Email remains one of the most effective channels for marketers. Yet crafting messages that truly resonate with each subscriber is a growing challenge. That’s where generative AI steps in—by helping marketers create personalised, dynamic, and high‑performing emails at scale.
What makes email marketing different
Email is personal. It lands directly in someone’s inbox, and it needs to feel tailored, human, and relevant. While generic blasts might reach a wide audience, they often fail to convert. With generative AI, it is possible to write custom subject lines, adapt content based on past engagement, and optimise send times—all automatically and at scale.
Use cases for generative AI in email campaigns
1. Ultra‑personalised subject lines
Generative AI can analyse user behaviour and preferences to produce compelling subject lines—for example, referencing a customer’s recent activity or browsing history. This dynamic personalisation can lead to higher open rates and engagement. A 2025 TechNaps report highlights how agencies now rely on AI to tune tone and format per audience segment.
2. Automated email body generation
Instead of writing each email manually, generative AI can draft full campaign messages—whether they are newsletters, promotions, or onboarding sequences. These drafts are typically 70–80% accurate and only need a touch of human editing.
3. Real‑time optimisation and A/B testing
AI systems can generate multiple versions of emails, test them in real time, and adapt content based on performance data. This leads to better conversions over time.
4. Multilingual campaigns
Need to reach audiences across Europe or Asia? Generative AI can instantly translate and optimise content for new markets while preserving brand tone—without hiring multiple writers.
Real‑world success stories
Consider CarMax, which used AI to generate thousands of vehicle descriptions by extracting insights from millions of customer reviews. The result: a surge in page views and steadily better SEO rankings.
In marketing, brands like Coca‑Cola and Unilever deploy generative AI to create customised visuals and copy for email and social campaigns. Unilever, for instance, produced thousands of marketing assets weekly via AI tools—boosting reach and efficiency.
Key benefits for email marketers
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Efficiency | Saves time—emails drafted in minutes for marketers to review. |
| Cost‑effectiveness | Lower cost per email thanks to reduced need for design and copy teams. |
| Personalisation | Hyper‑tailored content boosts open and click‑through rates. |
| Scalability | Easily generate multiple campaigns for different segments and regions. |
| Data‑driven insights | AI analyses performance and fine‑tunes emails in real time. |
Pitfalls to avoid
- Brand voice consistency
AI can sound generic unless constrained by brand guidelines. - Ethical transparency
If AI writes your emails, ensure this is clear and complies with marketing regulations. - Quality control
Always review outputs for factual accuracy, tone, and localisation. - Privacy concerns
Using personal data must comply with GDPR and similar policies.
Recommended tools for email marketers
- Jasper.ai – Great for tone control in subject lines and email bodies.
- Copy.ai – Efficient for rapid A/B testing and versioning.
- HubSpot AI – Seamless platform for emails with built‑in analytics.
- Mailchimp’s AI assistant – Ideal for segmentation and send‑time optimisation.
Getting started: a 5‑step guide
- Map your email strategy – Choose campaign types (welcome, promo, nurture).
- Define brand tone – Brief your AI with style and voice guidelines.
- Select the tool – Try Jasper, Copy.ai, or HubSpot.
- Run A/B tests – Generate several variants and track performance.
- Review and refine – Use KPIs to improve prompts and templates.
Conclusion
Generative AI is not a replacement for human insight. It acts as a storyteller’s assistant, offering ideas, drafts, and insights at speed. For email marketers, this means better open rates, faster production, and truly personalised campaigns—when guided by a clear strategy and thoughtful oversight.
To learn more, you might enjoy this article on AI in digital advertising campaigns.