Using AI in Ads: Keep People Real to Maintain Consumer Trust
Image-generative AI has made creating ads faster and more affordable. But new research shows that trust can take a hit when AI-generated visuals include people, especially in service industries where relationships matter.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University highlights a clear strategy for marketers: use AI to generate scenes and settings, but keep the service providers’ images real. When the environment—like a doctor's office—was AI-created but the person shown was a real photo, consumer trust and ad effectiveness bounced back.
Why This Matters for Service Marketers
Services rely heavily on trust because they’re intangible. Ads help make these services feel real and credible. Small businesses can leverage AI by generating backgrounds, office environments, and equipment, saving time and money, while featuring real employees or service providers in the ad.
- AI-generated settings reduce production costs
- Real people maintain authenticity and trust
- Consumers respond better when they see genuine human faces
This approach offers a simple way to cut costs without sacrificing credibility—an advantage when competing against bigger brands.
What Marketers Should Take Away
Keep the human element front and center in service ads. Use AI for tangible, non-human components to speed up production and reduce expenses. This balance helps maintain consumer confidence while still benefiting from AI’s efficiency.
As AI disclosures become more common due to regulations and industry standards, it’s crucial to design ads that are transparent and trustworthy. Understanding where AI fits—and where it doesn’t—can protect your brand’s reputation.
Advice for Consumers
Not all AI-generated ads are misleading. Knowing which parts of an ad are AI-generated and which are real can help you form better judgments about a brand’s trustworthiness. This insight helps consumers stay informed and critical when faced with AI-driven marketing.
For marketers wanting to deepen their AI skills and learn how to apply tools effectively, exploring courses on Complete AI Training can be a practical step forward.
Final Thought
Use AI smartly: generate the scene, but keep the people real. This simple formula helps service marketers stay efficient and credible, ensuring ads connect with consumers on a human level.
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