Loyalty reimagined, giveaway psychology, and the rise of AI agents

Edition 76

Author

Luru Labs
July 07, 2025

Hello there,

This week, we’re diving deep into the fast-changing intersection of marketing and AI — from autonomous agents running marketing ops to how AI could flip loyalty programs on their heads. Plus, we've got a fascinating look at what makes giveaways successful and when to lead with empathy versus explanations during customer complaints. Let’s get into it 👇

Autonomous AI Agents Are Here to Run Your Marketing (Sort Of)


Imagine an AI agent that doesn’t just automate tasks but actually thinks like a marketer. That’s what’s unfolding now — with tools like Devin and emerging "CMO agents" gaining traction, the line between human strategist and machine helper is getting blurrier. This deep dive explores where marketing AI agents stand now and where they’re headed.

You should be playing with AI agents for marketing

Inside a marketing org with no marketers, just 40 AI agents

www.growthunhinged.com/p/marketing-ai-agents

Can AI Make Loyalty Programs Actually... Work?


Traditional points-based loyalty programs are often more illusion than influence. But AI could finally give brands the power to personalize rewards at scale, making loyalty feel real again. This piece lays out how AI might reinvent how we win customer devotion.

Will AI ‘completely rewire’ loyalty programs?

Companies have been able to segment customer data for years, but AI takes it a step further, enabling brands to target offers to specific individuals through their rewards programs.

www.customerexperiencedive.com/news/will-ai-completely-rewire-loyalty-programs/751674

The Psychology of Giveaways (Hint: It’s Not About the Prize)

Why do some giveaways go viral while others flop? This breakdown explains the hidden psychological levers behind successful giveaways — including the key difference between what people say they want and what actually gets them to share or sign up.

The Secret Psychology Behind Giveaways That Actually Convert

Giveaways can build real communities - if you know the psychology. Explore the campaign that launched Death Wish Coffee into fame and what marketers can learn about designing high-impact contests.

www.marketergems.com/p/psychology-of-giveaways-success

Customer Complaints: When to Empathize vs. When to Explain

Not all complaints should be handled the same way. This science-backed post offers a surprisingly simple framework: empathy works better for service issues, while explanations shine when the product is the problem. Timing — and tone — are everything.

How to respond to social media complaints

Respond with empathy to complaints that have a sad or disappointed tone. Give explanations to angry complaints. Complaints will be seen by fewer people.

app.sciencesays.com/p/complaints-when-to-use-empathy-vs-explanations


That’s a wrap!
As AI takes on a bigger role in how we earn trust, resolve issues, and build loyalty, it’s more important than ever to understand the why behind consumer behavior. Hope this week’s links gave you something useful (and maybe even a little unexpected) to chew on.

Signing off,

Team ‘Luru