In the ever-evolving world of marketing, tongue-in-cheek phrases like “Tits, Tots, and Terriers” once summed up attention-grabbing tactics. Today, small businesses have a smarter, more sustainable weapon: Artificial Intelligence. With tools like Google AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, brands can dig deep into data, craft emotional stories, and supercharge campaigns in a personalized yet ethical way.
This guide covers the old-school ad sensibilities, demonstrates how AI transforms them, and shows you how to grow your business with real-world examples and smart tech choices.
What Did “Tits, Tots & Terriers” Represent?
1. Tits – Provocative imagery for instant attention
2. Tots – Children to spark warmth and protectiveness
3. Terriers – Cute animals to evoke empathy
These shortcuts worked because they tapped primal emotions, but today’s audiences crave authenticity.
Real-World Campaign Examples
GoDaddy with Danica Patrick: Leveraged celebrity and sex appeal; shifted to clarity by foregrounding what the business does.
GEICO Gecko: Transformed a brand name mispronunciation into a relatable mascot who communicates benefits.
Aflac Duck: A simple quack that drives brand recall—so strong the duck is now part of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Michelin “Baby Inside Tire”: Humanizes product safety with emotion—mirroring primal triggers, but without kitsch.
Liberty Mutual LiMu Emu & Doug: A playful parody of animal mascots, offering humor with self-awareness.
Carl’s Jr. Free Hangover Burger Day (Super Bowl 2025): Taps into cultural moments and millennial humor with influencer Alix Earle.
GoDaddy Puppy Spot Pulled in 2015: Misfired when audiences saw it as tone-deaf—was pulled after backlash.
How Google AI Mode & OpenAI Shape Modern Campaigns
Google AI Mode
Strengths: Trend analysis, search behavior insights, public opinion summaries
Limitations: Sanitizes content, doesn’t generate polished copy
Use it for: Keyword research, competitor benchmarking, SEO-optimized insights
OpenAI (ChatGPT)
Strengths: Writes blogs, ads, emails, scripts, VSLs in brand tone
Limitations: Not live—needs fact-checking; may need prompt guidance
Use it for: Ideation, copywriting, chatbot flows, brand storytelling
Best Strategy?
Google AI → Understand what your audience wants
ChatGPT → Craft how you deliver the message
Google AI vs. OpenAI: Side‑by‑Side
Modernized “Tits, Tots & Terriers” with AI Tools
Truth, Trust, Transformation
Use Google AI to surface customer pain points
Use ChatGPT to tell genuine success stories
Relatability, Relevance, Respect
Use AI to match tone and tailor content by segments
Ensure messaging is ethical and transparent
Values, Vision, Visuals
Train AI on your brand values
Use DALL·E or Firefly for authentic visuals aligned with campaigns
