Embark on an expedition through the dynamic landscape of AI in digital marketing with our esteemed guest, Menekse Stewart, who illuminates the intricate dance between technology and human insight. From her early SEO roots to the sophisticated algorithms of today, Menekse imparts her wisdom on the seismic shift from keyword-stuffed pages to the subtle finesse required to satisfy user intent and context. Small business owners, take note: Menekse debunks the myth of keyword repetition and spotlights the emerging prominence of video content—essential insights for staying afloat in the digital sea change.
Delving deeper, we unravel the fabric of content creation, examining how AI and video converge to address every step of the customer's path—from awareness to purchase. Menekse shares her perspective on video marketing's SEO boon, the undeniable allure of authenticity, and the delicate balance needed when deploying AI avatars and voice tools. In the heart of the digital age, where AI avatars are becoming the new faces of brands, the conversation gravitates toward maintaining the irreplaceable human connection, a non-negotiable in today's marketing strategies.
Ending on a note of reflection, we probe the ethical and practical contours of AI in the small business arena. Menekse regales us with tales of AI's liberating power, freeing entrepreneurs to pour their zeal into their pursuits, while also striking a chord on the societal responsibilities incumbent upon innovators. As we unpack the promise and perils of AI, from protecting intellectual property to combating misinformation, this episode is a lighthouse for any creative professional navigating the stormy yet exhilarating waters of artificial intelligence in business. Join us for a rendezvous with Menekse Stewart, and arm yourself with the knowledge to harness the full potential of AI in your digital marketing endeavors.

This podcast is proudly sponsored by USC Annenberg’s Master of Science in Digital Media Management (MSDMM) program. An online master’s designed to prepare practitioners to understand the evolving media landscape, make data-driven and ethical decisions, and build a more equitable future by leading diverse teams with the technical, artistic, analytical, and production skills needed to create engaging content and technologies for the global marketplace. Learn more or apply today at https://dmm.usc.edu.