Why I Almost Made the Dumbest Rebranding Decision Ever (And How AI Nearly Ruined My Business)

Hey Agency Owners,

I almost messed up big time this week.

And I'm talking about the kind of mistake that would've made you unsubscribe faster than a client canceling their retainer.

Here's what happened...

I was brainstorming with my AI copywriting bot about expanding this newsletter to other industries.

You know, bring in web developers, consultants, freelancers - anyone who gets scope creeped to death.

Makes sense, right?

But then the AI suggests I rebrand from "Agency Insider" to...

Wait for it...

"Service Business Insider."

I almost said yes.

For about 0.3 seconds, my brain was like "Oh, that makes sense. More inclusive!"

Then I caught myself.

"Service Business Insider"?

That sounds like the most boring corporate newsletter ever created.

Like something HR would force you to read during orientation.

But here's the scary part...

How many people would've just gone with it because it came from an "expert AI"?

The Dangerous Truth About AI Marketing

Everyone's obsessed with AI doing their marketing for them.

"Just prompt your way to success!"

"Let ChatGPT write your emails!"

"AI will replace copywriters!"

Bullsh*t.

AI is a tool, not a replacement for actually knowing what you're doing.

It's like giving someone a Ferrari when they don't know how to drive.

Sure, the car is powerful...

But if you don't understand the fundamentals, you're gonna crash it into a tree.

What Actually Happened Here

The AI gave me textbook "good" advice.

Broader name = bigger market.

More inclusive language = more subscribers.

Technically correct.

But it missed something crucial...

Personality.

"Agency Insider" has attitude.

"Service Business Insider" has the personality of a dental association newsletter.

The AI optimized for logic and missed the human element entirely.

Why This Matters for Your Business

If you're using AI to write your emails, ads, or sales copy...

And you don't know the difference between good and bad marketing...

You're gonna implement whatever it spits out.

Even when it's obviously terrible.

The people winning with AI are the ones who already know marketing.

They use it to go faster, not to think for them.

The people getting burned are trying to use it as a substitute for expertise.

Here's What You Should Do Instead

Use AI as your assistant, not your boss.

Let it generate ideas, write first drafts, handle repetitive tasks.

But YOU make the final call.

Because AI doesn't understand your audience like you do.

It doesn't know your brand voice.

It doesn't have 25 years of marketing experience to draw from.

It just follows patterns and gives you "technically correct" answers.

Which sometimes means "Service Business Insider" instead of keeping the name that actually works.

Action Step This Week

Look at any AI-generated content you're using.

Ask yourself: "Does this sound like me? Or does it sound like a robot trying to sound human?"

If it's the latter, edit the hell out of it.

Or better yet, start over.

Your audience can tell the difference.

And they'll judge you accordingly.

Stay human,

Laura

P.S. I'm keeping "Agency Insider." If you're a freelancer or consultant who gets value from this newsletter, you're welcome to stay. Just don't expect me to bore you with corporate-speak to make you feel more included.

P.S.S This Friday I’m speaking at Survive & Thrive Summit. I think you’ll enjoy what I have to say. Normally $97, but you can grab it free with code LAURABGIFT Click Here: I'll be the one talking about market research