Unless you’ve been living under a sizable rock, you’ve heard the relentless buzz (good and bad) about AI.
As a small business owner, your day gets eaten up getting through the endless list of daily tasks.
What if AI could help?
What if you could leverage AI to free yourself up to focus on business strategy and growth while delivering the highest value to your customers and prospects?
In this three-part series, we’re cutting through the hype to show you practical, ethical ways to leverage AI without losing what makes your brand truly yours.
Why small businesses are hesitant (and why you shouldn’t be)
Let’s address the robotic elephant in the room: Most small business owners aren’t using AI, and they have their reasons:
“It sounds too complicated.” Most AI tools don’t require any technical expertise. If you can navigate social media or email marketing software, you can use AI.
“What if it makes mistakes?” AI isn’t perfect. But rather than avoid AI, it’s important to implement proper oversight to ensure that no content is published before it’s properly vetted.
“It’ll cost people their jobs.” Small businesses run on tight-knit teams, and the last thing you want is to create anxiety about layoffs. But AI can take over the tedious, repetitive tasks nobody wants to do anyway — from data entry to basic customer service responses.
“It’s only for big businesses.” Think you can’t utilize AI on a small business budget? Think again. Most AI tools offer free versions or low-cost options to help step up your marketing game.
Gaining efficiency without sacrificing authenticity
Need to analyze which social media posts had the most engagement? Want to identify the optimal times to reach your audience? AI can handle tasks that would take hours and turn it into seconds.
From generating multiple headline variations to creating an initial outline for your next white paper, AI works quickly and efficiently to keep your business moving along.
AI should enhance your marketing strategy, not define it
Today’s technology is not replacement for human creativity and connection. When it comes to AI’s limitations, you have to keep it real.
- It doesn’t know the story behind why you started your business.
- It doesn’t understand the nuances of your customer relationships or the personal touches that differentiate you from competitors.
- It tends to be generic and repetitive.
- It can’t replicate the instincts, experience or gut feelings that have guided your best business decisions.
- It lacks the personality and genuine connection that convert casual browsers into loyal customers.
Plus, AI is only as knowledgeable as the human feeding it prompts. That’s why it’s critical to understand that AI is a starting point, not a finished product.
Ready to dive in?
AI won’t make you a better marketer. But when used correctly, it will give you the time and insights to become one.
Check back for Part 2 — Beyond the Hype: What AI Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Marketing