We won’t sugarcoat it: publicizing AI can be tricky. Audiences have yet to fully understand the technology, creating mistrust. Then there’s the AI gold rush to consider. Tech companies are jumping on the bandwagon and can’t wait to show the world their developments, but AI isn’t always world-changing and many solutions are superseded faster than you can say ‘That looks cool.’
Sounds like an uphill battle, doesn’t it? With the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.
At Liaison, we’re no strangers to sharing new AI tech with the world. Recently, we worked on the launch of Chaos Arena — a virtual production tool that uses AI to improve the visual fidelity of 3D scenes — and joined our client Lighcraft at AI on the Lot, where the industry’s brightest minds gathered in LA to discuss the future of AI in filmmaking and creativity. So, allow us to take you through six essential steps for launching your AI tech successfully.
FIND YOUR LANE
AI is in its gold rush era and everyone wants a nugget. Because of this, it can be tempting to shoot for the moon when launching your AI solution. Unless what you’re offering is an undeniable paradigm shift — like Metaphysic’s de-aging tech — you should carefully consider where your solution sits and who it benefits.
If you’re making a generative AI tool that rapidly visualizes foliage for virtual environments, don’t expect the world to pay attention — most people aren’t concerned with how long it takes to render a realistic treescape for a streaming series. There is, however, an audience that will care immensely and want to know how your offering will improve workflows. This is where you can make a splash.
Manage your expectations, think strategically about where your solution fits in the AI landscape, and you’ll be rewarded.
READ THE ROOM
AI unnerves people. It‘s had a pretty bad rap in pop culture — movies like The Terminator and The Matrix don’t paint the prettiest picture of the coexistence of man and machine — and many are justifiably concerned about the role it will play in their industry. At your company, you know that your solution is here to help and the AI isn’t a threat to anyone’s livelihood, but convincing your audience to see it that way takes care.
Before publicizing AI, you need to address people’s biggest concerns about it. No matter what you do, it’s very hard to make a point successfully when the listener’s emotions are heightened. If you lead by easing their collective anxiety, your audience will be more receptive to your message.
Know who you’re targeting inside and out. Consider:
- Their goals, pain points, and what specific concerns they might have. Ensure you address these in your PR campaign.
- Your audience’s familiarity with AI. If they’re not used to having it in their workflows, you are going to need content that educates them on the benefits and the limitations.
Be honest with your audience and empower them to make an informed decision on what you’re offering.
FIND THE REAL STORY
When planning to create content and talk to the press, you need to figure out if AI is your story or just part of it. The technology is such a headline-grabber that it can be tempting to build your whole message around it when, sometimes, it’s just the means by which you’re helping your audience solve a problem or do something new. If your solution revolutionizes 3D workflows, lead with all the exciting features and what your users are going to be able to achieve with them.
That’s not to say you should bury your use of AI. If it’s there, it’s part of the story and you should always explain how it factors in. Consider that certain segments of your audience might be more interested in what’s under the hood than others. Try scheduling interviews with technical or AI-specific press outlets to discuss the nitty-gritty.
Ultimately, you know why your solution is important and who it’s for, so build your story around that. If you need some help translating your ideas into a successful campaign, consider bringing a good PR and marketing agency on board to help tell your story and spread the message.
