Ever thought an ad was just a colourful video to grab eyeballs? Well…there’s more beneath the surface. Big players are using ads not just to sell, but to tell the world who they are. Let’s dive into how the giant Coca‑Cola did exactly that with an AI‑powered holiday ad, and what you, as a business owner or digital‑learner, can take away for your own online game.

The Case: Coca‑Cola + AI + Holiday Magic

In their latest seasonal campaign, Coca‑Cola leaned heavily on generative AI to bring back their iconic “Holidays Are Coming” theme.
Forbes

Here’s what’s interesting: the article points out that this wasn’t just about creating a commercial, it was a signal to stakeholders, investors, competitors and customers that Coca‑Cola is evolving.

In other words: the video was part marketing, part corporate communication.

What That Means for Business Owners

If you run a small business (or are helping others run theirs), you might ask: “So what? It’s Coca‑Cola. They’ve got mega budgets.” True, but the principles apply to you too.

1. Your Content = Your Signals

When Coca‑Cola used AI, they weren’t just saying “Look at our ad”  they were saying “Look at us, we’re innovative.” For you, this means every piece of content (website update, social post, promo email) signals something about your brand: “We’re fun”, “We’re up‑to‑date”, “We pay attention”, etc.
Ask yourself: What does my content say to someone besides my existing customers?

2. Technology Isn’t Always the Star Authenticity Is

Despite the technical feat, some critics of Coca‑Cola’s AI ad said it felt “cold” or “off”.

Lesson: tech and tools are cool. But if your content loses the human touch, the connection falters. So when you’re posting webinars, making graphics, or running digital sessions (as you do for Start Digital), remember to keep the human story front‑and‑centre: the person behind it, the journey, the why.

3. Use Moments to Re‑Define Yourself

Big brands use “moments” (holiday campaigns, launches) to say “this is who we are now”. You can too. Maybe you’re introducing a new training style, about to host a live webinar, or launching a fresh service. Use that moment to not just tell “what” but “who”.

Actionable Takeaways for Your Audience

Here are three quick wins you can use right away (and share with your business‑owner clients):

Audit your assets: Check your latest posts, emails, graphics. Ask: “If someone saw this and didn’t know us, what would they think we stand for?”

Keep people in focus: Whether it’s a behind‑the‑scenes shot of your trainer (hello Holly!), a real client testimonial, or a casual “here’s how we mess up too” post, authenticity wins.

Signal growth: If you make a change (new course, tech upgrade, fresh branding), shout it, but in a way that shows the benefit: “We’ve upgraded so you can spend less time stressing and more time achieving.”

Why This Matters to Start Digital’s Audience

Your audience, entrepreneurs, business owners, digital novices, aren’t just buying a course or a webinar. They’re buying confidence, clarity, and connection. When you show them how big brands use strategy + tech + storytelling, you’re demystifying digital for them. And you’re reinforcing that you can help them achieve it, even without mega budgets.

Final Thought

So next time you’re thinking “Should we boost this post? Should we use that fancy new tech?” take a step back and ask: What am I signalling with this?

Because in the digital world, your content is your corporate communication too, just scaled to your size and personality.

Let’s lean into that, be fun, be smart, and be unmistakably you.