How to Use AI in Sales & 10x Your Funnel’s Performance

Daniyal Dehleh Avatar

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11 min read

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How to use AI in sales

Your next sales hire isn’t a person. It’s a machine, and it’s already outperforming half your team.

AI in sales is not some far-fetched concept anymore. It’s already:

  • Scheduling calls
  • Qualifying leads & writing follow-ups
  • Predicting which deals you’ll lose next and how

While most teams debate whether it’s worth trying, their competitors are closing faster, working less, and scaling like crazy.

It has overtaken everything from scoring leads with scary precision to deploying chatbots that never sleep. You can’t afford to be left behind!

As an avid user of AI who has successfully incorporated AI workflows in sales pipelines for countless businesses over the years, I’m here to explain:

  • How to actually use AI in sales
  • Proven tactics, tools, and examples
  • Real-world applications & potential
  • How to build an effective AI sales workflow

Let’s dive in and explore in detail.

Why is AI taking over sales?

At this point, if you still think AI is a nice-to-have in sales, your pipeline is already falling behind.

The sales game has changed completely, where AI isn’t experimental anymore, but it’s the new baseline.

Nearly 45% of sales professionals use AI-powered CRMs weekly, not to play around, but to crush quotas. They’re not wasting time on admin work as AI handles the grunt work while they focus on closing deals.

And it’s working incredibly well.

AI human in sales

Sales teams using AI tools see 47% higher productivity and save 12 hours per week on average. That’s more time to prospect, connect, and close without burning out.

McKinsey reports that 40% of sales and marketing teams using AI saw 6% or higher revenue growth (nearly half cut costs too).

The results are even more impressive. AI now drives results that humans struggle to match:

  • Up to 50% more leads
  • 60% shorter call times
  • 60% lower operational costs

The market is responding fast as AI in sales is on track to generate $1.3 trillion by 2032, growing at 43% annually.

Nearly 4 in 5 AI adopters say it directly drives profitability. If you’re not in the game, you’re not even on the field.

So the question isn’t “Should I use AI in sales?”
It’s “How soon can I overhaul my entire sales process with it?”

What are the real ways to use AI in sales?

From scoring leads with laser accuracy to handling objections before your rep picks up the phone, here’s how AI is reshaping sales:

Website visitor identification

Your best leads are already on your website. They’re just anonymous.

Most B2B buyers won’t fill out a form. They’ll click around, compare vendors, and bounce without a trace.

But AI changes this completely by identifying who they are, what they looked at, and how you can reach them before competitors do.

website visitor tracking

For example, Maxify Sales tracks anonymous website visitors and uses company intelligence to identify the businesses behind the clicks. It enriches that traffic with job titles, verified contact data, and activity insights.

Your sales team can launch outbound campaigns before a form is even filled. Everything syncs back to your CRM for seamless targeting and follow-up. It does it by:

  • Syncing identified contacts directly into your CRM
  • Launching timely outreach before competitors notice
  • Unmasking anonymous website visitors using company data
  • Prioritizing follow-up based on page activity and engagement

Lead scoring and prioritization

Lead scoring

Stop chasing cold leads as AI tells you who’s ready to buy. So no more gut feelings or guesswork.

AI-powered lead scoring crunches engagement data, intent signals, company information, and historical conversion trends. It ranks leads based on actual revenue potential.

Your reps no longer waste energy guessing as they’re pointed directly to prospects most likely to say yes.

For example, HubSpot uses predictive lead scoring to automatically analyze form fills, email engagement, and website visits.

Based on these signals, it assigns each lead a conversion probability, saving the reps’ time and prioritizing their outreach.

On the other hand, we have Salesforce Einstein, which utilizes CRM activity, historical deal data, and contact roles to predict which opportunities will close. Its lead scoring feature automatically flags high-value accounts for faster follow-up.

Also, Zoho CRM Zia AI tracks behavioral indicators and interaction history to surface leads most likely to convert. Sales teams can focus on warm opportunities instead of drowning in low-value activity.

Real-world applications that drive results for lead scoring:

  • Route hot leads to experienced closers
  • Reduce manual filtering and improve sales velocity
  • Score and rank contacts automatically within your CRM
  • Predict which leads are sales-ready based on engagement and company data

Sales forecasting

AI delivers forecasts you can actually trust.

