You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we approach email marketing lately. With AI tools becoming more prevalent, it’s got me wondering: are we really taking the time to think deeply about our strategies, or are we just rushing to implement the latest tech?

This reminds me of a book I came across a while ago – “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman. In this book, Kahneman talks about two systems of thinking: System 1 (fast) and System 2 (slow). And I can’t help but see parallels with how we’re using AI in email marketing.

System 1 Thinking: The Quick Fix

System 1 is all about quick, intuitive decisions. It’s like when you automatically reach for your phone when you hear a notification. In email marketing, it’s that urge to jump on the latest AI tool without really considering if it’s right for your strategy.

I’ve seen it happen. A marketer gets excited about an AI tool that promises to boost open rates. They quickly implement it, churning out AI-generated subject lines left and right. But here’s the catch – they’re not stopping to consider if these subject lines align with their brand voice or if they’re actually resonating with their audience.

Don’t get me wrong, AI can be incredibly useful for tasks like this. But if we’re not careful, we can fall into the trap of “set it and forget it” marketing. And let’s be honest, that’s not going to cut it in today’s competitive landscape.

System 2 Thinking: The Deep Dive

Now, System 2 is where the magic happens. It’s slower, more deliberate, and involves critical thinking. In the world of AI and email marketing, it’s about taking a step back and really considering how these tools fit into our overall strategy.

For example, instead of just using AI to generate subject lines, what if we used it to analyze our past campaigns? We could feed it data on open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Then, we could use that information to inform our strategy moving forward.

Or consider how AI could reshape our overall email marketing strategy. Instead of viewing AI as just a tool for execution, we could use it to inform high-level decision-making. Imagine using AI to analyze market trends, predict future customer behaviors, and identify untapped opportunities in your email campaigns.

This strategic application of AI could help us move from reactive to proactive marketing, allowing us to anticipate our audience’s needs before they even realize them themselves.

This kind of thinking takes more time and effort. But trust me, it’s worth it. It’s the difference between using AI as a crutch and using it as a powerful tool to enhance our skills as marketers.

Finding the Balance

Now, I’m not saying we should abandon System 1 thinking altogether. Sometimes, we need to make quick decisions. And let’s face it, in the fast-paced world of email marketing, we don’t always have the luxury of time.

The key is finding a balance. Use AI for those quick tasks – generating ideas, optimizing send times, or even drafting initial copy. But then, take the time to step back and engage your System 2 thinking. Ask yourself:

• Does this align with our brand voice?
• Is this truly meeting the needs of our audience?
• How does this fit into our overall marketing strategy?

Moving Forward

As we continue to integrate AI into our email marketing strategies, it’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of the human element. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity and strategic thinking.

So, the next time you’re about to implement a new AI tool or strategy, take a moment. Engage that System 2 thinking. Consider the bigger picture. And remember, the most successful email marketing campaigns are those that combine the efficiency of AI with the insight and creativity of human marketers.

What do you think? How are you balancing quick decisions with deeper strategic thinking in your email marketing? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And hey, if you’re looking to dive deeper into using AI for email marketing, don’t forget about the workshop I’m hosting with Jeanne Jennings on August 12 and 13. We’ll help you find that perfect balance between AI efficiency and human insight. Hope to see you there!