AI Terms Every Marketer Should Know

Whether you’re launching campaigns, creating content, or optimizing customer experiences, AI is everywhere. But let’s be honest: the jargon can get overwhelming. So, here’s a plain-language breakdown of essential AI terms every marketer should have in their back pocket.

1. Generative AI
This is the AI most marketers are already experimenting with, or should be. Generative AI is designed to create things. That could mean writing social posts, generating images, or even producing videos.
Popular tools: ChatGPT, DALL·E, Jasper
Why it matters: It’s a content production powerhouse, letting you scale your efforts without burning out your team.

2. Predictive AI
Predictive AI doesn’t create, it forecasts. It analyzes past data to spot patterns and predict future outcomes.
Use it to:

• Anticipate customer needs
• Identify high-performing content types
• Pinpoint the best times to launch a campaign

Think of it as your marketing crystal ball.

3. Machine Learning (ML)
At the heart of most AI systems is ML. This is how AI gets “smarter.” It learns by analyzing data, spotting what works, and applying those lessons to future decisions.
Marketing use cases include:

• Email subject line optimization
• Smart ad targeting
• Personalization based on behavior

The more data it ingests, the sharper it becomes.

4. AI Chatbots
Gone are the days of robotic auto-replies. Today’s AI chatbots can brainstorm blog titles, qualify leads, or offer instant customer support, without ever sleeping.
Pro tip: Use specialized bots like ON24’s event chatbot to engage attendees during webinars or live events.

5. AI-Powered Plugins
These tools integrate with your favorite platforms, think CRM, email, social media, and add a layer of intelligence.
Example: A plugin that tags leads in your CRM based on how they interact with your latest email or ad.
Bottom line: Smarter automation = smoother marketing workflows.

6. Natural Language Processing (NLP)
This is how AI understands and interacts with human language. NLP powers voice assistants, sentiment analysis, and advanced chatbots.
Why marketers should care: NLP lets your tools “read the room,” understand customer feedback, and respond naturally.

7. Deep Learning
Deep learning is a branch of AI that mimics how the human brain works, through layered neural networks. It’s especially powerful at recognizing patterns and making decisions based on huge datasets.
Marketing goldmine:

• Image recognition in creative tools
• Hyper-personalized content suggestions
• Smart recommendations based on behavior

8. Algorithms
These are the rules behind the curtain. Algorithms tell platforms like Instagram, Google, and TikTok what content to show users, and when.
If you want your content to be seen, you need to understand how these rules play. That means testing, analyzing, and adjusting content based on what performs best.

You don’t need to be a data scientist to embrace AI, but understanding the basics puts you ahead of the curve. As AI continues to shape the future of marketing, fluency in these terms will help you leverage tools more effectively, ask better questions, and make smarter strategic moves.