AI sets new high for solving sales teams’ gnarly problems

Research is starting to show clear advantages in using AI to solve sales challenges. According to a study by Salesforce, 51 per cent of sales professionals believe AI is having a significant impact on their ability to meet quotas.

Additionally, a report by Gartner predicts that by 2025, 80 per cent of sales interactions between suppliers and buyers will happen in digital channels, highlighting the growing importance of digital strategies such as email marketing.

The founder of B2B sales prospecting firm LeadMagic, Jesse Oullette, says artificial intelligence is revolutionising his team’s operations.

“It allows us to automate routine tasks while maintaining personalised communication with our clients,” he says. “We’ve seen a marked improvement in email deliverability rates and the system’s ability to autonomously manage conversations, monitor inboxes and categorise potential leads. It gives us back the time we need to spend with our customers and prospects.”

AI tools are making older email marketing tools redundant for a number of reasons. They are able to analyse vast amounts of data to understand the nuances of algorithms. They can identify patterns in subject lines and content. They are also able to avoid sending times that are more likely to trigger the spam filter.

By continuously learning from these patterns, AI can optimise email campaigns in real time, increasing the chances of landing in the intended inbox.

“Being proactive isn’t enough when it comes to email marketing,” Namburi says. “You need to be predictive. AI allows us to anticipate changes in the algorithm and adjust our strategies accordingly.”

Lead generation for maximum sales impact

The benefits of using AI in sales teams extend beyond email marketing. AI can enhance lead generation by identifying potential customers who are more likely to convert. It can analyse social media, online behaviour and other data points to create detailed profiles of prospects, allowing sales teams to tailor their approach for maximum impact.

AI also helps automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry and lead scoring, freeing up sales teams to focus on building relationships and closing deals.

“This automation increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error, ensuring that sales teams are operating at their peak performance,” says Namburi.

The role of AI in sales is not just about automation and efficiency; it’s also about providing insights that can drive strategic decision-making. By analysing customer interactions and feedback, AI can uncover trends and preferences that might otherwise go unnoticed. This data-driven approach allows sales teams to refine their offerings and better meet the needs of their customers.

There are lots of examples of businesses using AI to support their sales efforts. Wind Growth, a renewable energy provider, faced challenges in scaling sales and turned to AI to automate their email marketing. The result was a five times revenue boost and improved sales efficiency.

Another example is Five Elements, a digital marketing agency, which was facing low conversion rates and inefficient client acquisition. AI has been able to automate lead generation, enhance email outreach and generate real-time campaign insights.

While Hyperke Media, a digital marketing firm, struggled with inefficient lead generation and campaign analysis, they adopted AI to automate their lead generation, as well as enrich and validate their data, ensuring accurate contact information. As a result, Hyperke Media achieved significant business growth and improved their overall sales performance .

The integration of AI into sales teams is not without its challenges, however. There is a learning curve for both the technology and the sales professionals who must adapt to new ways of working. Additionally, there are consumer concerns about privacy and the ethical use of data, which must be addressed to ensure that AI is used responsibly.

Reservations aside, AI is proving to be an indispensable asset in the sales arsenal.

“AI is not just changing the game; it’s setting the new rules for sales success,” says Namburi.

To learn more, visit smartlead.ai/