In previous posts, we’ve explored various aspects of AI in email marketing, from crafting effective prompts to leveraging AI for evergreen newsletters. Today, let’s dive into a topic that generated a lot of excitement during our recent “Master AI for Email Marketing” workshop: Custom GPTs.

What Are Custom GPTs and Why Should You Care?

Custom GPTs are like having a team of specialized AI assistants, each trained in a particular area of your business. Unlike general AI models that try to be good at everything, Custom GPTs excel at specific tasks.

During our workshop last week, Jeanne and I demonstrated how these AI sidekicks can transform your email marketing efforts. We created Custom GPTs that could help develop comprehensive marketing strategies, generate target audience personas, define message maps and outlines and even draft your email copy in your company’s style and voice. The enthusiasm from our attendees was palpable as they were building their own alongside with us.

The Unstoppable Impact of Custom GPTs

1. Tailored Expertise: Imagine having an AI that understands your brand voice as well as you do. That’s what a Custom GPT can do. During the workshop, we fine-tuned a GPT to write in the style of a specific brand, and the results were impressive.
2. Efficiency Boost: These AI assistants can handle routine tasks like drafting email templates or analyzing campaign metrics. I’ve been using a Custom GPT to help me with initial drafts of my blog posts, and it’s shaved hours off my writing process.
3. Creativity on Demand: Stuck on ideas for your next email campaign? Your Custom GPT can help brainstorm concepts that align with your brand. I’ve found this particularly useful when I’m facing writer’s block.
4. Powerful Automations: Custom GPTs can be integrated with tools like Zapier to create powerful automations. For instance, I’ve set up a system where my Custom GPT automatically populates a Google Sheet with the order details based a screenshot I provide it. Simple but highly effective!
5. Adaptive Learning: These AI models can be continuously fine-tuned based on your feedback and new data. I’ve noticed that my Custom GPT that writes my blog post drafts has gotten noticeably better over time as I’ve provided it with more examples in my writing style.

Real-World Applications

During our workshop, we explored several practical applications of Custom GPTs in email marketing:

• Creating subject lines that boost open rates
• Generating personalized content for different audience personas
• Analyzing campaign details and suggesting optimizations
• Conducting features-benefits-advantages analysis for product descriptions
• Developing comprehensive email marketing campaign strategies
• Crafting personalized follow-up sequences based on subscriber behavior

It’s these kinds of practical applications that really showcase the power of AI in marketing.

The Human Element

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – “Are these AI assistants going to replace us?” Not at all. Custom GPTs are tools that augment our capabilities, not replace them. They handle the routine, allowing us to focus on the creative and strategic aspects of marketing that truly require human insight.

In fact, during our workshop, we spent considerable time discussing how to effectively collaborate with AI, ensuring that the final output always aligns with human judgment and brand values.

Getting Started with Custom GPTs

If you’re intrigued by Custom GPTs (and honestly, who wouldn’t be?), here are a few steps to get started:

1. Identify repetitive tasks in your workflow that could benefit from automation.
2. Consider areas where you need specialized knowledge or insights.
3. Start small – create a Custom GPT for one specific task and expand from there.
4. Continuously refine and update your Custom GPT based on its performance and your evolving needs.

Want to Dive Deeper?

If you’re looking to leverage the power of Custom GPTs in your email marketing strategies, I’m here to help. I offer personalized coaching sessions and workshops where we can explore how to create and implement Custom GPTs tailored to your specific needs.

Additionally, if you missed our live “Master AI for Email Marketing” workshop last week, you will be pleased to hear that we will be hosting this workshop again in October and January. This comprehensive course covers everything from creating Custom GPTs to integrating AI across your email marketing workflow. Sign up to The Hybrid Advantage newsletter to be notified when we launch it.

I only have bandwidth to take on 1-2 coaching clients per month, so if you’re interested in elevating your AI skills and boosting your productivity, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can explore how to make AI your most powerful marketing ally.

Remember, the AI revolution in marketing is happening now. Let’s make sure you’re not just keeping up, but leading the charge!