SmartBrief Launches AI-Driven Behavioral Targeting for Precision B2B Advertising

SmartBrief Launches AI-Driven Behavioral Targeting for Precision B2B Marketing

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025 * Topic: Product Announcement

SmartBrief introduced AI-driven Behavioral Targeting, a new way for B2B advertisers to reach decision-makers using intent signals from real content engagement. The solution converts SmartBrief's proprietary data into dynamic audience segments, refining them continuously based on behavior, interest, and readiness to engage.

This release extends SmartBrief's ad stack, which includes auto-optimization and Ad Genie, the company's AI-based creative platform. For marketers, that means smarter targeting, stronger conversion potential, and clearer paths to measurable outcomes.

What's new and why it matters

• Behavior-based precision: Move beyond job title, industry, and location to segment by interests and live engagement signals.
• Continuously refined segments: Audiences update as behavior shifts, so your targeting stays aligned with intent.
• Brand-safe reach: Connect with verified decision-makers in SmartBrief's trusted environment.
• Proven cohorts: Tap into intent-driven groups linked to higher conversion rates.
• Omnichannel activation: Run across placements from impressions to e-blasts without guesswork.
• Future-ready: Build plans on observable behavior, not unstable IDs or cookies.

How it works

SmartBrief aggregates first-party engagement across its industry publications and newsletters to identify patterns that correlate with purchase intent. Those signals are modeled into cohorts that update as readers consume content, signaling shifts in interest and timing.

Marketers can align campaigns to themes, buying stages, or niche interests and deploy creative through SmartBrief's channels. Auto-optimization and Ad Genie close the loop by testing creative and placements against the highest-yielding segments.

What marketers can do now

• Start with a hypothesis: define 2-3 intent themes that map to pipeline stages (e.g., evaluation, implementation, renewal).
• Match messaging to intent: use pain-point headlines for early-stage cohorts and ROI proofs for high-intent segments.
• Set clear KPIs: MQL rate, SAL rate, and pipeline generated-not just CTR.
• Run A/Bs by cohort: test offers and formats (e.g., newsletter sponsorship vs. e-blast) within the same intent group.
• Sequence touchpoints: impressions to drive awareness, followed by content offers for capture, then e-blasts for conversion.

What SmartBrief says

"Our mission is to help B2B advertisers connect with the right decision-makers at the right time," said Tom Sikes, Global Head of Sales for Future B2B. "Behavioral Targeting takes that commitment further by turning our proprietary engagement data into actionable insights. Advertisers can reach highly qualified audiences with precision and confidence, while uncovering new opportunities to drive measurable growth."

Why this is timely

With signal loss from cookies and shifting privacy norms, behavior-based cohorts offer a more durable path to targeting. They also align to best practices recognized across the industry. For a primer on interest and behavior-based advertising, see the IAB's guidance here.

Get started

Learn more or request a plan: www.smartbrief.com.

About SmartBrief

SmartBrief, a subsidiary of Future B2B, is a digital media publisher delivering targeted business news and insights by industry. Partnering with leading associations, societies, nonprofits, and corporations, SmartBrief curates daily news from thousands of sources for nearly 6 million senior executives, thought leaders, and industry professionals.

Contact

Shana Murik
Head of Marketing, Future B2B
shana.murik@futurenet.com
1.888.741.7900

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