Image by Philipp Marquetand from Pixabay

By Michael Deane

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major part of our lives. After the inception of this technology, we expected AI would be more about talking robots and less about helping businesses grow.

Luckily, we got the latter and learned how to manipulate the great potential of AI and use it to our businesses’ advantage.

So if you’re a small business, and you think AI has nothing to do with you, think again. There’s so much you’re missing out on that your competition is surely not.

Here’s why you need AI.

Better business intelligence

According to research done by IBM, three out of four businesses are exploring or using AI in some way, so it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. One of its main uses is data analysis.

Today, data is everything, and everyone can collect great amounts of it. However, it’s not easy to analyze that vast sea of random information without the use of AI. Apps based on AI can sift through large amounts of data in seconds and extract valuable insights or sort out information in no time.

What’s more, AI allows businesses to explore and find patterns they were never able to see before.

Automation of various processes

AI technology allows businesses from various sectors to automate their processes. Many laborious and time-consuming tasks can be delegated to smart software applications, while people focus on more complex tasks.

We’ve already mentioned data processing automation, but that’s just one potential use of this technology.

Take, for example, the insurance industry. An insurance company can automate all customer-facing processes, such as settling claims and renewing policies. This is done through the use of AI-powered digital assistants who can do almost anything human agents can, and they can do it faster.

If you automate repetitive tasks, you can use your workforce much more efficiently and wisely. They can handle the creative part of the process, while the software takes care of the monotonous tasks.

Improved marketing efforts

AI can make marketing campaigns for small businesses much more efficient and effective. By collecting and analyzing vast amounts of data about the target audience, AI-based marketing platforms can make automatic decisions, saving marketers tons of time and effort.

AI can also help in targeting specific segments of the audience and personalizing messages just for them.

For example, AI can be useful in email marketing campaigns where it can automatically send emails triggered by subscribers’ activity.

By tailoring your marketing efforts and learning more about your customer and audience in general, you can reach the right people and give them the right offers at just the right time.

Better customer service

If you’re any kind of B2C business, you can benefit greatly from employing AI technology in customer support. Smart AI chatbots are now capable of leading natural conversations with customers and assisting them in anything they need.

No matter whether a customer needs specific information, guidance, assistance in buying, or anything else, a chatbot can help them. These bots can be tailored to your specific needs and the needs of your customers.

Not only will you be able to free your live agents for more complex tasks, but your support system will be available and ready 24/7. What’s more, remember that one bot can cater to as many people as necessary simultaneously.

Better recruitment process

Many businesses have started automating their recruitment process using various ATS systems. An AI-powered ATS can successfully screen and select the best of the best applicants for any position. This is a great tool if you’re drowning in applications and would like an effective way to narrow down your search for perfect candidates.

AI applications can go further and decide whether a candidate would be a good cultural fit. Some of them can even redirect candidates that are not suitable for one position but would be great for another opening at your company.

After the recruitment process, AI can also help with onboarding the newcomers by providing information and helping with the necessary training.

AI can save you time and money

AI can significantly improve your productivity rates, marketing efforts, customer support, and much more. These changes will slash your expenses while increasing your ROI.

You will not be required to retain as much staff since AI programs will take over a significant portion of your processes. This way, you’ll save tons of money you’d have to allocate for salaries and employee benefits.

Moreover, the improved ability to analyze your business data more accurately will inevitably lead to better results and save you a lot of failed investments. Your customers will also be much happier with your service, engage with you more often, and recommend you to others.

Ultimately, you’ll be able to stay on par with your competitors who are already reaping the benefits of this smart technology.

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Michael Deane has been working in marketing for almost a decade and has worked with a huge range of clients, which has made him knowledgeable on many different subjects. He has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and hopes to make it a daily habit. You can read more of Michael’s work at Qeedle.