The AI adoption gap
The AI adoption gap
Leaders see the promise of AI, but outdated systems and unclear strategies are slowing impact.
Leaders see the promise of AI, but outdated systems and unclear strategies are slowing impact.
The stakes are clear: According to our research, 100% of marketing teams who can't successfully adopt AI fail to execute projects either on time or on budget. Marketing and technical leaders alike understand that adopting AI is how they'll meet evolving customer expectations and deliver on business goals. However, they’re finding successful adoption extremely difficult.
Breaking this cycle requires businesses to use platforms that eliminate technical barriers and make AI-driven innovation practical rather than aspirational.
The stakes are clear: According to our research, 100% of marketing teams who can't successfully adopt AI fail to execute projects either on time or on budget. Marketing and technical leaders alike understand that adopting AI is how they'll meet evolving customer expectations and deliver on business goals. However, they’re finding successful adoption extremely difficult.
Breaking this cycle requires businesses to use platforms that eliminate technical barriers and make AI-driven innovation practical rather than aspirational.
The opportunity is clear…
The opportunity is clear…
Among these opportunities, answer engine optimization (AEO) stands out as the most urgent.
As users increasingly search the web via LLMs, teams must optimize for it with highly structured, context-rich content that engines can easily parse, understand, and feature.
Among these opportunities, answer engine optimization (AEO) stands out as the most urgent.
As users increasingly search the web via LLMs, teams must optimize for it with highly structured, context-rich content that engines can easily parse, understand, and feature.
“AI examines user behavior and keyword trends to improve website content for search engines, boosting traffic and visibility.”
…but adoption isn’t easy
…but adoption isn’t easy
A number of barriers — ranging from implementation gaps and security concerns to integration issues — prevent teams from making their AI visions a reality on the website. In fact, 95% of respondents report they experience barriers to adopting AI.
These blockers fall into two primary categories: hesitations and implementation barriers.
A number of barriers — ranging from implementation gaps and security concerns to integration issues — prevent teams from making their AI visions a reality on the website. In fact, 95% of respondents report they experience barriers to adopting AI.
These blockers fall into two primary categories: hesitations and implementation barriers.
Security concerns and capability gaps drive AI apprehension
Security concerns and capability gaps drive AI apprehension
Despite recognizing AI's benefits, many technical leaders report they remain apprehensive about it.
54% of technical leaders cite concerns about using AI tools in production environments, particularly when it comes to security. They describe their organizations as generally risk-averse, highlighting the importance of proven results when vetting and adopting AI-based platforms.
Additionally, 64% of all respondents report hesitating to adopt AI due to resource gaps, uncertainty, or a lack of clear direction — challenges amplified by platforms that don't provide clear pathways for AI implementation.
Despite recognizing AI's benefits, many technical leaders report they remain apprehensive about it.
54% of technical leaders cite concerns about using AI tools in production environments, particularly when it comes to security. They describe their organizations as generally risk-averse, highlighting the importance of proven results when vetting and adopting AI-based platforms.
Additionally, 64% of all respondents report hesitating to adopt AI due to resource gaps, uncertainty, or a lack of clear direction — challenges amplified by platforms that don't provide clear pathways for AI implementation.
“AI is improving our strategy by streamlining content creation, boosting personalization and enhancing analytics. However, we remain cautious due to security, privacy and compliance concerns, balancing innovation with risk.”
Implementation hurdles compound the problem
Implementation hurdles compound the problem
“AI is enabling faster content personalization, predictive analytics for users and automated SEO optimization, but the negative side effects range from [putting] brand authenticity at risk and data privacy concerns.”
Harnessing AI is a competitive edge
Harnessing AI is a competitive edge
Getting started with AI is critical — but turning early experiments into lasting competitive advantage requires more than initiative. To truly scale their AI efforts successfully, teams need the right expertise and the right foundation.
First, they need to get their organizations more comfortable with AI — whether through training, documentation, or bringing specialized talent onto teams. They must also develop clear AI governance frameworks that establish when and how to use AI safely. Without this, even the best tools will remain underutilized.
Getting started with AI is critical — but turning early experiments into lasting competitive advantage requires more than initiative. To truly scale their AI efforts successfully, teams need the right expertise and the right foundation.
First, they need to get their organizations more comfortable with AI — whether through training, documentation, or bringing specialized talent onto teams. They must also develop clear AI governance frameworks that establish when and how to use AI safely. Without this, even the best tools will remain underutilized.
91%
92%
97%
9%
“AI enhances cross-channel marketing integration, though managing these systems can become complex and require specialized expertise.”
But knowledge alone isn't enough. Turning strategic vision into measurable impact requires AI-native platforms that optimize SEO, AEO, site performance, and engagement with AI-powered insights and action. Without this foundation, technical teams lack confidence that their infrastructure will remain safe and secure, and marketers lack trust that they can protect their brand at scale.
The competitive advantage will go to teams that combine both internal expertise and AI-ready platforms to move from pilot programs to production, from experiments to measurable results, from intention to effective execution.
The gap between these teams and those stuck on platforms that can’t support their website visions will only widen. Organizations that develop forward-thinking web strategies and adopt platforms built for AI-driven innovation today position themselves to scale confidently while competitors will remain stuck at square one.
But knowledge alone isn't enough. Turning strategic vision into measurable impact requires AI-native platforms that optimize SEO, AEO, site performance, and engagement with AI-powered insights and action. Without this foundation, technical teams lack confidence that their infrastructure will remain safe and secure, and marketers lack trust that they can protect their brand at scale.
The competitive advantage will go to teams that combine both internal expertise and AI-ready platforms to move from pilot programs to production, from experiments to measurable results, from intention to effective execution.
The gap between these teams and those stuck on platforms that can’t support their website visions will only widen. Organizations that develop forward-thinking web strategies and adopt platforms built for AI-driven innovation today position themselves to scale confidently while competitors will remain stuck at square one.