For years, marketing has revolved around two major models: B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business). But there is a new player on the board that changes everything: B2A (brand-to-agent) marketing.
And who are these “agents”? We are not talking about people. We are talking about artificial intelligences: digital assistants, autonomous chatbots, algorithms that compare, filter and decide for us. As Jack Smyth: chief solutions officer for AI at Brandtech Jellyfish, said, “AI is becoming the most important audience you’ll ever meet.
You no longer sell only to people... you also sell to their assistants.
Imagine this: your next customer will not be the one who searches for you on Google, but their digital agent. That AI will be the one filtering options, discarding your offer, or putting you in the top 3… without the human knowing it.
And it’s not science fiction. According to Salesforce, 24% of consumers are already comfortable letting an AI shop for them. Among Gen Z, the figure rises to 32%. Amazon knows this: that’s why it launched its “Buy for Me” feature, where an AI agent can buy products from other stores, fill out forms, and finalize transactions without you lifting a finger.
We are witnessing a paradigm shift: from marketing for humans to marketing also for machines. And this has profound consequences.
Why should you take B2A seriously?
Because if an AI doesn’t understand your offer, doesn’t trust your data or can’t find you on its radar… basically, you don’t exist. It’s that clear.
And we’re not just talking about eCommerce. In tourism, beauty, automotive… AIs are already making decisions. From organizing a complete trip to booking the ideal hotel. Platforms such as Booking, Expedia or Airbnb are integrating intelligent assistants that plan and execute actions for us.
Soon, each consumer will have several agents working on their behalf: a shopping agent, a travel agent, a financial agent, and more. All are competing for speed and efficiency in filtering a world of options.
How to seduce an algorithm?
Unlike us, algorithms don’t get excited by a good slogan or a viral video. They are looking for something else: structured data, clear and consistent information, digital reputation, and up-to-date availability.
Here are some keys to stand out in this new scenario:
- Audit your brand in AI models: Do searches on ChatGPT, Bard, or Perplexity about your brand and your industry. Do you appear? How? Are you recommended? This is your new visibility share: the “share of model”. If you’re not there, it’s time to optimize.
- Structure your data for an AI to understand: implement schema.org, keep your product sheets clean, your prices clear, and your conditions transparent. An AI doesn’t improvise: if something doesn’t add up, it wipes you off the options map.
- Adapt your SEO and channels with agents in mind: Where do these AIs search? What marketplaces do they consult? What APIs do they use? Being on Google is no longer enough. Now you need visibility in the databases that feed the agents.
- Create CTAi: calls to action for algorithms: Incorporate micro-signals that machines can “read”: “★ Rating 4.9/5”, “✓ Free shipping”, “Stock updated”. This can be the difference between being on the shortlist and not existing.
- Don’t forget the humans: consumers still make many decisions. If he asks, “Find me Nike shoes”, it’s because you have worked well on brand recognition. Therefore, the challenge is twofold: to make the consumer fall in love and to convince your agent.
B2A is not a fad; it is a natural evolution. As was the leap to mobile or e-commerce in its day. The difference is that now, who evaluates you is not a person, but an artificial intelligence.
And that AI will decide whether to show you… or not.
That’s why the future of marketing belongs to those who learn to speak to the algorithm with the same dexterity with which they used to seduce the consumer. And the sooner you start training yourself in this new language, the more advantage you will have over those who have not yet learned it.
How are you preparing for this new B2A reality?
Do you think your brand is ready to be liked by an AI? Have you tried searching for your product or service on ChatGPT, Perplexity or Gemini? What results does it give you? What do you care more about: convincing the consumer or their digital agent? Are you including AI agents in your marketing strategy or do you still see it as a long way off?
Leave me your comments and tell me: what would you like to explore further on this topic? I’m preparing new pieces on this brutal shift in marketing… and your ideas may inspire the next article. read you below
Good week and by the way… Merry Christmas! I want to wish you all the best for the holidays. I hope you can enjoy it with your loved ones 🙂
SOURCES
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The B2A revolution: why your brand must win over AI agents (Jack Smyth, The Drum) LinkedIn
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Consumers Are Ready for AI Agents. Are Businesses (Salesforce Research) Salesforce
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Buy for Me button on Amazon Shopping app (About Amazon) About Amazon
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Traveling just got a whole lot smarter with Romie (Expedia Group Tech – Medium) Medium
