AI Unleashed: Smarter Marketing for Startups and Small Businesses

Important Information:  

This workshop is part of our Start-up and Grow programme of business support, which runs throughout the year. As this is a funded programme, there may be additional paperwork to complete. If you would like to learn more about the programme, you can book in for a chat by emailing   

Overview: 
AI is no longer a futuristic idea — it’s here, reshaping how businesses connect with their customers. Whether you’re a startup finding your feet or an established business looking to stay competitive, this workshop will help you cut through the noise and discover how AI can transform your marketing. 

Led by Jonny Ross, digital strategist and Fractional CMO, this practical and engaging session explores how AI tools can save you time, improve creativity, and boost your visibility online. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what AI can (and can’t) do, plus actionable ways to start using it in your own marketing campaigns straight away. 

We’ll explore: 

• Demystifying AI for Business – What AI actually is, how it’s impacting marketing, and where startups and small businesses can gain the most value right now. 

• AI + SEO: Being Found in a Generative World – How AI is changing search, why Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) matters, and the practical steps you can take to stay visible. 

• Supercharging Content Creation – Using AI to brainstorm ideas, draft blogs, and build content calendars that align with your marketing goals. 

• Smarter Social & Email Campaigns – How AI can support you to write posts, craft subject lines, and personalise messaging without losing your authentic voice. 

• Choosing the Right AI Tools – An overview of the most useful tools for small businesses, with tips on how to integrate them into your workflow without overwhelm. 

• Building Your AI Action Plan – A simple framework to help you prioritise where AI fits into your marketing and what to do next. 

Key Outcomes: 
By the end of this workshop, you will: 

• Have a clearer understanding of AI and its role in modern marketing. 

• Know practical ways to use AI to save time and make your marketing more effective. 

• Understand how AI is impacting SEO and how to keep your business discoverable. 

• Leave with an action plan of AI-powered marketing steps tailored to your business goals. 

About Jonny Ross 

 Jonny Ross is founder of Fleek Marketing, a Fractional CMO, and co-author of WebProud. 

With 25+ years of experience in small business, SEO, and digital strategy, he specialises in helping businesses become more visible and competitive online. Jonny also co-hosts the 90-Day Website Mastery Podcast. 

The Start-up and Grow project is being delivered by Leeds City Council and Leeds Libraries, and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority leads the implementation of the Fund as part of the Mayor's ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live.  

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