Pick by job, not hype
Map your workflow — research, copy, images, video, voice, launch, measurement, automation — and choose one primary tool per job.
Toolkit
The AI ad tool stack — what we use, and what to skip.
There are thousands of AI tools and new ones every week. You don’t need most of them. Here’s how we think about the stack by job-to-be-done, the tools our coaches commonly use and how to start lean.
How to think about tools
Process first, tools second
Start lean
Most people can run the whole program with a general AI assistant, one image tool, a free video editor and native platform tools. Add paid tools when a bottleneck is real.
Check rights and data
Read commercial-use terms, understand how each tool handles your data, and don’t paste sensitive customer information into tools without proper agreements.
Re-evaluate quarterly
The best tool for a job can change in months. A quarterly review keeps your stack current without constant switching.
The stack
Tools by category
These are tools our coaches commonly use or evaluate. Inside the program, you’ll get workflows and prompts that work across tools in each category.
Ideation, research & copy
| Tool | What we use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) | Research synthesis, angle generation, ad copy, scripts, data analysis | Strong all-rounder; custom GPTs and projects help store brand context |
| Claude (Anthropic) | Long-document analysis, brand voice writing, landing page copy, review mining | Handles long inputs like transcripts and review exports well |
| Gemini (Google) | Research, copy and working inside the Google ecosystem | Useful alongside Google Workspace and Google Ads workflows |
| Native platform AI | Text variations and suggestions inside Meta, Google and TikTok | Convenient; review outputs for accuracy and voice |
Image generation & editing
| Tool | What we use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higgsfield | Image and video generation for ad concepts, product scenes and social formats | Brings multiple generation models and creative presets into one place |
| Midjourney | Stylized concept art, lifestyle scenes and mood exploration | Strong aesthetics; plan extra steps for exact product accuracy |
| Adobe Firefly | Generative fill, background extension and edits inside Adobe apps | Positioned by Adobe as designed for commercial use; integrates with Photoshop |
| GPT image generation (OpenAI) | Text-heavy graphics, quick variations and conversational edits | Convenient inside ChatGPT for fast iteration |
Video generation & editing
| Tool | What we use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higgsfield | Cinematic and social-style video clips, motion presets, product shots | Also covers images, so it can consolidate creative tools |
| Runway | Text- and image-to-video, B-roll and video editing tools | Mature creative toolset for editors |
| Veo (Google) | Text- and image-to-video generation | Available through Google’s AI products; availability varies by plan and region |
| Kling | Image-to-video and motion generation | Popular for realistic motion from a still image |
| CapCut | Short-form editing, captions, templates and quick cuts | Fast for Reels, TikTok and Shorts; review commercial-use terms for templates and music |
Avatars & voice
| Tool | What we use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HeyGen | AI avatar presenters, video translation and lip-synced localization | Use consented avatars only and disclose where required |
| ElevenLabs | Voiceovers, voice cloning (with consent) and dubbing | Natural-sounding voices for ads and localization |
Analytics, tracking & attribution
| Tool | What we use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics 4 | Site analytics, channel reporting, conversion paths | Free baseline every business should configure properly |
| Triple Whale | Ecommerce analytics and attribution dashboards | Popular with Shopify brands |
| Northbeam | Multi-touch attribution and media mix insights | Typically used by higher-spend brands |
| Hyros | Call- and lead-based attribution tracking | Common in info-product, coaching and lead-gen funnels |
| Platform tools | Meta Events Manager, Google Tag Manager, TikTok Events API | Free and essential for clean conversion data |
Automation & workflow
| Tool | What we use it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zapier | Lead routing, CRM updates, notifications and simple AI steps | Easiest to start with; large app library |
| Make | Multi-step visual automations and reporting pipelines | More flexible logic for complex scenarios |
| n8n | Advanced and self-hostable automations, AI agent workflows | Developer-friendly; good for data control |
Landing pages & funnels
| Category | What to look for | Examples of options |
|---|---|---|
| Page builders | Fast mobile load times, easy A/B testing, form and pixel integrations | Website platforms such as Webflow, WordPress, Shopify and dedicated landing page builders |
| Funnel & CRM suites | Pages, forms, calendars, email, SMS and pipelines in one place | All-in-one marketing CRMs common with agencies and local businesses |
| Scheduling | Calendar booking with qualification questions and reminders | Standalone schedulers or built-in CRM calendars |
Starter stacks
Where to start, by stage
Getting started
One general AI assistant, one image tool, CapCut, native platform AI features, GA4 and Google Tag Manager. Enough to complete the program.
Scaling creative
Add a dedicated video generation tool, ElevenLabs for voiceovers and Zapier or Make for lead routing and reporting.
Teams & agencies
Add an attribution platform suited to your model, n8n or Make for automated reporting and avatar tools for localization at scale.
Example workflow
How the tools fit together in one week
- 01
Monday: Research
Export reviews and ad comments, analyze them with ChatGPT or Claude using our research prompts and update your angle library.
- 02
Tuesday: Concept & copy
Generate hooks and scripts with the Hook Matrix prompt, then edit for brand voice and accuracy.
- 03
Wednesday: Produce
Create statics with an image tool using your real product photos, generate B-roll with a video tool, record talking-head clips and edit in CapCut. Add voiceover with ElevenLabs if needed.
- 04
Thursday: Launch
Launch into your testing campaigns with consistent naming. Automations route new leads to your CRM and notify your team.
- 05
Friday: Measure
Pull results from Ads Manager, GA4 and your attribution tool into a scorecard, then use AI to summarize findings and draft next week’s tests.
FAQ
Tool stack questions, answered
Do I need to pay for all of these tools?
No. Most students start with a few free or low-cost tools. The program is designed so you can complete every module with a lean stack.
Do you earn commissions from these tools?
No. We have no affiliate relationships with the tools listed here. If that ever changes, we’ll disclose it clearly on this page.
Which tool is best for AI video ads?
It depends on the job — realistic motion, stylized concepts, editing or avatars. Quality leaders change frequently, which is why we teach a workflow that works across tools and review the options with students regularly.
Is it safe to use AI-generated assets commercially?
It depends on each tool’s terms and what you generate. Review commercial-use terms, avoid copyrighted characters and real people’s likenesses without consent, and see our brand-safety guidelines.
Do you teach the automations?
Yes. The program includes templates and walkthroughs for lead routing, reporting and creative workflows using common automation tools.
Next cohort starts January 12, 2027
Tools are easy. Systems are the advantage.
Learn the workflows, prompts and automations that turn these tools into profitable ads — with coaches helping you build your stack.