Back in the day, sales forecasting used to rely on spreadsheets and optimism. Now AI brings objectivity to the process.

By analyzing deal stages, pipeline velocity, historical data, and even rep behavior, AI tools deliver forecasts that are accurate and brutally honest.

sales forecasting

For example, we have Clari, which uses AI to pull data from your CRM, sales calls, and emails to detect pipeline risk and predict revenue outcomes. It adjusts forecasts in real-time based on changing buyer activity.

Meanwhile, Aviso AI goes beyond static CRM fields. It applies deal health scoring and intent signals to project quarter-end results with 98% accuracy, helping sales leaders plan confidently.

Also, Gong Forecast taps into rep call data and buyer sentiment. It uses natural language processing to refine forecast quality. Instead of relying on manual updates, it scores the emotional tone of conversations to flag deal risk.

Real-world applications for AI in sales forecasting include:

  • Identify which deals will likely slip and why
  • Adjust projections dynamically as deals move or stall
  • Enable leadership to allocate resources more confidently
  • Forecast pipeline revenue based on deal stage, activity, and buyer behavior

Personalized outreach

Generic messages are dead. AI helps you write emails that actually get answered.

Buyers today ignore anything that smells templated. AI solves this by customizing outreach based on deep data. 

Purchase history, intent signals, job title, and browsing behavior all feed into messages that hit like one-on-one conversations.

personalized outreach

For example, Maxify Sales delivers personalized outreach across both voice and AI chatbot touchpoints. 

Its chatbot engages website visitors based on browsing behavior, buyer profile, and funnel stage, triggering relevant conversations automatically. Post-call, it can tailor follow-up messages based on past interactions, making every touchpoint feel intentional.

We also have Outreach.io, which uses AI to auto-personalize sales emails by inserting dynamic fields based on buyer role, industry, and funnel stage. It boosts open and reply rates by adapting tone and messaging in real time.

Meanwhile, Drift AI chatbot uses company and behavioral insights to serve custom messages to site visitors. It automatically engages them based on content viewed and funnel position.

Also, Apollo.io leverages AI to enrich contact profiles with company news and recent activity. Reps can craft emails that reference specific pain points or events.

Real applications for AI in personalized outreach could include:

  • Scale personalization without sacrificing relevance
  • Create dynamic email templates tailored to each recipient’s data
  • Suggest subject lines and CTAs optimized for individual behavior
  • Trigger outreach based on live signals (website activity, intent data)

Conversation intelligence

Your calls hold gold, and AI helps you mine it.

Sales calls are goldmines of insights, but most of it vanishes the moment the call ends. 

Conversation intelligence tools use AI to transcribe, analyze, and break down every interaction. You don’t just talk to prospects anymore. You learn from them.

Conversation intelligence_11zon

For example, Maxify Sales captures every sales conversation and automatically generates accurate call summaries. 

It highlights key objections and delivers instant follow-ups. 

Its AI can follow up with prospects immediately after form submission, even on weekends, ensuring no lead slips through the cracks. 

Transcripts and call data are pushed straight into your CRM, so reps can focus on closing, not data entry.

Key features:

  • Follows up with prospects instantly after web form submission
  • Schedules and completes calls even outside working hours
  • Transcribes sales calls and logs summaries into your CRM
  • Sends call recordings and notes to reps automatically
  • Ensures fast, consistent lead response 24/7

What can you do with it?

  • Flag top-performing calls for new rep training
  • Auto-transcribe and summarize every sales call
  • Improve objection handling by spotting patterns
  • Detect deal risks based on tone, keywords, or hesitation

AI-guided selling

Every rep can sell like your top closer if AI tells them what to do next.

AI-guided selling uses real-time insights and behavioral data to suggest the most effective actions at every deal stage. It’s like GPS for your pipeline. Fewer wrong turns, more closed deals.

For example, Salesforce Einstein Next Best Action recommends tailored actions during the sales process. Loop in a stakeholder, send a case study, or follow up after inactivity.

Meanwhile, we have Outreach Kaia, which provides in-the-moment prompts during live calls and meetings. It suggests how to respond to objections or steer conversations based on customer sentiment.

