AI in Process Automation for Small Businesses: Affordable Solutions
As I mentioned in my last LinkedIn article, AI in process automation drives advancements, especially among large enterprises. According to recent studies, 91% of businesses actively using AI believe it will help their business grow in the future.
Companies of all sizes, from big corporations to small startups, use AI to improve their operations, improve customer service, and grow their businesses. However, many small businesses hesitate, thinking AI is too costly or out of reach.
Let’s clarify this misunderstanding and understand some affordable AI tools that small businesses can use to benefit from AI.
How Can Small Business Landscape Change with AI
AI for small businesses is perceived as expensive and complex, but let me tell you that this misconception is fading.
AI tools have made our lives affordable and more straightforward. Small business owners reading this you no longer need large budgets or advanced coding skills to benefit from AI!
Many AI tools allow even non-technical users to automate tasks, generate content, and improve marketing efforts. With tiered pricing models and free versions available, AI is more accessible than ever. A great example is ChatGPT 3.5, which is already helping small businesses improve operations and compete more effectively without requiring investments. Here are some more tools:
1. Fireflies.ai
Use Case: AI takes meeting notes & transcriptions
Cost: Free, with paid plans starting at $10/month
Fireflies.ai is becoming very popular nowadays. It automates meeting transcription and note-taking. No more pens, papers, and note pads as it allows businesses to focus on discussions without worrying about capturing every detail.
2. Omnisend
Use Case: AI-powered email and SMS marketing
Cost: Free, with paid plans starting at $16/month
Omnisend is also becoming popular. It offers a free email subject line tester and an all-in-one marketing platform for email and SMS campaigns. It can also be integrated with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.
3. Beautiful.ai
Use Case: AI-powered presentations
Cost: Free, with paid plans starting at $12/month
Recommended by LinkedIn
Beautiful.ai is similar to Canva. It is an AI-driven presentation tool that helps quickly create professional, visually appealing slides. It is perfect for small businesses needing high-quality pitches.
4. Pictory
Use Case: Video creation and editing
Cost: Starting at $19/month
Pictory is an AI-based video editing platform. It allows small businesses to turn text into engaging videos in minutes. It’s a great tool for content marketing and social media without requiring video editing expertise.
5. Tara.ai
Use Case: Product Development & Project management
Cost: Free, with premium options
Tara.ai uses AI to predict project timelines, simplify task management, and assist in product development workflows. It’s a hidden gem for small businesses looking to optimize productivity in product development.
6. Timely
Use Case: Automatic time tracking
Cost: Starting at $8/month
Timely uses AI to track work hours, tasks, and productivity. It helps small businesses manage time smoothly and improve project management without the need for manual time logging.
Conclusion
Successful business automation goes beyond adopting AI—it’s about making your team ready and willing to adapt to AI in process automation. Training and clear communication will help them feel confident using new tools.
I recommend tracking the impact of automation through key performance indicators like time saved and increased sales to ensure it delivers the expected results. Lastly, inbox me for any consultation or recommendation for any AI tool. I would love to help!