AI for Small Businesses: Why You Should Use it and How?

With AI in your Small Business, you can understand your customers on a deeper level and anticipate their needs and desires, then use them to build long-term relationships.
By Derick Mwanguhya
Published: December 14. 2023
Happy young African woman using laptop. Human brain and AI concept.

Is AI a game changer only in large companies or even small businesses can appreciate the disruption?

Yes/No… What do you think?

Of course, AI is not only for large companies but you can use it to streamline your operation in your small business and stay ahead of the competition.

But What is AI?

AI is short for Artificial Intelligence. This is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, for example, analysing data, learning, and designing signs, among others.

Various AI-powered tools can help your small business, such as marketing tools, content creation tools, AI invoice tools and even inventory management tools. 

Thus, AI technologies can help you reshape how you connect with your customers, interact with your suppliers, and motivate your employees to increase efficiency and productivity. 

In this guide, we will walk through how and where you can implement AI in your small business.

Why is AI important for small businesses?

Artificial intelligence is important in various ways to a small business if it is implemented well here are a few of the reasons why AI is helpful;

With AI you can automate repetitive and tedious tasks, such as data analysis, content creation, and social media updates in your small business.  Share on X

Saves time and money: 

These are the best resources you should always respect in your small business, and AI can help you even do more for less.

With AI you can automate repetitive and tedious tasks, such as data analysis, content creation, and social media updates in your small business. 

According to a Salesforce survey, 51% of marketing leaders use AI to drive efficiency in their operations, why not be part of them by also leveraging it in your business?

Because it can free up time and resources.

Although with limited capabilities, most AI tools are free; the features are worth it for a small business and you can go for premium when your business grows.

Enhances customer experience: 

Imagine you were welcoming all your clients by name and then providing them with what they want when they visit your store for the second time.

Hah, you must be the best! But you can’t achieve this because you have a lot to think about.

But don’t why you let AI do it on your behalf?

With AI, you can personalize and tailor your marketing messages and offers to each customer’s preferences, behaviour, and needs. 

Of course, 57% of marketers use AI to deliver personalized experiences across channels. This is not by mistake, but it can increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

Here is how you can use AI in your small business;

1. Content Creation

Does your small business create content already or you’re planning to do so?

Noteworthy; 91% of the small businesses polled say Artificial Intelligence has helped make their businesses more successful, according to CPA Practice Advisor.

This should tell you how content is important for your small business because it gives you authority in the Industry and a trusted business.

You might say, that content is not necessary for your business.

26% of small businesses are already using AI to create content Share on X

But it can help in this evolving world where your consumers prefer a solution to your product or service.

A consumer will likely dine in at your restaurant because of the free breakfast recipes you regularly share on your blog. This is because you have built trust with them through your content.

But creating engaging content that your audience will love is tricky, challenging and time-consuming because you ought to satisfy everyone 

And with AI you can generate high-quality and relevant content for your audience. Artificial intelligence can help you create various types of content, such as blog posts, social media posts, headlines, slogans, infographics, and captions among others. 

Interestingly, you can tailor the tone, style, and voice of the content to your audience and your brand with AI to create highly personalized content that your audience can enjoy. 

Remember, 26% of small businesses are already using AI to create content and can use tools like Copy.ai, to create and brainstorm various types of content using AI in less time.

AI-driven content creation not only saves you time time but you’re also assured of a steady stream of relevant and engaging content, which will help you build a stronger connection with the audience.

2. Ad Targeting

Imagine a scenario where you were searching for the best phones in 2023. But late in the day, an ad pops up.

That’s the ad target. The advertiser can deliver an ad based on your web search preference.  

And ads are part of a small business too because nothing is even for free. That’s why you will need to pay to get it the people’s face.

But doing it yourself can be hectic, so why do you use AI to do it for you?