Also, Seismic Enablement Cloud guides reps with relevant content and messaging suggestions based on deal type, persona, and engagement stage.

Real-world application of AI-guided selling includes:

  • Alert reps to timing, urgency, or silent prospects
  • Trigger relevant content suggestions in real time
  • Recommend next actions based on deal behavior and stage
  • Align rep decisions with buyer signals and proven playbooks

Sales enablement tools

If your reps can’t find what they need to sell, you’ve already lost the deal.

AI-powered enablement tools give reps real-time access to training, content, and answers precisely when and where they need them. No more digging, guessing, or “checking with marketing.”

AI guided selling

For example, Highspot AI suggests sales content most likely to convert based on opportunity type and deal history. This saves time and improves effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Seismic enablement platform uses AI to recommend battle cards, case studies, and pitch decks in real time. Reps stay sharp and relevant.

Also, Showpad personalizes training paths using AI performance analytics. Reps get tailored learning journeys based on skill gaps and sales outcomes.

Real world application of AI in sales enablement include:

  • Personalize training plans for each rep
  • Identify what content drives revenue and replicate it
  • Deliver enablement resources inside CRM or call tools
  • Auto-recommend the right sales assets based on deal context

Coaching and training with AI

Your best rep is learning every day. So should the rest.

AI doesn’t just coach. It clones top performance. By analyzing rep behavior, win/loss data, and buyer response, AI creates tailored feedback and learning tracks that turn average sellers into top performers.

AI coaching

For example, Gong Coach surfaces rep-specific coaching opportunities. It compares performance to top sellers and delivers targeted insights for improvement automatically.

Also, Second Nature uses virtual AI roleplays to simulate live sales calls. It provides instant feedback on tone, timing, and objection handling.

We also have SalesHood, which utilizes AI to score rep pitches, provide content recommendations, and benchmark skills across the team.

Real-world applications of coaching and training with AI include:

  • Identify skill gaps before they impact the pipeline
  • Track performance over time with AI benchmarks
  • Simulate realistic sales calls and provide AI scoring
  • Deliver personalized feedback and skill suggestions

How do you choose the right AI sales tools?

AI doesn’t just accelerate sales, but it rewrites the entire playbook (only if you pick the right stack). 

Here’s a breakdown of features that matter and what to use for each one.

Must-have AI sales features and tools

Don’t shop for features but get something that solve real sales problems.

Here’s how to break it down:

Must-have featureWhy it mattersTool you can use
Automated follow-upsRespond instantly to leads even after hoursMaxify Sales
AI-powered call transcriptionReplace manual note-taking with accurate summaries and CRM syncMaxify Sales
24/7 lead handlingBook, call, and qualify leads automatically (nights and weekends)Maxify Sales
Real-time workflow automationRoute leads, update stages, trigger actions based on behaviorHubSpot Workflows, Zapier, Make
Lead scoringPrioritize leads based on intent, fit, and behaviorSalesforce Einstein, Clearbit, MadKudu
CRM integrationSync activities, notes, and pipeline data automaticallyMaxify Sales, HubSpot, Zoho
Sales enablement accessGive reps real-time access to decks, battlecards, and contentSeismic, Highspot
AI chatbotsEngage and qualify inbound leads instantly on your websiteDrift, Intercom, Tidio
Conversation intelligencePull insights from sales calls for follow-up and coachingMaxify Sales
Pipeline forecastingPredict deal outcomes, spot risk, and forecast revenue accuratelyClari, InsightSquared, Aviso

How do you build your AI sales workflow?

You don’t need 10 tools or a data scientist to build an AI sales system. You just need the right steps.

Here is your practical blueprint for designing an AI-powered sales flow that works on autopilot and doesn’t break your team (or your budget). 

  • Start with the basics. 
  • Automate what slows you down. 
  • Then you can build smarter from there.

Step 1: Identify anonymous website visitors

Most sales start before the form is ever filled.

  • Match traffic to company data (industry, revenue, team size)
  • Pull verified contacts based on intent signals and visitor behavior
  • Use reverse-IP tools to detect which companies are browsing your site

Use Maxify Sales here to uncover hidden demand and plug contact data straight into your CRM. No forms required.

