AI is everywhere right now. You’ve seen the headlines, scrolled through the LinkedIn posts, maybe even sat in meetings where someone dropped terms like LLM, GPT or agentic AI, and you nodded along while secretly wondering: What on earth does that mean for my marketing business or brand?
Guess what, you’re not alone. In fact, HubSpot data tells us that more than half the marketers out there feel overwhelmed by using AI. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to understand the basics or to start using AI tools in your marketing. It’s not too late to get your head around this stuff.
In fact, we’ve put together this no-fear glossary of the most common AI jargon, plus practical examples of how AI is being used in marketing today, so that you can do just that.
Why marketers feel nervous about AI (and why that’s OK!)
AI is moving fast. Ridiculously fast! New tools, new features, new jargon: it feels like every day there’s something else to keep up with. That’s exhausting when you’re already juggling campaigns, clients and KPIs.
But here’s the thing: AI isn’t here to replace you, but make your job a whole lot easier. Think of it less like a scary robot and more like the world’s fastest colleague or assistant.
But first the jargon. If there’s one thing we marketers love, it’s jargon.
The plain-English glossary for marketers
AI (artificial intelligence)
This is software that mimics human-like intelligence. For us marketers, this means tools that can analyse data, generate content and make recommendations.
LLM (large language model)
The ‘brain’ behind tools like ChatGPT. An LLM has been trained on huge amounts of text so it can generate human-like responses.
GPT (generative pre-trained transformer)
This is a specific type of product that uses LLMs for natural language tasks (like writing blog posts about AI jargon, for example!). Generative: It creates new content. Pre-trained: It’s trained on vast data before you use it. Transformer: The tech that makes it really good at handling language.
Agentic AI
This is AI that doesn’t just answer questions but can take action and work through steps. For example, instead of just drafting a blog post, you can ask an AI agent to research keywords, outline the article, draft, edit and then publish.
Hallucination
AI isn’t perfect. Hallucinations occur when AI makes up something that isn’t true, such as a fake statistic. It happens (AI is a people-pleaser, after all), which is why marketing will always need that human touch.
GEO (generative engine optimisation)
This is the next evolution of SEO. SEO is about optimising content so it shows up in AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini. These platforms generate answers, not just links, so success isn’t only about keywords but also about intent, context and quality.
Custom GPTs
A tailored version of a GPT that is trained on your business’s data and tone. For example, a retail brand might create a GPT and feed it information about its customers, products, business ethos and tone of voice. That way, the content it creates is much more personalised.
How is AI being used in marketing right now?
So, how does this jargon translate into your actual working day? Here are some examples:
Content creation
AI helps brainstorm blog topics, draft articles, generate ad copy and write video scripts.
SEO and GEO
AI tools can analyse what people are searching for, then suggest and generate content that ranks.
Customer insights
LLMs can digest surveys, reviews or social comments and pull out themes and suggestions faster than a human could.
Campaign management
Agentic AI can automate workflows like A/B testing ad creatives or scheduling posts.
Personalisation
Custom GPTs can generate tailored email or web content for different customer segments.
In a nutshell: AI is already being used to save time, cut costs and improve performance across our industry.
AI for marketers: FAQs
How can AI help marketers save time?
AI automates repetitive tasks like drafting copy, analysing customer feedback and scheduling content, freeing marketers to focus on strategy and creativity.
What does agentic AI mean for marketing teams?
Agentic AI can plan and execute multi-step tasks, like researching keywords, drafting a blog and suggesting SEO titles.
Can I use ChatGPT for SEO content?
Yes, ChatGPT (and custom GPTs) can generate blog drafts, meta descriptions and outlines that are optimised for search… just remember to fact-check and proof to ensure it captures your brand’s unique voice.
How do I explain AI to my marketing and management teams?
Think of AI as a super-fast assistant that can generate ideas, content and insights. It still needs a marketer’s creativity and judgment to get the best results.
What’s the difference between GPT and ChatGPT?
GPT is the underlying language model, while ChatGPT is the product built on top of it that lets you interact in a chat format.
How is AI used in social media marketing?
AI can draft posts, suggest hashtags, analyse engagement, and even generate creative variations for A/B testing across platforms.
Can you give me some examples of AI in digital marketing campaigns?
Marketers use AI for ad copywriting, personalised email campaigns, SEO content generation, customer segmentation and chatbots for customer service.
AI without the fear
If you’ve felt anxious about AI, we get it. But the reality is, AI is just another tool in your marketing toolbox. Sure, it’s a powerful one, but by learning the language and experimenting with practical use cases, you can start to unlock its potential without the overwhelm.
And remember: AI doesn’t replace strategy. It doesn’t replace creativity. It simply amplifies what great marketers are already doing.
Keen to learn how your brand is showing up in AI? Book a GEO/AI visibility audit.
Founder of Content Rebels | Proud marketing and strategy nerd
