# AI for Marketing Bootcamp

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/ai-marketing>

## Overview

Discover the transformative impact of AI on modern marketing in this comprehensive course. You’ll start with a solid foundation in AI, machine learning, and deep learning, then explore how AI is applied in marketing areas such as content creation, advertising, social media, email marketing, SEO, and SEM.

 

Gain practical experience with leading AI platforms like ChatGPT, IBM Watson, Salesforce Einstein, and Google. Learn to evaluate AI’s effectiveness in marketing campaigns using key performance indicators and ROI analysis. Real-world case studies will highlight proven AI strategies in action.

 

The course concludes with a capstone project, where you’ll design an AI-driven marketing strategy, applying your skills and knowledge to solve real-world marketing challenges.

## What you'll learn

- Leverage AI-driven strategy in your marketing campaigns
- Integrate AI into SEO, SEM, content, advertising, and analytics
- Meaure the real-world impact of your AI marketing efforts
- Complete a capstone project to showcase your work

## Prerequisites

Students should have a basic understanding of marketing, including traditional marketing terms and techniques, SEO, social media marketing, and analytics.

## Curriculum

#### Section 1: Introduction to AI

- What are AI and Machine Learning?
- History of AI
- Types of AI: Narrow AI vs. General AI
- Basics of Machine Learning and Deep Learning

#### Section 2: AI in Marketing

- Role of AI in Marketing
- Benefits of Using AI in Marketing
- Key AI Marketing Applications
- Current Trends

#### Section 3: AI Platforms

- What is an AI Platform?
- Types of AI Platforms
- Popular AI Platforms (ChatGPT, IBM Watson, Salesforce Einstein, Google...)
- Comparison of AI Platforms

#### Section 4: AI in Content Marketing

- AI Role in Content Creation
- AI Role in Content Optimization
- Sentiment Analysis and Content Optimization
- AI-Driven Content Recommendations

#### Section 5: Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

- Building AI-Powered Chatbots
- Use Cases for Chatbots in Customer Service Marketing/Sales
- Popular Tools for Chatbot Development (Dialogflow, Microsoft Bot Framework)

#### Section 6: AI in Advertising

- Basics of Programmatic Advertising
- AI's Role in Real-Time Bidding
- Platforms for Programmatic Advertising
- AI for Personalized Ad Targeting
- What is Dynamic Creative Optimization?
- Top Dynamic Creative Optimization Tools

#### Section 7: AI in Social Media Marketing

- AI Tools for Social Media Monitoring
- Sentiment Analysis and Trend Prediction
- Automation in Social Media
- Using AI for Social Media Ad Targeting
- Case Studies and Best Practices

#### Section 8: AI in Email Marketing

- AI for Email Content Personalization
- Predictive Analytics for Email Marketing
- Tools for AI-Driven Email Marketing
- Automating Email Workflows
- A/B Testing and Optimization Using AI
- Case Students and Best Practices

#### Section 9: AI in SEO

- Benefits of Using AI in SEO
- Keyword Analysis
- On-Page SEO
- Content Recommendations & Creation
- Content Optimization
- Technical SEO
- User Experience (UX) and Engagement
- Link Building and Analysis
- Local SEO
- AI SEO Tools

#### Section 10: AI in SEM

- Role of AI in SEM
- Keyword Research and Optimization
- Ad Creation and Optimization
- Bid Management
- Audience Targeting
- Performance Analysis and Reporting
- AI SEM Tools

#### Section 11: Measuring and Evaluating AI Impact

- Key Performance Indicators for AI in Marketing
- Measuring ROI of AI Initiatives
- Using AI with Campaign Analytical Tools and Dashboards

#### Section 12: Case Studies and Real-World Applications

- AI Marketing Success Stories
- Lessons Learned
- Future Trends and Innovations

#### Section 13: Capstone Project

- Project: Developing an AI-Driven Marketing Strategy
- Define Objectives and Goals
- Collect and Preprocess Data
- Apply AI Techniques to Solve Marketing Problems
- Present Findings and Strategic Recommendations

## Schedule
- Aug 24, 2026 – Aug 26, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 23, 2026 – Nov 25, 2026 — Live Online

## Instructors

### Bruce Gay — Instructor

Bruce is an engaging trainers and program manager who brings 25+ years practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery.

Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a Masters degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. 

Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. 

Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences.

### Steve Pesklo — Instructor

Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance.

Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years.

Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

### Brian Simms — Instructor

Brian Simms is a seasoned educator and training leader with extensive experience developing and delivering innovative learning programs in project management and emerging technologies. Over the course of his career, he has designed adaptive learning models that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, ensuring professionals can access training in flexible and effective ways. His work has emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence into professional development, helping organizations and individuals understand how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges in leadership, project execution, and decision-making. 

In addition to his instructional expertise, Brian has guided curriculum development, led large training initiatives, and advanced the use of collaboration tools that improve learner engagement and retention. His depth of experience and forward-looking perspective make him uniquely equipped to prepare federal professionals to navigate both the complexities of project management and the transformative potential of AI.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $975
