AI is buying our ads, and much more

Only in today's edition of Marketing Waffle

Author

Tom McHarg
March 06, 2025

Hello marketers ☕🧇

The weekend is nearly here!

But, let’s get Thursday’s Marketing Waffle

🤖 AI's Growing Influence in Ad Buying

Artificial intelligence is increasingly automating various aspects of digital advertising, from determining ad placements to targeting specific audiences. Major platforms like Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, and Pinterest have developed AI-powered tools that streamline campaign management based on parameters such as budget and sales objectives. While these tools offer enhanced efficiency and broader reach—especially benefiting small to midsize businesses—they also raise concerns about reduced control and transparency for marketers. Despite these challenges, many continue to adopt these "black box" systems due to their potential to drive higher traffic and sales.

We’ve heard it enough times that AI is coming to take all our jobs, but maybe this is just the natural trajectory we were always on? Tag us with your thoughts on LinkedIn!

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💡 Quick Marketing Updates You Should Know

  • WPP Invests in Stability AI: WPP has invested in AI start-up Stability AI, known for its generative AI tools in image, video, and audio. This partnership aims to enhance WPP's AI-driven content delivery, integrating Stability AI's models to boost creative solutions for clients. ​ft.com

  • Advertisers Navigate Political Pressures on X Platform: Advertisers are feeling pressured to spend on Elon Musk's platform X to avoid political and legal repercussions during Musk's involvement in Donald Trump's White House. Some ad execs consider this spending as an "Elon tax" and an insurance policy against being targeted as boycotters or facing regulatory scrutiny. ​businessinsider.com

  • Adidas Plans Increased Marketing Investment: Adidas plans to ramp up its marketing investment in 2025 as part of its brand revival strategy, following a 12% increase in marketing spend last year. ​marketingweek.com