Artificial intelligence (AI) in sales, the application of advanced machine learning algorithms, and data analytics to assist and automate various aspects of the sales process are increasingly common.
Data shows that businesses investing in AI see a revenue uplift of up to 15 percent and a sales ROI uplift of 10 to 20 percent. So, according to the 2024 Salesforce State of Sales Report, it makes sense that 81% of sales teams are either experimenting with or have fully implemented AI.
In sales and marketing, we see the use of AI show up most frequently in processes like lead generation, customer engagement, and forecasting. The result? Improvements to efficiency, effectiveness, productivity, and profitability.
And now, many organizations view AI as essential, versus previous years when it was largely thought of as a nice-to-have.
Businesses that fail to utilize AI tools in sales and marketing risk being left behind by competitors.
This blog discusses how artificial intelligence transforms sales, its use cases, benefits, tools for 2025, and tips for implementing AI in your sales strategy.
Let’s dive in!
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Take Me to BlogWhat is Sales AI?
Sales AI uses AI tools and technologies to streamline and enhance sales processes. AI in sales and marketing is essential to automation and data-driven decision-making.
For instance, AI enables chatbots to engage with leads, helps sales reps personalize email communications, and can improve customer experiences by suggesting solutions as it anticipates customer pain points. It also helps applications generate market insights, sales forecasts, and consolidated reports to enable informed decisions.
In the end, this means greater efficiency and productivity across your team.
What Kinds of Artificial Intelligence Are Being Used in Sales?
You might see a few different applications of AI in sales. The following provides a brief overview of AI technologies commonly used in sales.
Machine Learning: A form of AI that examines data and formulates predictions or insights based on patterns. For instance, machine learning uses historical customer data to predict behaviors.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): This type of AI enables computers to understand, interpret, and create human language in a useful and meaningful way. For example, conversational AI, chatbots, and email analysis are all powered by NLP.
Predictive Analytics: A kind of AI that enables sales to anticipate trends. For instance, predictive analytics for lead scoring examine past lead behavior to determine high-converting lead characteristics, helping sales teams prioritize those most likely to convert. This type of AI also facilitates sales forecasting based on historical sales data and market trends.
Sales AI Use Cases and Examples
Now, let’s take a look at a few real-world AI in sales examples.
- Lead scoring using predictive analytics.
- Chatbots improve customer/website response times.
- Automated proposal creation and follow-ups.
- Competitor intel
Next, let’s look at AI for sales to facilitate marketing and cross-functional alignment.
These examples of artificial intelligence in sales and marketing include:
- Curating positive reviews and themes around value: This information can be used in marketing campaigns, testimonials, and case studies to build brand credibility and attract new customers. It also helps sales and marketing teams ensure a consistent message across all channels.
- Competitor intel: These real-time insights help sales and marketing teams differentiate their offerings, identify market opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.
- Analyzing customer usage for content: These insights can be used to create targeted content like external reports, whitepapers, blog posts, and other content.
- Building custom GPTs by persona to assist messaging: These models analyze persona-specific language preferences, pain points, and motivations, enabling personalized and effective communication. They help marketing and sales create messages that resonate with specific target audiences. Sales reps can also use these GPTs to craft communications like emails and social media posts, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.
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Talk to SalesBenefits of Using AI Sales Tools
Using AI for sales offers several key advantages.
Artificial intelligence in sales improves efficiency with automation. According to HubSpot, sales professionals save up to 2 hours and 15 minutes daily using AI or automation tools to perform manual tasks.
The same survey found AI helped sales reps spend up to 25% more time selling.
So, it’s unsurprising that 80% of sellers who reached or exceeded 150% of quota use AI sales tech at least once a week.
Additionally, AI in sales facilitates enhanced personalization in customer interactions and better forecasting and decision-making. For instance, sales managers leveraging AI to analyze their sales team members’ activities increased their coaching time up to 30%. That’s a 20% increase!
Other benefits of using AI for sales teams include:
- Improved Sales Forecasting Accuracy
- Individualized Sales Training and Coaching
- Personalized Customer Experiences Based on Preferences and Behaviors
- Higher-Quality Sales Data
- Simplified Strategic Planning
- Streamlined Incentive Management Processes
- Enhanced Customer Engagement
Limitations of AI for sales teams
Despite the advantages of using AI for sales, a few potential challenges may bubble up.
Dependency on Accurate Data
AI is only as effective as the data it uses.
Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to flawed insights and poor decision-making. For sales teams, this means that any errors in customer data, transaction records, or market information can undermine the effectiveness of AI tools and lead to misguided strategies.