Step 2: Automate lead capture and follow-up

Speed kills or converts.

  • Trigger an immediate follow-up call or email the second a form is submitted
  • Schedule reps or AI agents to follow up even on weekends or holidays
  • Score leads in real time and route them accordingly

Use Maxify Sales to call leads automatically and log the interaction instantly. You’re first to connect.

Step 3: Capture and sync conversations

Don’t rely on reps to take notes. Rely on AI.

  • Record and transcribe every sales call
  • Sync everything automatically into your CRM
  • Generate call summaries, timestamps, and key insight tags

Use Maxify Sales to generate and deliver instant summaries, fully transcribed and CRM-ready.

Step 4: Nurture based on engagement signals

Not all leads are ready now, but AI helps you stay in the loop.

  • Monitor who re-visits the site or reopens your emails
  • Customize nurture flows using AI-generated interest profiles
  • Trigger re-engagement campaigns when buyer intent resurfaces

Step 5: Optimize, learn, and refine

AI isn’t a one-time setup. It’s a learning system.

  • Refine trigger logic, lead scoring, and routing rules
  • Review what workflows are converting and where leads drop off
  • Test and evolve your call scripts, emails, and sequences with AI insights

Build one step at a time and don’t try to automate everything at once. Start with what slows your team down the most, then layer on smarter tools.

What about the human side of AI in sales?

AI can book the meeting, but it can’t build the relationship.

As powerful as AI is, it’s not a replacement for empathy, nuance, or trust. 

Buyers don’t just want fast responses, but they want to feel heard, understood, and valued. That’s where your sales reps still matter most.

The best AI sales strategies recognize this balance. Use automation to handle what machines do better (scheduling, transcription, data entry). 

Then let your reps show up as humans: 

  1. Listening
  2. Adapting
  3. Earning the deal

AI can set the stage perfectly. It can identify who’s interested, when to reach out, and what message might land best. 

Humans take over AI sales

But once the call starts or the meeting is booked, it’s your people who bring it home. Here’s when you should let the humans take over:

  • For high-ticket deals where trust drives the close
  • When navigating difficult objections or stakeholder dynamics
  • During discovery calls that require digging into complex needs
  • To build long-term relationships, not just close short-term deals
  • In moments where empathy outweighs efficiency (customer frustration)

Ironically, the more advanced AI becomes, the more valuable emotional intelligence becomes. The teams that win are the ones that let AI amplify their human strengths, not replace them.

Stop letting leads slip through the cracks with Maxify Sales

If your leads hit your inbox and sit for 30 minutes, you’ve already lost them.

In a world where buyers expect instant responses, most sales teams are still manually chasing web forms, missing after-hours inquiries, and forgetting to follow up. 

Lost revenue! Maxify Sales closes that gap completely.

  • Keeps your pipeline moving without human bottlenecks
  • Transcribes every call and syncs it straight to your CRM
  • Responds to leads instantly (even nights and weekends)
  • Completes sales calls automatically after form submissions
  • Identifies anonymous website visitors & provides contact data

With us, you get more speed, more calls, and more closed deals. 

Let AI do what your team can’t (or won’t).

Book a consultation call with us.

Frequently asked questions about using AI in sales

Here are some commonly asked questions about using AI in sales.

How is AI being used in sales? 

AI is used for lead scoring, sales forecasting, call transcription, real-time follow-ups, CRM data enrichment, chatbots, and more. It helps automate repetitive tasks and surface insights that make reps faster and smarter.

Which AI tool is best for sales? 

It depends on what you’re trying to solve. If you’re looking to automate follow-ups, handle weekend leads, and capture conversations without lifting a finger, Maxify Sales is purpose-built for that.

How to use AI for sales operations? 

Start by automating time-consuming tasks like lead follow-ups, call scheduling, and CRM updates. Then layer in AI tools for data enrichment, forecasting, and pipeline optimization.

Can I use AI to make sales calls? 

You can use AI to schedule, initiate, and even follow up on calls. However, for live, high-value conversations, a human rep still performs better. Tools like Maxify Sales blend the two. AI handles the timing, humans handle the talk.

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