AI isn’t just for huge conglomerates with deep pockets – there are a huge number of tools that can be used, whatever the size of your company. Affordable tools and smart integrations mean lots of SMEs are probably using AI without even realising but there are plenty of other ways to make quick wins.
Taking the hassle out of admin and being able to use data properly are just a couple of advantages and how AI can help to bridge the gap between competitors in a cost-effective way.
Automating repetitive tasks
Reducing the resource spent on time-consuming, repetitive work is one of the most transformative things you can do for a business. AI chatbots and virtual assistants can handle generic customer queries that don’t need a complex answer, as well as helping with bookings and tracking.
Staff can spend time on more complex tasks, which gives them more focus and reduces pressure on the, leading to better employee wellbeing. A business could literally be saving tens of hours per month to spend on other areas.
Smarter marketing on a budget
SMEs may traditionally struggle to set a marketing budget that will make a difference when they launch. It’s usually an area that gets cut, in favour of other areas. The good news is that AI is changing that and can help make really good marketing affordable and easy. Platforms can offer content scheduling, segmentation, personalisation and ad targeting from taking a look at all of the customer data you’ve previously collected.
What used to take hours, can now just be a few clicks away. Instead of guesswork, a business can make informed data-driven decisions based on past customer behaviours, such as who is likely to convert etc.
Data-driven decision making
Not everyone is a data whizz, your expertise in a product or service area is the reason for your business, not necessarily the back-room numbers. Getting someone to use data to provide insight always used to be costly and could be ineffective. Now AI tools can be used to provide user-friendly info via dashboards and reports, cutting the jargon and for the fraction of the price a consultancy firm would charge.
SMEs can make decisions about products based on sales data and communicate with their customers at the best times based on their behaviour, amongst lots of other things. Processes can be optimised and businesses can feel more confident about their data and what is and isn’t working for them.
Improving customer experience
When a business just launches, the first customers that take a chance on you are so important to build a relationship with. Customer loyalty is key and AI can help identify loyalty and keep it going. AI-driven CRM systems can help with follow-ups and personalised content to send to customers. Small touches and exclusive offerings make customers feel good and more likely to buy again.
Levelling the playing field
AI isn’t out of reach, which boosts competitive fairness in the market and levels the playing field. SMEs can have access to tools that mean their customer service and marketing can pack a punch, whilst staying streamlined and agile in a business’ early stages.
Focusing on tools that save time, money and help businesses to make smarter decisions, means SMEs can make their budgets go even further and thrive in the process.
For help with AI and marketing, get in touch with our team at DOWO and we’ll chat through your options.