What CMOs Are Focused on Going Into 2026 - and What They Get Terribly Wrong With AI

The $1 Trillion Question for Modern Marketers

The marketing landscape is on the verge of a seismic shift. According to a recent Dentsu report, global advertising spend is projected to soar by $50 billion, reaching $1.04 trillion in 2026. This growth, fueled by major events like the Olympic Winter Games, FIFA World Cup, and US midterm elections, will outpace the global economy’s expansion. By 2028, ad spend is forecasted to hit $1.15 trillion, with AI-driven algorithms powering over three-quarters of those investments.

But as CMOs look to the future, a critical question emerges: Will AI help brands truly stand out—or will it simply accelerate the race to sameness?

The CMO’s 2026 Agenda: AI at the Center

Dentsu’s research reveals three top AI priorities for CMOs heading into 2026:

• Understanding generative AI’s use cases, opportunities, and risks (34%)
• Developing AI agents and related technologies (31%)
• Leveraging AI for data analysis and reporting (31%)

With 71.6% of ad spend already algorithm-driven, and that figure climbing to 76% by 2028—the pressure is on for marketing leaders to harness AI for competitive advantage.

Yet, amid this AI gold rush, many CMOs are missing the mark in one crucial area: true personalization and brand differentiation.

Why Personalization Is the Real Competitive Moat

The Marketplace Is More Crowded Than Ever

Consumers are bombarded with thousands of messages daily. As advertising becomes more automated and data-driven, the risk is clear: brands start to sound—and look—alike. When everyone uses the same AI tools, targeting the same segments, with similar creative, differentiation evaporates.

Personalization Is No Longer Optional

To break through the noise, brands must deliver content and experiences that feel tailor-made for each audience. Personalization isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for:

• Higher engagement and retention
• Stronger brand loyalty
• Superior ROI on ad spend

But here’s the catch: AI alone doesn’t guarantee personalization that resonates.

The AI Trap: Why Most CMOs Get Personalization Wrong

Algorithms Without Insight = Generic Output Most AI platforms optimize for what’s easy to measure: clicks, impressions, surface-level demographics. They’re powerful at scale, but lack the psychological depth needed to forge real connections.

• AI can automate. But can it understand?
• AI can segment. But can it empathize?

Without a deep grasp of audience psychology, even the most advanced AI risks serving up content that’s technically “personalized” but emotionally flat.

The Danger of Blind AI Adoption

Relying solely on AI—without the right data—leads to:

• Homogenized creative that fails to differentiate your brand
• Missed opportunities to engage niche segments or emerging needs
• Wasted ad spend on campaigns that don’t move the needle

As algorithmic media buying becomes the norm, the brands that win will be those who pair AI with true audience understanding.

Solsten: Empowering CMOs to Achieve True Personalization With Elaris

The Solsten Advantage: Psychology-Powered AI

Solsten’s Elaris platform is built on a simple premise: AI is only as powerful as the insights behind it. Elaris goes beyond basic data, leveraging psychological profiles of millions to deliver:

• Deep audience understanding: Uncover the motivations, values, and behaviors that drive your customers.
• Behavioral forecasting: Predict how audiences will respond to content, before you launch.
• Data-driven personalization: Craft campaigns that resonate at a psychological level, not just a demographic one.

Building AI Agents With Solsten Data

Elaris doesn’t just analyze data—it empowers you to build intelligent agents that act on it. With Solsten, CMOs can:

• Deploy AI agents that optimize creative, messaging, and targeting in real time—always grounded in robust psychological insights.
• Automate personalization at scale, without sacrificing authenticity or brand voice.
• Continuously learn from audience reactions, refining strategies for maximum impact.

Real Results, Not Hype

Solsten clients consistently achieve:

• Higher engagement rates
• Reduced churn
• Superior ROI on ad spend
• Stronger brand differentiation Because Elaris is designed to empower marketers—not replace them—it ensures your brand’s unique voice and vision always shine through.

The Risks of Ignoring Psychological Data

The Illusion of Personalization

Without psychological data, AI-driven marketing can fall into the trap of:

• Surface-level segmentation: Missing the “why” behind audience actions.
• Creative fatigue: Repeating what works for others, not what’s unique to your brand.
• Lost loyalty: Failing to create emotional connections that drive long-term value.

The Solution: Human-Centric AI Solsten’s approach ensures that every campaign is:

• Rooted in real human insight
• Validated by behavioral science
• Optimized for both short-term performance and long-term brand health

The Future of Marketing: AI + Psychology = Unmatched Resonance

What Sets Solsten Apart

• Proprietary psychological data: The world’s largest dataset on consumer psychology, powering every recommendation.
• Elaris platform: Instantly actionable insights, delivered in seconds.
• Agent-building capabilities: Let your AI work for you, not against you.

Why CMOs Choose Solsten

• Stand out in a crowded market: Deliver content that’s impossible to ignore.
• Future-proof your strategy: As AI adoption accelerates, psychological insight is your competitive edge.
• Drive measurable results: From engagement to retention, see the impact in your bottom line.

Ready to See the Difference?

Solsten is already helping the world’s most innovative marketers turn AI from a buzzword into a true driver of brand growth. If you’re ready to move beyond generic automation and unlock the full potential of personalization, it’s time to experience Elaris. Start your free account or book a demo today. Discover how Solsten empowers you to build content that instantly resonates—at scale, with precision, and with the human touch your audience craves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is personalization so important for CMOs in 2026? Personalization is the key to breaking through the noise in a crowded marketplace. With most ad spend becoming algorithm-driven, only brands that deliver truly tailored content will capture attention and build loyalty.
2. What’s the biggest mistake CMOs make with AI? Many CMOs rely on AI for automation without ensuring it’s powered by deep psychological insights. This leads to generic, undifferentiated campaigns that fail to connect emotionally with audiences.
3. How does Solsten’s Elaris platform differ from other AI marketing tools? Elaris uses proprietary psychological data to deliver actionable insights, enabling brands to personalize content at a much deeper level than demographic or behavioral data alone.
4. What are the risks of using AI without psychological data? Without psychological data, AI-driven marketing can result in creative sameness, missed engagement opportunities, and wasted ad spend. Emotional resonance is lost.
5. How does Solsten help CMOs build better AI agents? Solsten’s data powers AI agents that optimize campaigns in real time, always grounded in audience psychology. This ensures every action is relevant, authentic, and effective.
6. Can Solsten help with both creative and media optimization? Yes. Elaris provides insights for both creative development and media targeting, ensuring your entire campaign is aligned with what your audience truly wants.
7. How quickly can I start seeing results with Solsten? Most clients see actionable insights and improvements in campaign performance within days of using Elaris. The platform is designed for rapid onboarding and impact.
8. How do I get started with Solsten? You can start your free account or book a personalized demo to explore how Solsten can revolutionize your marketing strategy. Visit Solsten.io to get started. Unlock the future of marketing. Build content that resonates. Experience the power of Elaris by Solsten.

Next steps:

Ready to lead your brand into the future? Start your account or book a demo with Solsten today.