How I Caught My Marketing Vendor Using AI

There has been news on how people caught others on using AI.

I never thought that it'll happen to me too.

It started out as a partnership like many others.

I hired a marketing agency vendor to help elevate my company brand’s online presence. No harm here, they seemed legit enough. They promised strategic campaigns, audience insights, and engaging content that would set me apart from competitors. For a few weeks, everything seemed fine.

Until they did not. And the results felt off.

As I was reading the contents gave me, there were many things that seemed humans won't do.

That’s when I discovered the uncomfortable truth: my trusted marketing vendor had been using AI-generated content — and not even reviewing it before sending it off.

What I thought was expert-driven strategy turned out to be AI output gone unchecked, and it nearly cost me my credibility.

How I Realized Something Was Off With Their Content

The first sign came through tone.

The blogs and captions they delivered had this oddly robotic feel — too perfect, too generic, and emotionally flat.

Then I noticed repetitive phrasing and keyword stuffing:

Phrases like “cutting-edge digital transformation” or “data-driven innovation” appearing far too often.

It felt algorithmic, not authentic.

And lastly, I was wondering why would they put emojis on the reports. It wasn't professional and it was highly inappropriate for a report.

The Final Verdict

For a double check, I decided to run a quick content check through an AI detector. Just to confirm my suspicions.

The results?

Over 95% probability of being machine-written.

I was stunned as I looked at the results. It was as if I was back in University making sure that my essay wasn't plagiarized.

At that moment, all I felt was immense disappointment. My agency wasn’t creating; they were copying and pasting what AI tools produced without any editorial review or brand alignment.

I have spent so much money and time on this vendor, and to think that they'd use AI on me was a cheap move. If I wanted an AI generated content, I would've gladly paid $25 for a ChatGPT pro and be done with it.

I knew I wasn't going to let my vendor get away with it.

The Rise of AI in Digital Marketing: A Double-Edged Sword

AI has revolutionized and, sadly, disrupted nearly every industries, including Marketing.

From generating ad copies to automating SEO reports, tools like ChatGPT and Deepseek have become hot platforms for everyone to use.

They save time, reduce costs, and help scale operations.

The Difference Between AI Assistance and AI Dependency

There’s nothing wrong with using AI as an assistant. The problem starts when it becomes a substitute for expertise. My vendor had crossed that line — relying entirely on AI, skipping human review, and passing the results as professional work.

The Ethical Dilemma of Using AI Without Oversight

Unchecked AI usage raises a serious ethical question: is it right to deliver AI-generated content to clients without disclosure or review? In my case, it was not just lazy — it was deceptive.

Lessons Learned

Vetting Digital Marketing Vendors Before Hiring

Now, I always ask vendors about their content creation process.

If they use AI, I expect transparency and a clear explanation of how they review, edit, and humanize that content. Otherwise, I may as well not work with them.

Marketing vendors are just not cheap.

Setting Clear Guidelines for AI Use in Marketing Projects

Your contract should include a clause specifying whether and how AI tools may be used. This ensures accountability and ethical practice.

Building a Balanced Workflow Between AI and Human Creativity

AI should enhance creativity, not replace it.

The best approach combines AI efficiency with human empathy — a partnership that multiplies quality, not shortcuts it.

Best Practices for Responsible AI Use in Digital Marketing

From that costly experience, I learned several things in this age of AI.

And if I want to put my money to good use on these vendors, there are main points that I must keep in mind before hiring now:

1. Always Review AI Outputs Thoroughly

No matter how advanced the AI, human review is essential. Every piece of content should go through an editorial check.

2. Combine Data-Driven AI Insights With Human Emotion

Let AI handle analytics, but keep humans responsible for storytelling, tone, and brand voice.

3. Train Your Team on AI Ethics and Accuracy

Ongoing training helps marketers use AI responsibly while maintaining authenticity and trust.

The Bigger Picture: How AI Misuse Damages Trust

Client Trust vs. Convenience: The Fine Line in Marketing

When agencies choose convenience over quality, they lose credibility. AI should serve clients, not deceive them.

Why Transparency in AI Usage Builds Long-Term Partnerships

Clients value honesty. Being upfront about AI use doesn’t weaken your brand — it strengthens trust.

Final Thoughts

Human Judgment Will Always Matter in Marketing

AI can speed up processes, but it can’t replace intuition, empathy, or creative thinking. My experience taught me a vital truth — AI is powerful, but without human review, it’s dangerous. The best marketing still comes from humans using AI wisely, not blindly.

FAQs About AI Use in Marketing

1. What is the biggest risk of using AI in digital marketing? The biggest risk is publishing inaccurate or generic content that damages your brand’s credibility.

2. How can I tell if my marketing agency is using AI tools? Look for repetitive phrases, robotic tone, or errors in data. You can also use AI content detectors to verify.

3. Is it unethical for agencies to use AI for content creation?

Not if they disclose it and review it properly. The issue is deception and lack of oversight, not AI itself.

4. How should AI be used responsibly in marketing?

AI should assist — not replace creative professionals. Always include human editing and brand voice adjustments.

5. What should I include in a vendor contract about AI use?

Specify how AI tools may be used, what review process is required, and who is accountable for quality.

6. Can AI fully replace human creativity in marketing?

Never. AI can generate, but humans create.

As Michael Bay says: It doesn’t CREATE, it just IMITATES. And it will create a whole bunch of lazy people. So to all the original creators out there, have no fear!”