Dive Brief:

• Email marketing could be getting a makeover with new artificial intelligence from Conversica. 
• The cloud-based artificial intelligence platform uses automated messages from sales associate "Sarah" to qualify leads by sending multiple non-sales emails and offering response to inquiries. Eventually, "Sarah" hands over the lead to real life sales rep. 
• Visitors to the company's website receive an email 15-30 minutes later from sales associate Sarah, Becky, or Jane with a message similar to: "I saw you were on our website and downloaded our white paper. Did you find everything you were looking for? Please contact me if you have any questions."

Dive Insight:

Ironically, the AI adds a human element that email marketing often lacks. A customized message from "Sarah" helps email respondents feel like they are dealing with a real person. The AI element allows brands to offer a human touch without having to waste precious man hours on unqualified leads.