Using AI the Locable Way - Faster Content & Real Results - Local Marketing that Avoids Mistakes

Using AI (and Actual Intelligence) to Make Local Marketing Easier, Faster, and More Authentic

As Locable works to integrate Artificial Intelligence into our local marketing tools, we wanted to wade into the conversation with some observations, suggestions, and a little foreshadowing of what's to come.

“I don’t know what your problem is - but the solution is content.”

We say it a lot because it’s true: whatever your challenge is - building awareness, increasing donations, attracting vendors, engaging volunteers - the solution is almost always content but at the local level, content is also one of the biggest challenges.

• Content that’s grounded in reality.
• Content that highlights how you help, who you help, and why it matters.
• Content that connects with people in your community.

But for most local Main Streets, Chambers, Tourism orgs, nonprofits and small businesses, creating that kind of content is… a grind.

Writing is time-consuming. It’s awkward. And let’s face it - when you’re wearing ten hats already, writing drops to the bottom of the priority list... if it was ever a priority.

So now everyone’s talking about AI like it’s some kind of magic fix.

We disagree.

This post unpacks how AI can help at the local level, when it’s done right, and shows a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re using AI (and a little Actual Intelligence) to create content faster without losing your voice or values.

AI Isn't the Answer but it can Remove Excuses

AI can seem like magic and is a tremendous resource but when it comes to marketing your business, organization, or community it's merely a facilitator.

In order to be relevant, AI tools require that you know what to ask, how to structure the prompt, and how to edit what comes out. And when you don’t? You get 500 words of vaguely polished mush that doesn't help you address the 4 reasons someone should work with you - why they should care.

At Locable, we’ve used Actual Intelligence for years - our Guided Blogging feature and Marketing 3-4-5™ marketing plans utilize simple questions to help you quickly create content that shares real-world examples. Now we’re working to layer in artificial intelligence to make that process even faster.

But our AI isn't being designed to replace your story - but rather to help you tell it.

Using AI to Run Sentiment Analysis on Our Customer Reviews

We had a fun idea:

What if we used AI to quickly analyze all the reviews people have written about us?

If you’ve ever read product reviews on Amazon or summaries on ecommerce sites, you’ve likely seen how quick highlights and themes help you make decisions faster. We thought, “Why not do the same with our own feedback?” It sounded insightful… and, honestly, a little fun.

So we ran sentiment analysis across the reviews on locable.com/reviews to quickly surface what our users actually say, what they care about, and what stands out most in their experience with Locable.

We want to see if our core value promises of Automation, Streamlining, and Simplification are being delivered and appreciated by our customers.

Here’s what we found in the reviews:

🔹 People love how much time they’re saving

“I wish I’d started sooner” came up more than once - because what used to take hours now gets done in minutes.

🔹 Non-tech users feel confident and in control

One reviewer shared, “I’m not tech savvy, but this made me feel like I could do it.” That’s a direct hit on our goal to make powerful tools feel simple.

🔹 Our support isn’t just responsive - it’s calming

“The support was amazing and really walked me through everything.” That handholding experience? It matters.

🔹 Users are doing real marketing, not busywork

They’re publishing event recaps, sending emails, updating websites - without getting stuck in the weeds. That’s time shifted from “just trying to keep up” to doing things that move the needle.

🔹 Collaboration is happening automatically

Even if people don’t use the term, they talk about how their site connects with community calendars, promotes partners, and keeps things in sync - without extra work.

Bottom line:

The reviews back up our core value promises - consolidated tools, authentic content, easy execution, guided support, and collaborative impact. That’s what we aim to deliver - and that’s what people are experiencing.

When we asked the AI to read between the lines on feedback it found, "Automated publishing, connections, and reminders aren’t just technical features - they reduce day-to-day stress." and "No one is left behind, Locable's support is real help for real people."

From One-Off Analysis to Everyday Content Creation

Of course, running sentiment analysis on reviews was more of a fun edge case than something you’ll do every day.

Day-to-day, what matters most is creating content around the things you actually want to repeat - your best customers, strongest projects, most committed volunteers, standout donors, and so on.

That’s where our Guided Approach comes in.

We ask simple, relevant questions - largely inspired by the classic journalist prompts (who, what, why, when, where) - but rewritten to be more approachable and designed to get immediate answers from real people without overthinking.

These prompts help surface the story, the impact, and the relevance.

From there, AI will take your answers, layer in your organizational details, apply our Marketing 3-4-5™ framework, and deliver polished, contextual content -ready to publish or send.

You’re not stuck staring at a blank screen.

You’re not left wondering what to say or how to say it.

You’re just sharing what already happened - and letting the system do the rest.

How We Used AI for This Article

This article was created using AI as a content assistant.

We started by asking it to analyze our reviews, reference our company background, and help draft key sections. I (Brian in this case) provided feedback along the way, reworked some parts for clarity and tone, and tweaked the final output to make sure it stayed relevant and useful.

The result? An article that sounds like us and covers a lot of ground - without taking all day.

It’s worth noting: this post is much longer than what most local organizations will need and lacks local photography that is critical to your authenticity. Typical use cases will be shorter, faster, and focused on showcasing a single event, success story, or community highlight and a picture or two from your smartphone.

That’s the point - AI tells your story and works into your life.

Join the Waitlist

While our AI-powered tools are still being finalized, you can start right now using our Local Marketing Plans and free downloadable worksheets. They walk you through simple, high-impact content activities using the same guided philosophy.

🎯 Ready to create better content, faster - with help?

Join the waitlist below to be first in line when our AI-powered content assistant rolls out.