AI is Transforming Small Business Marketing: How to Use it Right Now

Rhea-AI Summary

iStock has unveiled new research offering guidance for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) on leveraging AI-generated images in marketing. The study, conducted via iStock's VisualGPS insights platform, surveyed over 30,000 adults across 25 countries. Key findings reveal that nearly 90% of people want transparency regarding AI-created images, and 82% distrust social media, highlighting the challenge for businesses to connect authentically. Authenticity is crucial, with 98% agreeing that 'authentic' images build trust. The research suggests businesses consider the type of imagery and its alignment with audience and goals, ensure transparency, and use legally safe AI tools to enhance marketing efforts.

Positive

• Nearly 90% of respondents want transparency on AI-generated images, helping businesses align with consumer expectations.
• 82% of people distrust social media, offering businesses an opportunity to stand out by building authentic connections.
• 98% of respondents prioritize 'authentic' images and videos, guiding businesses to focus on genuine content to build trust.
• iStock's VisualGPS platform provides data-backed insights, empowering SMBs to incorporate AI tools confidently into marketing strategies.
• AI tools can modify existing stock imagery, offering customization and potential cost savings for businesses.

Negative

• High consumer distrust in social media (82%) presents a significant challenge for businesses to connect authentically.
• Businesses must navigate the legal complexities of AI-generated content, ensuring they use commercially safe tools.
• The need for transparency in labeling AI-generated images adds an extra layer of responsibility for businesses.

iStock’s New Research Offers Guidance on the Effective Use of AI-Generated Images

• Transparency Matters: Nearly 90% of people want to know if an image was created with AI.
• Social Media Trust Crisis: 82% of people distrust social media, highlighting the challenge for small businesses to connect.
• Authenticity is Key: 98% agree that “authentic” images or videos are crucial for building trust.
  

NEW YORK, June 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iStock, a leading e-commerce platform offering images, videos, and illustrations to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises (SMEs), today unveiled new data-backed tips to help businesses of all sizes navigate the use of generative-AI in marketing to customers.

iStock’s VisualGPS insights platform has released a new study which captured the sentiment of over 30,000 adults in 25 countries to understand the impact for small businesses of using generative AI visuals in their marketing. A key finding is that people expect transparency, with nearly 90% of people saying they want to know whether an image has been created using AI.

The research also revealed a significant trust gap in social media, with 82% of people expressing distrust in social media content. For small businesses, this distrust presents a challenge: how to connect authentically with their audience in an environment rife with skepticism.

“Businesses across all industries are grappling with the integration of generative AI into their creative workflow and it's crucial for businesses to understand both the risks and rewards here,” said Dr. Rebecca Swift, Global Head of Creative Content at iStock. “Our VisualGPS insights provide small businesses with a clear understanding of consumer expectations around AI generated visual content, empowering them to confidently incorporate these tools into their marketing strategies and drive meaningful customer engagement.”

iStock’s visual content experts have identified several crucial questions that business owners should consider when incorporating AI-generated images into their marketing:

1. Are AI-generated images the right assets for this project? Consider the type of imagery (AI-generated, user generated content, stock), including the format (image or video) that best aligns with your audience, message, and goals. VisualGPS revealed, 98% of consumers agree that 'authentic' images and videos are pivotal in establishing trust, indicating that where building trust is the key aim, user generated content or stock content may perform better to engage your audience.
   
2. Will AI-generated images help my business stand out? Human creativity, when applied to prompting AI images and visual concepts, can result in endless possibilities, getting you to the image you want faster. However, high-quality images or videos crafted by expert creators may answer your content needs and save you time and money. AI technology can also modify existing stock imagery by adding, replacing or removing any elements to further customize the image for your project.
   
3. When should I label AI-generated imagery? Transparency is key, especially if authenticity is a key part of your online strategy. Use images and videos showing real people in real places to connect with your audience. Clearly label AI-generated content to avoid your audience feeling misled.
   
4. Are AI-generated images legally safe for marketing materials? Ensure that the AI image generation tools you do use do not produce images with legally protected elements that could pose a risk to your business. Opt for commercially safe AI image generators that offer legal indemnification, such as Generative AI by iStock, to ensure your marketing materials are safe and cleared for commercial use.
   

To find relevant images and videos, or a commercially-safe and legally indemnified AI image generator visit: https://www.istockphoto.com/

Media Contact:
Ilse Noguez
ilse.noguez@gettyimages.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d2c67bb-6881-4b35-b103-d9668222ee0e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fff47d61-dc18-4fc7-bec5-d3200acf1acc

FAQ

What did iStock's new research reveal about AI-generated images?

iStock's research found that nearly 90% of people want transparency about AI-generated images, and 98% value authentic images for building trust.

How does AI-generated imagery affect trust in marketing?

The research indicates that 98% of consumers believe authentic images are important for trust, and transparency about AI-generated content is vital.

What challenges do small businesses face with AI-generated images?

Small businesses face challenges with consumer distrust in social media (82%) and the need for transparency and legal safety in using AI-generated images.

How can AI-generated images benefit small businesses?

AI-generated images can offer customization, save time and money, and help businesses create unique visual content that resonates with their audience.

Why should businesses label AI-generated imagery?

Labeling AI-generated imagery is important for transparency, preventing consumers from feeling misled and maintaining trust.

What legal considerations should businesses keep in mind with AI-generated images?

Businesses should ensure AI tools do not produce legally protected elements and opt for commercially safe AI generators to avoid legal risks.