articles. It doesn't take your job, it makes it easier and more effective since you can check it for everything from SEO to accessibility to relevance. As AI takes care of the mundane tasks, you’ll have more time to brainstorm and try out bigger and better ideas. Your content strategy becomes a walk in the park with AI, and here are some tools to generate content: Chat-GPT, Claude, Longshot.ai.
Daisy 🌼: Does AI have any more tricks up its digital sleeve that we haven’t mentioned yet?
Chrissie: Oh definitely. AI can analyze social media sentiments, create chatbots, automate email marketing, and even predict future trends. It’s like having a crystal ball, minus the mysterious fog. You can stay ahead of the game with more real-time insights, more personalized experiences for your audience, and faster workflows for you and your teams. There are more tools than I count to try out, but I’d start with these: Chat-GPT, rasa.io - newsletters, HubSpot, BERT, IBM Watson, Power BI, Google Translate, Lexalytics.
Daisy 🌼: You’ve made all this sound super easy, but is it as simple as it seems, or do I need a PhD in computer wizardry?
Chrissie: Becoming a wizard definitely sounds fun, but it’s not necessary at all. AI tools are becoming increasingly user-friendly. Many platforms offer intuitive interfaces and user guides. It's more like playing with Legos than writing code. You don’t need a PhD—just a sense of curiosity, a healthy dose of creativity, and a bit of patience as you learn new tools.
Daisy 🌼: Do you have any parting words of wisdom for our AI journey?
Chrissie: Embrace the magic of AI, but remember, it’s a tool, not a sorcerer’s wand. It enhances your abilities, but the real magic is in your creativity and vision. So, go forth, explore the digital realm with AI, and watch what happens!
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