AI isn’t here to replace your agency.
It’s here to sharpen it.
At most eCommerce agencies, AI’s used like a grammar assistant or subject line spinner.
But if you’re serious about driving retention, improving LTV, and building real brand relationships, you need to go deeper.
Below are 12 creative ways we’ve seen AI elevate the work of retention marketing teams across strategy, copy, design, segmentation, and more, with examples you can start using today.
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1. Use AI to scale your top-performing copy frameworks
You don’t need AI to write new copy from scratch.
You need it to replicate what’s already working at scale.
How to do it:
- Feed ChatGPT your highest-performing emails.
- Ask it to reverse-engineer structure, tone, offer format, and CTA style.
- Turn that into a modular framework.
Then prompt it with:
“Using this format, rewrite for a spring collection promo with 15% off and 3 new SKUs.”
2. Build segmentation logic using plain English
Segmentation shouldn’t be locked inside the Klaviyo UI.
You can now feed AI a customer description, and it’ll return logic, filters, exclusions, and even flow entry conditions.
Example prompt:
“Create a Klaviyo segment for VIP customers who’ve spent over $200, haven’t opened the last 3 campaigns, and haven’t ordered in 60+ days.”
3. Write product-focused briefs with real data
Your product reviews, survey responses, and live chats are full of gold. AI helps extract the messaging behind the feedback.
Use case:
“Analyze these 300 reviews. What are the top 5 objections, top 5 benefits, and top 5 phrases we can repurpose in email copy?”
Use it to brief writers, designers, or video creators in minutes.
4. Turn zero-party data into personalized flows
AI makes it easy to convert quiz data or popup responses into hyper-specific emails.
Example:
“User has dry skin, avoids fragrances, and wants anti-aging benefits. Recommend 3 products with unique descriptions and usage tips.”
You can create a full 3-part post-quiz flow using this approach.
5. Mine live chat logs for campaign angles
CS tickets are content inspiration hiding in plain sight.
Upload 100+ Zendesk conversations and ask:
“What topics or questions appear most often? What types of content or emails could we send to address these concerns?”
Great for:
- Objection-handling campaigns
- Myth-busting flows
- FAQ-style emails
6. Build smart SMS conversation trees
AI is perfect for mapping multi-step SMS flows, especially for replenishment, education, or upsell campaigns.
Prompt idea:
“Write a 3-message SMS sequence for a customer who bought a 30-day supply of protein powder. Include check-ins, tips, and a reorder CTA.”
You can adapt these to tools like Yotpo or Attentive with conditional logic paths.
7. Train AI on your brand tone and reuse it everywhere
If AI outputs still sound robotic, it’s on you.
Feed it:
- Your 10 best emails
Brand tone rules - Do’s and don’ts
Then prompt it with:
“Using our tone, write a day 1 welcome email for new subscribers with a strong CTA to explore bundles.”
Now you have a scalable assistant that actually sounds like your brand.
8. Use AI to generate dynamic product block ideas
Break away from boring product blocks.
Ask AI to give you creative ways to showcase SKUs:
- “Before/after” formats
- “Why people love it”
- “You vs. your old routine”
- “Staff picks”
Prompt idea:
“Write 3 creative ways to feature a new shampoo bar that’s eco-friendly and lasts longer than traditional bottles.”
9. Turn email performance into smarter testing plans
Instead of manually writing A/B test summaries, let AI do the work.
Example:
“Here’s the performance of subject line A vs. B. Summarize the result and suggest 2 follow-up test ideas based on CTR and CVR.”
You can also use this to write client-facing test recaps or internal debriefs.
10. Use AI to detect churn risk and pre-trigger winbacks
AI can flag risky behavior:
- Fewer opens
- No repeat order in 90+ days
- Lower engagement from past VIPs
Then it can auto-generate winback logic:
“User spent $300 LTV, hasn’t clicked an email in 45 days, and last ordered 120 days ago. Write a reactivation email with urgency but no discount.”
Why Winback Flows Suck in DTC - And What to do About It
11. Predict the next best product or offer to show
Don’t send the same post-purchase flow to everyone.
Feed AI a customer’s past order history and time gaps between purchases:
“Based on these 3 orders, what’s the most likely product this customer will buy next, and what’s the best timing?”
Trigger upsells or reorder reminders that feel 1:1.
12. Generate visual onboarding emails for complex products
Selling something that needs a learning curve?
Use AI to:
- Write visual how-to guides
- Break it into email sequences (day 1, 3, 7)
- Create prompts for image generation tools to include walkthroughs
Example:
A skincare brand sends “How to use our Vitamin C serum” as a 3-part email series, with each visual step AI-generated based on instructions.
Conclusion:
AI won’t win the campaign for you, but it will get you to the starting line faster, more prepared, and better equipped.
Use it to:
- Eliminate busywork
- Sharpen your segmentation
- Personalize at scale
- Pull data into decisions
The best agencies will pair AI with great strategy, people, and brand thinking. Everyone else will just be writing subject lines.
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