It can help you target your ads to the right audience, at the right time, and on the right platform because AI can analyse large amounts of data, such as demographics, interests, behaviour, and location, to segment and profile customers and prospects in less time compared to HI.

Of course, you can get a 10-20% increase in click-through rates, if you use Artificial Intelligence in your advertising strategy.

AI can also use machine learning and natural language processing to create and optimize ad copy and headlines. For example, using AI, a tool like Phrasee can generate and test different variations of email subject lines, social media posts, and web copy.

AI can help marketers deliver more personalized experiences to their target audience, driving engagement and ultimately improving conversion rates Share on X

3. SEO

Wondering what’s this? It’s a short form for Search Engine Optimization.

This is a way of optimising your online presence to appear in search results when people search for your business, product or service.

It may seem unsophisticated to use Artificial Intelligence in search engine optimization, but it’s possible and time-saving.

Various AI-powered SEO tools can make your work easy by automating keyword research, generating keyword ideas, automating link building and many tasks that may require a human.

This is because AI can understand the intent and context of search queries and web pages, hence it can help in improving your rankings and visibility on search engines, such as Google and Bing. 

When implemented well in SEO, AI can additionally provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour, that can help you in refining your marketing strategies for better results.

4. Video Marketing

Did you know, that 92.3% of internet users worldwide watch digital videos each week? 

That’s why your small business should start leveraging the power of videos if you haven’t started yet.

We are used to rolling our cameras, getting the clip and sharing it with others.

But with AI you can even do more and create videos everyone will love.

With AI you can create and edit engaging and professional-looking videos for their marketing campaigns, product launches, events and more. 

Because of the power of AI’s deep learning to analyse and enhance video content, such as adding filters, effects, transitions, and captions. 

Various tools can help you change text format content to video in just a few seconds 

Remember, AI-driven video marketing can help your business to create content that not only resonates with your audience but also aligns with individual preferences such ensures a more engaging and memorable brand experience.

5. Customer Relations

Can I leave without talking about how Artificial Intelligence can help in customer relations?

Probably, I would not be fair to myself.

But have you thought of expanding your helpdesk or you’re just looking for a simple chatbot to reply to most basic questions consumers ask about your product or service?

Then why not let Artificial Intelligence do all this for you on your behave since it can help manage and improve your relationships with their customers and prospects? 

More so, you can use AI tools to collect customer feedback, reviews, and testimonials and then use data analysis and predictive analytics to identify and segment customers based on their value, loyalty, and satisfaction. 

Then you can use CRM tools powered by Artificial Intelligence to create and send personalized messages and offers to customers and prospects. 

6. Access new skills

But is something difficult for AI? Let me know what it is in the comment section.

Maybe yes or no, but you can surely learn new skills will just a few taps on your phone when using AI.

Of course, you thought of expanding your small business to a new location, but why should the language become a barrier when you can learn a new language with Artificial Intelligence?

84% of enterprises believe that AI gives them a competitive advantage in gathering and analysing market intelligence. ~ Statista, Share on X

You have been told your business needs an online presence, why not make Artificial intelligence your web developer, because it can write even better and more complex codes in just a few minutes. 

With 58% of businesses turning to AI to fill skill gaps in their workforce, you can also use Artificial Intelligence access and leverage skills and expertise you may not have in-house.

AI is a strategic resource that can allow you to augment your capabilities and remain agile in a fast-changing business environment. So, if you embrace it before your competitors do, you’ll be at the top and ready for success.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. If you haven’t jumped to AI in your business its not too late you can start today and watch your progress.

Have a realistic goal for using it in your business, because you might may not realize its benefit to your business over time.

Finally, set a budget; this is because many AI tools can be costly, thus identify the feature you want and only spend on what your business can afford, this will help you to stay up in the game.

Do you think every small business can use Artificial Intelligence? Let me know in the comment section.

Thanks a bunch for reading! Please take time to share your thoughts in the comment section and share this article with your friends.

Image Source: Getty Images

Share This Article: