New Podcast Episode: How to Get More Marketing Done in Less Time With AI
by Sara Currier | April 8, 2025
In the latest episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with digital marketing and AI strategist Emily Bailey. They cover the basics of digital marketing and artificial intelligence before going deeper on the costs, risks, and opportunities of each. Emily offers practical advice about how Northern Ontario businesses and organizations can use AI to save time and improve customer engagement without losing sight of the importance of human interaction. If you think AI is out of reach, Emily says it's never too late to learn new skills and provides lots of resources to help you take advantage of its benefits.
Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.
Understanding Digital Marketing
Emily provided a high-level overview of digital marketing, explaining its role in promoting businesses through online platforms such as websites, social media, blogs, and online ads. She emphasized the importance of integrating digital marketing with traditional marketing strategies to maintain customer engagement. Emily says email marketing remains powerful because it’s a direct line to a customer’s inbox.
Even for those lodges with returning guests, it’s important to stay top-of-mind throughout the year to make sure that those guests don’t choose another destination next year. Content could include topics like what’s happening at the lodge, new experiences, and when your booking tool opens.
Artificial Intelligence: A Game-Changer
AI is reshaping many sectors, including tourism. As a tool that mimics human decision-making, AI can help with data analysis, content creation, and even grant applications. However, Emily advised a balanced approach—leveraging AI to save time while maintaining the human touch in customer interactions.
Emily encouraged businesses to experiment with different AI tools (like ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Peplexity.ai, and Microsoft Copilot) to find the best one for you.
Addressing the Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI
The conversation also touched on the risks associated with AI, such as data privacy and the lack of current regulatory oversight. Emily encouraged tourism businesses to consider the mixed perceptions of AI among their customers and for all kinds of tourism businesses to develop their own AI policies to safeguard sensitive information and responsibly manage AI.
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Next time on the podcast, Karen speaks with Meredith Armstrong, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Greater Sudbury, about how the city diversified its economy with tourism and why she really appreciates Shoresy. Follow us on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when the episode drops.