High Upfront Costs for Implementation
Plus, AI solutions can come with a high price tag, especially when factoring in time to implement.
These can include the price of the software, integrating it with existing systems, training staff, and ongoing maintenance.
Resistance to Adoption from Sales Teams
Another to look out for is your team’s lack of enthusiasm to change up their processes.
Change can be daunting, and sales teams may resist adopting AI tools due to fear of job displacement, unfamiliarity with the technology, or skepticism about its benefits. This resistance can hinder the integration and effectiveness of AI solutions.
Everyone is Doing It, and It’s Easy to Tell When Used for Outbound
Go to your LinkedIn or inbox right now, and we’ll bet you can pick out the AI-generated posts and emails.
As AI becomes more prevalent in sales and marketing, it’s easier for us to recognize the structure and language produced by bots. Now, those on the receiving end of these messages have begun viewing AI-generated content as spammy.
Loss of Personalization
Furthermore, while AI can analyze vast amounts of data to provide insights, it can also lead to overly generic or formulaic interactions.
Sales is about building relationships, and a lack of genuine personalization can alienate customers who crave human connection.
AI sales tools to start using in 2025
Still, those challenges shouldn’t scare you away.
If you’re just starting to evaluate, check out our popular AI sales tools list below.
Category | Description | Trending Tools |
ChatGPT-powered chatbots | Advanced conversational agents designed to interact with users in a natural and human-like manner, offering 24/7 support. | ProProfs Chat |
Zendesk Chatbot | ||
HubSpot Chatbot | ||
Predictive analytics tools | Forecast future sales trends, customer behavior, and market dynamics to facilitate data-driven decisions and optimize sales strategies. | Salesforce Einstein |
SAP Analytics Cloud | ||
IBM SPSS Modeler | ||
CRM-integrated AI tools | Enhances CRM data to provide real-time insights, automate routine tasks, and improve customer engagement and sales processes. | HubSpot |
QuotaPath | ||
Zendesk Sell |
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Start TrialHow to Implement AI Sales Tools at Your Organization
How you feeling? Ready to implement?
To help, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use AI for sales to help you successfully implement AI for sales in your company.
1. Evaluate Current Processes and Identify Gaps: Review your existing sales workflows to pinpoint inefficiencies and areas where AI can add value, such as lead qualification or customer segmentation.
2. Select Tools that Align with Business Goals: Choose AI tools that match your specific objectives, whether improving sales forecasting, automating outreach, or enhancing customer insights.
3. Train Your Sales Team on AI Integration: Educate your team on using the selected AI tools effectively, emphasizing their benefits and addressing any concerns about adoption.
4. Start Small, Scale Gradually: Implement AI solutions in a phased approach, beginning with pilot projects to test their impact and refine processes before scaling up to broader adoption.
Part of your launch plan must include preparation for dealing with team members who are slow to embrace new technologies. Leverage these tips to overcome their resistance and boost your success as you implement AI for sales teams.
Communicate Benefits Clearly: Highlight how AI tools can make reps’ jobs easier, such as by automating repetitive tasks, providing valuable insights, and boosting overall efficiency.
Involve Teams Early: Engage your sales teams in the selection and implementation process, allowing them to provide input and feel a sense of ownership over the new tools.
Provide Training and Support: Offer comprehensive training sessions to ensure your salespeople feel confident using the new AI tools. Then provide ongoing support to address any concerns or challenges.
Showcase Success Stories: Share examples of other teams or organizations successfully integrating AI into their sales processes, demonstrating tangible benefits and positive outcomes. (At QuotaPath, we have a dedicated AI Best Practices/Wins agenda item built into our weekly Start of the Week meeting. During this, a member of the team will share how they’ve used it recently to help with their role.)
Pilot Programs: Start with small pilot programs to test the effectiveness of AI tools and gather feedback from your sales teams before scaling up.
Implementing these strategies can help ease the transition and foster a positive attitude toward AI adoption within your sales teams.
Embrace AI in Sales for a Competitive Edge
As artificial intelligence and sales continue to evolve, businesses that successfully leverage AI in sales gain, especially regarding efficiency, personalization, and profitability advantages.
From lead scoring to predictive analytics, AI offers tools to enhance every sales process stage.
However, companies must be mindful of potential challenges, including data quality, implementation costs, and the risk of losing personal touch with customers.
By choosing the right AI tools and supporting teams through thoughtful adoption strategies, sales organizations can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
To learn how QuotaPath streamlines the entire commission process with AI, schedule time with our team.