Analyst.
Trailblazer.
Market Mover.
Visionary tech researcher at the forefront of multiple digital marketing trends. Founder and chief analyst at Sonata Insights and author of the widely read Substack The AI Ad Economy.
Providing research and advisory services focusing on:
Paid Advertising in AI Platforms
AI’s Impact on Consumer Behavior
AI in Marketing
Agentic Commerce
Hi! I’m Debbie.
As founder and chief analyst of Sonata Insights, I provide custom research and advisory services to marketers, agencies, AI startups and the VC community, focusing on AI’s impact on marketing, paid advertising and consumer behavior.
My research on AI marketing, AI advertising and AI consumer usage is supported by my two decades leading the industry conversation about the business of social media. During my time as an analyst at eMarketer, I published 120 reports about social media, one of the largest bodies of research on the topic. I am passionate about using my expertise to deliver insightful, hype-free research about AI.
To see my latest research and thinking please visit my business site, Sonata Insights.
To learn more about the rise of paid advertising in AI platforms and experiences, check out my Substack, The AI Ad Economy.
In case you’re wondering, my middle name is Finnish and it’s pronounced AH’-ho.
What Execs Are Saying About Debra Aho Williamson
“What makes Debbie stand out and so respected is a unique combination of seeking the truth but doing so in a straightforward and thorough way, and how she is so great at combining deep analysis with a passion for the field and work. This has made me follow, learn and be changed by her perspectives and points of view.”
— Rishad Tobaccowala, author, speaker and former global chief strategist and growth officer, Publicis Groupe
“Debbie's analysis is so thoughtful, I learn just about every time we have the opportunity to collaborate. She's also so great in a media interview, which you may know already from seeing her on Bloomberg and elsewhere.”
— Jeremy Goldman, Rethink Retail
“It’s very hard if not impossible to overstate what a magnificent job you did not only for eMarketer, but for all the marketing executives literally around the world who have come to rely on your experience, your expertise, and perhaps most important your judgement. Cool headed insightful and actionable intelligence. You have truly done us all a great service.”