It hasn’t been long since businesses across the world decided to dip their toes into the world of artificial intelligence or AI. Yet, it’s fascinating to see just how popular this piece of technology has become among businesses of all sizes.
The idea that AI is only for big businesses or corporations is not true. In fact, there was a 300 percent increase in small, bootstrapped AI products launched in the first quarter of 2023 alone. This increase signifies that AI is being made readily available for businesses of all sizes, including non-tech small businesses.
The percentage of companies across the world using AI in at least one business function since 2017 stood at 55 percent in 2023. Now, for non-tech small businesses, or those without a well-structured tech team, AI might seem out of reach, but that’s not the case. Here are some simple yet powerful ways that non-tech businesses can tap into AI technology.
Embracing AI for Streamlined Operations
AI was pretty much birthed to streamline business operations, and our lives, in general. From your typical mundane tasks like scheduling appointments to repetitive tasks such as checking job applications, AI can do all that and more. Here, the takeaway for non-tech small businesses is simple – AI can save time and effort, even costs.
There are AI-powered chatbots that respond to customer questions around the clock, helping businesses stay connected even after hours. Generative AI can help create text and visuals for social media marketing posts.
Also, you can have AI-driven tools to help streamline inventory management, track sales trends, and predict stock levels. That way, small business owners will find it super easy to stay ahead of demand without constantly checking numbers manually.
Harnessing AI for Website Creation
Do you know that some small businesses avoid setting up their own websites just because of the costs? After all, a good web development company will charge between $75,000 and $150,000 for the design and development of a website. Asking such a large sum of money, that too from a small business, is asking too much of them.
Fortunately, AI can help here as well.
With AI website builders, even those without coding skills can create professional-looking websites in no time. These platforms use machine learning to help customize layouts, colors, and content, based on the business’s unique needs and preferences.
As Hocoos puts it, a few simple prompts are enough to build a website, that too at almost no cost at all. For a non-tech business, this is a dream come true.
AI web development tools can also optimize websites for search engines (SEO), ensuring they rank higher on Google and other search engines. These tools assess keywords, audience behavior, and the latest trends to fine-tune the content and structure, driving more traffic to the site. So, non-tech small businesses, with zero SEO knowledge, can get that side of online visibility taken care of as well.
AI in Customer Experience
Personalization is another area where AI truly shines. In an age where customers expect tailored experiences, small businesses can use AI to understand their target audience better and personalize marketing efforts.
By analyzing data such as past purchases and browsing habits, AI can suggest products or content that might appeal to each individual customer.
AI also aids in customer service, as it can predict customer queries and offer responses based on previous interactions. For businesses with limited resources, AI customer service tools can ensure customers always feel valued and supported, even during high-demand periods.
AI for Financial Management
AI-powered accounting software can simplify bookkeeping, track expenses, and even predict cash flow trends. By automating financial processes, business owners can save time and reduce the likelihood of costly errors.
Furthermore, AI tools can analyze spending habits and recommend ways to save money or optimize resource allocation. This is incredibly valuable for small businesses that need to keep their budget in check while continuing to grow.
AI is for Everyone
Even if you’re running a small business that doesn’t specialize in tech, AI is more accessible than ever before. From creating a user-friendly website to improving customer service, the technology has something to offer businesses in every industry. As AI continues to evolve, non-tech small business owners who embrace these tools will streamline their operations and also gain a competitive edge.
The key to making the most of AI is to start small. Begin by automating simple tasks, then gradually integrate more advanced tools as you get comfortable. By doing so, your small business can unlock new efficiencies, improve customer experiences, and ultimately thrive in today’s digital-first world.