Three digital marketing tactics are working so effectively right now that they’re literally going to break the internet. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but once you understand how these methods work and where they’re headed, you’ll see why our current online ecosystem can’t survive them.
These tactics are having a moment – and that moment isn’t ending anytime soon. As AI gets better, these methods will only become more powerful until they fundamentally change how we interact online. The scary part? They’re already insanely effective when done well.
All three have steep learning curves, but the payoff is enormous. Here’s what’s working too well right now and why it’s going to change everything.
Cold Email Outreach: AI Personalization at Scale
Cold email isn’t new – it’s existed since the dawn of the internet. But AI and automation tools have completely transformed what’s possible with email personalization.
Why It’s Working So Well
Modern AI can personalize each email’s content to the recipient, pulling in details like their name, company, industry, or recent LinkedIn activity. This isn’t basic mail-merge – AI-driven personalization references specific pain points and interests gleaned from data.
For example, platforms like Reply.io use “AI Variables” to dynamically personalize emails using contact details, company insights, and industry trends. Every message resonates with its recipient instead of sounding like a template.
The Current Success Rate
When done correctly, cold email produces one of the highest ROIs among B2B marketing methods. Some skilled campaigns see reply rates in the 15-25% range, though 5-10% is more common for cold outreach.
The key is that generalists who understand email copy, AI automation, and deliverability are printing money right now. If cold email outreach makes sense for your business, find an agency that does this well.
What Makes It “Too Effective”
The reason this is becoming problematic is scale. AI can generate hundreds of personalized emails that feel genuine and add value. Soon, we’ll reach a point where personalized AI content is indistinguishable from human-written emails.
Short-Form Video with Chatbot Automation
This tactic combines the viral potential of short-form video with automated lead capture through platforms like ManyChat.
How the Funnel Works
You create a video explaining a method or system that solves a common problem, then ask viewers to comment with a specific keyword. When someone comments, a chatbot instantly messages them a lead magnet or next step via direct message.
Setting up this funnel involves:
- Creating valuable lead magnets (ebooks, discount codes, webinar access)
- Configuring chatbots to listen for specific comment triggers
- Building automated response flows that feel conversational
Why It’s Exploding Now
The explosion of short-form video platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) combined with AI-powered chatbots has made this incredibly effective. ManyChat’s Instagram Automation allows storing subscriber info and syncing it to your CRM for future follow-ups.
The keyword comment acts as a micro-commitment from the viewer. Because they initiate the interaction, it complies with platform rules and generates higher quality leads. Meanwhile, the surge in comments boosts your video’s engagement in the algorithm.
The Scaling Problem
AI facilitates instant conversation that feels smooth and almost human. Users get delighted when they comment and “magically” receive an immediate response. But as more marketers deploy these systems, social media feeds will increasingly become automated interactions between bots and users.
Reddit Monitoring: AI-Powered Community Engagement
Reddit can be a goldmine for high-value leads if you approach it authentically. Now there are dozens of startups creating automated tools that track conversations and identify sales opportunities.
How Monitoring Tools Work
These platforms automatically track keywords, brand mentions, or topics on Reddit and alert you when marketing opportunities arise. Tools like:
- Brand24 – Monitors keywords in real-time with sentiment analysis
- Awario – Designed specifically for lead generation, flagging posts where users express needs
- GummySearch – Reddit-focused tool for collecting audience insights and monitoring up to 50 keywords
- Redreach – Uses AI to analyze your website and competitors, then finds relevant Reddit opportunities
The Authentic Engagement Strategy
Success on Reddit comes from engaging as a helpful, genuine member of the community, not as a pushy salesperson. When done right, you:
- Monitor relevant conversations for genuine opportunities to help
- Jump into discussions early with valuable insights
- Build credibility through consistent, helpful participation
- Occasionally mention your service where naturally relevant
The key is providing real value first. Reddit leads often convert easier because you’ve proven expertise in a neutral environment.
Why This Could Break Reddit
Reddit threads commonly rank at the top of competitive Google searches. If you’re in an industry where leads are worth $1,000 or more, it’s easy to pick up business by sending a few thoughtful messages.
But imagine a million AI-powered bots monitoring and responding to posts, talking exactly like humans and providing real value. Initially, it’ll look like an increase in high-quality conversations. Eventually, Reddit will be mostly AI bots talking to other AI bots.
Why These Tactics Will “Break the Internet”
The reason these methods are so effective now is that they don’t feel like spam anymore. When done well, AI-generated content adds genuine value. You might think you can always spot AI, but that’s because you only notice the obvious ones.
The Approaching Tipping Point
We’re approaching the point where personalized AI content with context becomes indistinguishable from human content. Consider what happens when:
- Your inbox fills with perfectly personalized cold emails that feel human
- Social media becomes dominated by AI-generated content and automated responses
- Every Reddit thread includes AI bots providing helpful answers while subtly promoting products
The Inevitable Outcome
Eventually, our online spaces will be mostly AI systems talking to other AI systems, trying to sell products and services. It’s hard to understand what could stop this momentum.
This creates a fundamental problem: if everyone is using AI to generate “authentic” content at scale, authenticity itself becomes meaningless. The platforms and communities we rely on for genuine human connection will be overwhelmed by sophisticated marketing automation.
What This Means for Your Business
These tactics work incredibly well right now, but their very effectiveness is creating an arms race that will transform online interaction.
Take Action While You Can
If any of these methods fit your business model, implement them now:
- For B2B companies: Cold email outreach with proper AI personalization
- For businesses with video capabilities: Short-form video funnels with chatbot automation
- For service-based businesses: Reddit monitoring and authentic community engagement
The Ethical Consideration
The most successful approach is letting AI handle the heavy lifting – data gathering, initial drafts, monitoring – while ensuring human oversight maintains authenticity and genuine value.
Don’t automate the entire process. Use AI to identify opportunities and draft responses, but add real human insight and value to every interaction.
The Future of Online Marketing
We’re witnessing the last days of the current internet ecosystem. These tactics work because they provide value while staying just human enough to maintain trust. But as AI improves and more marketers deploy these methods, that balance will break.
The companies that succeed will be those who master these tactics now, while also preparing for whatever comes after our current platforms inevitably implement stricter verification and anti-automation measures.
That’s tomorrow’s problem. Today, figure out which method works for your business and implement it before everyone else catches on.
Ready to implement AI-powered marketing that actually works? TJ Digital specializes in AI optimization strategies that help small and medium businesses stay ahead of the curve.