15 Must-Have AI Tools for Marketers
Staying ahead in marketing today isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it smarter.
As AI tools evolve, so do the ways marketers can generate content, build campaigns, manage data, and personalise engagement at scale.
In this blog, we’ll explore 15 must-have AI tools for marketers, grouped into 9 practical categories.
Whether you're a solo consultant or leading a full team, these tools help reduce manual tasks, spark ideas, and optimise performance across every stage of your funnel.
Key Takeaways
Learn which AI tools for marketing are actually worth the time
Explore real use cases and pricing to fit different business sizes
See how small businesses and agencies are using AI to scale
Get the most out of free AI tools for marketing before you pay
Discover how to build your own custom GPT to automate client interactions
Before You Choose a Tool: Find the Right Fit
As a marketer, you’re likely bombarded by AI tool lists—but choosing the right one still feels overwhelming. You might wonder:
Do I need a writing tool? Or something for strategy? Or client onboarding?
That’s exactly why we created the AI Workflow Guide—a diagnostic tool that points you in the right direction based on your business type and biggest pain point.
AI Tool Finder: AI Workflow Tool
Use case: Select your business type → choose what you want to improve → get instant recommendations for 3 tools to use now.
Whether you want to grow faster, streamline work, or boost conversions, this guide removes the guesswork.
AI Tool Categories for Marketers
AI isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The real challenge isn’t whether you should use AI—but what you should use it for. With thousands of tools now flooding the market, it’s no longer about finding a tool—it’s about finding the right category of tool for the task at hand.
From content creation and video editing to automation and research, each AI category solves a different pain point. In fact, a recent Salesforce report found that 68% of marketing professionals use AI in at least one core activity, and nearly three in four say it improves productivity. That’s why it’s important to think strategically before diving in.
In the following sections, we’ll break these tools down into 9 essential categories—each with examples, use cases, and pricing info—so you can prioritise based on your goals and workflows.
1. Content Creation
This is where most marketers start with AI.
Tools in this category help generate blogs, landing pages, product descriptions, and newsletters. From writing a first draft to improving tone and clarity, they significantly reduce the content creation cycle.
They're especially useful for teams managing multiple client accounts or publishing frequently.
Example tools: Jasper, Copy.ai, Notion AI
Ease of use: Beginner-friendly, prompt-based editors
Used by: Agencies, content studios, ecommerce brands
Pricing: Free plans available; paid tiers from $39/month
2. Video Editing & Repurposing
AI tools now support creators with automatic video trimming, captioning, repurposing long videos into short clips, and even generating B-roll from text.
Great for busy teams looking to get more mileage from webinars, interviews, or YouTube content.
Example tools: Descript, Pictory
Use case: Transform a webinar into 10 reels or quote cards
Ease of use: Drag-and-drop UI, no editing skills needed
Used by: Coaches, YouTubers, SaaS marketing teams
3. Visual Design
AI design tools help create slide decks, social media assets, or brand visuals that follow consistent themes without needing a designer. They're ideal for creating branded campaigns on a tight turnaround.
Example tools: Tome, Beautiful.ai
Use case: Generate pitch decks or branded slides instantly
Pricing: Freemium, $12 to $50/month for full features
4. Automation & Workflows
This category includes tools that automate recurring tasks: lead tracking, follow-up emails, calendar updates, CRM actions, and more. Whether you're syncing leads to your CRM or posting across channels, AI handles the repetitive tasks.
Example tools: Zapier AI Email Assistant, Bardeen
Use case: Automate sales lead responses or Slack alerts
Used by: Small teams, ops managers, solopreneurs
Free plan? Yes, with usage caps
5. SEO & Research
AI tools can help you generate keyword lists, optimise metadata, and create content that’s aligned to search intent. They're especially valuable for content marketers who need to stay on top of SERP trends.
Example tools: Surfer AI, Frase
Use case: Get SEO guidance while writing, or audit past blogs
Used by: Bloggers, SEO agencies, ecommerce
6. Email & Copywriting
From subject line testing to email generation, AI-powered copywriting tools improve engagement and save hours of drafting. These tools are also great for localising content into different markets quickly.
Example tools: Jasper, Copy.ai, ChatGPT
Use case: Write cold emails, onboarding flows, or nurture sequences
7. Lead Capture & Forms
AI-enhanced forms personalise questions based on responses or segment users in real-time. They improve conversion rates by reducing friction and asking smarter questions.
Example tool: Jotform AI Agents
Use case: Build conditional forms that qualify leads automatically
Used by: SaaS sales teams, online coaches, consultants
8. Customer Support
AI chat tools let you train bots on your website or internal docs so they can answer customer questions instantly. This helps reduce ticket volume and improve customer satisfaction.
Example tools: LiveChatAI
Use case: Train on your help centre or course content
Used by: Support teams, service businesses, course creators
9. Planning & Strategy
Use GPT tools to generate campaign plans, brand messaging, or project scopes with smart structure. Strategic marketers use these to jumpstart creative sessions or client proposals.
Example tool: ChatGPT Projects (check full tutorial how to best use it GPT Project Builder)
Use case: Plan a launch campaign, proposal, or client workshop
Conclusion
These must-have AI tools for marketers aren’t about replacing strategy—they’re about enhancing it. They help you save time, improve personalisation, and deliver higher-quality marketing without increasing your headcount. Whether you're in a startup or an enterprise team, the ROI from even one AI tool can be significant.
Ready to scale your marketing efforts with smarter systems?
Start by exploring the AI tools hub or book a consult to build your own custom GPT.
FAQ
Which free AI tools are best for marketing?
Jotform AI Agents, Copy.ai, and Notion AI offer solid free plans that support lead capture, writing, and planning.
How do marketers use Jasper AI?
They use it to generate long-form content, rewrite emails, build ad copy, and align brand tone with templates. Agencies often use team accounts to speed up campaign production.
Can small businesses afford these tools?
Yes. Most of these tools have either free tiers or affordable entry plans. You can easily test value before scaling.
I’m Dimi,
I’m marketing automation consultant who loves making businesses more efficient. My goal? Helping you save 10-20 hours a week with automation so you can enjoy more freedom in your life.
