Is AI Killing the Art of Marketing? Why So Many Are Grieving Right Now

So much has changed in the world of marketing over the last decade, and if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new tech and AI tools popping up, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been right there with you—toggling between excitement and a little bit of nostalgia for the “good old days” of digital marketing. But let me share what I’ve learned after wrestling with these changes myself, and how you can not just survive but actually thrive in this new landscape.

The Numbers Game: Growth Isn’t What It Used to Be

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: audience growth. Whether you’re starting a YouTube channel, podcast, or newsletter, it can feel like you’re shouting into the void. I remember my first video uploads and blog posts that gathered dust. But here’s a truth I wish I accepted earlier: slow and steady matters far more than a viral spike.

• Getting your first 100 fans, subs, or listeners is a huge win. Imagine standing on stage in front of 100 people—most people would pay for that audience.
• It gets easier after that. Engagement builds on itself; every new episode, post, or video is a chance to connect with more real people.
• Celebrities and big names make it look easy, but most creators’ journeys are a grind. Consistency is still king.

Why Celebrate Small Milestones?

If you’re in a rut, remember that every new subscriber or follower is a person choosing to let your voice into their day. That’s a big deal. Keep the perspective that even 700 listeners per episode or video is like being the keynote speaker at a packed conference. It’s all about cumulative impact, not quick wins.

AI’s Big Moves Are Shaking the Foundations

Now, for the biggest shift: AI isn’t just a fad or a productivity hack—it’s changing what marketing actually means. If you’ve felt uneasy, maybe even a bit like you’re saying goodbye to the “art” of marketing, that makes total sense. Experienced marketers everywhere are coming to terms with this, sometimes with a pang of grief.

What’s Really Changing with AI?

• New AI models—like OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT updates—are rolling out faster than most of us can keep up. Just this week, there’s a new 4.1 model with better coding and instruction-following capabilities. If you build tools or analyze data, these updates are worth exploring.
• The naming chaos is real. If you’re confused about versions (is 4.0 better than 0.3? Where did 4.5 go?), you’re not alone. It’s all getting a refresh soon, thankfully.
• Expect more fireworks: Tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and Elon Musk’s Grok are dropping massive updates at rapid pace. Each announcement tries to one-up the last, so just stay tuned and don’t feel like you have to master everything overnight.

Who Do You Trust When Everyone’s Playing Hardball?

Let’s be honest—putting your data and workflow in one tech basket is a losing game. Google, OpenAI, Apple, Amazon… no platform is perfect or 100% trustworthy. They’ve all had their questionable moments. My best advice is to spread your risk around. Don’t give all your eggs to one provider—diversify where you store, process, and create your stuff. It’s just smart in this climate.

Marketing’s Next Chapter: Prepare to Pivot

A lot of old-school digital marketing playbooks are getting retired. If you remember staples like DigitalMarketer’s “core series,” it’s wild to see the legends themselves announcing big pivots. The pros aren’t quitting—they’re evolving.

The days of digital marketing as we knew it are over. This isn’t doom and gloom, though. It’s an invitation to level up, develop new skills, and experiment with all the tools at your fingertips.

Here’s What I’m Doing, and You Can Too

1. Stay curious. When a new AI tool drops, play around with it—even if only for an hour. Don’t worry about “mastering” everything.
2. Keep your classic marketing instincts sharp. Relationship-building, storytelling, and clear messaging still matter, no matter which tech you use.
3. Don’t let nostalgia slow you down. It’s tempting to wish for how things used to work, but every change is an opportunity to stand out by adapting fastest.
4. Respect incremental progress. Growth comes from steady, purposeful output—not sudden explosions.

The Upside: There’s Never Been a Better Time for Marketers

Yes, the tools are changing, and the landscape looks totally different than it did even a year ago. But if you approach each week with a mindset of experimentation, the possibilities are endless. The size of your audience isn’t what defines your potential; how you show up and how quickly you adapt does.

So, whether you’re just starting out or pivoting after years in the game, I’m right there with you—leaning over the fence with hard-won lessons and a genuine excitement about where we’re all headed next. Use the tools, trust your instincts, and let’s keep building, one subscriber and one smart move at a time.