Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for big tech companies. Today, even the smallest businesses can harness AI to save time, reduce costs, and work smarter—not harder. Whether you’re managing a team or running things solo, AI tools can handle repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and free you up to focus on growing your business.
Here are some practical tips on how to use AI to boost productivity in your small business—starting today.
Automate Routine Tasks
Repetitive admin tasks like scheduling meetings, sending invoices, and answering FAQs eat up valuable time. AI can handle many of these with ease.
Tools to try:
- Calendly + AI assistants for scheduling
- QuickBooks with AI invoicing suggestions
- Chatbots like Tidio or Intercom to answer common customer questions
Tip: Start with one repetitive task and test an AI tool to automate it.
Streamline Content Creation
From blogs to social media posts, AI can help generate ideas, create drafts, and even write full pieces based on your input.
Tools to try:
- ChatGPT – for brainstorming, blog writing, or social media captions
- Grammarly – for AI-powered writing improvement
- Copy.ai or Jasper – for website copy, ad headlines, and email templates
Tip: Use AI to generate the first draft, then add your voice and brand tone for the final version.
Enhance Customer Insights
AI tools can analyze customer behavior, reviews, and purchase history to give you actionable insights—without the need for a data science degree.
Tools to try:
- Google Analytics with AI-powered insights
- Zoho CRM or HubSpot Free CRM – use AI to track and predict customer interactions
Tip: Use AI-generated insights to personalize follow-ups and improve the customer experience.
Use AI Chatbots for Instant Support
Customers expect fast answers—AI chatbots can handle basic inquiries 24/7, freeing you up for more complex tasks.
Tools to try:
- Tidio, Drift, or Zendesk AI Chat
- Meta’s AI for Instagram/Facebook Business Messenger
Tip: Customize the chatbot to sound like your brand and connect it to live support when needed.
Organize and Manage Your Workflows
AI productivity tools help you stay organized by prioritizing tasks, managing documents, and even summarizing meeting notes.
Tools to try:
- Notion AI – for organizing content, creating task lists, and generating summaries
- Otter.ai – for transcribing and summarizing meetings
- Trello + Butler (AI automation) – for managing projects with smart automations
Tip: Integrate these tools with your current apps (Google Workspace, Slack, etc.) for smoother workflows.
Get Smarter Marketing with AI
From audience targeting to content scheduling, AI makes marketing more efficient and data-driven.
Tools to try:
- Constant Contact– for AI-powered email campaign optimization
- Lumen5 – turn blog posts into videos automatically
- Surfer SEO – AI-assisted blog optimization for better search rankings
Tip: Use AI to analyze your best-performing posts and repurpose them across platforms.
Final Tips: Use AI Wisely
- Start small – Don’t try to automate everything at once.
- Stay human – AI is a tool, not a replacement. Your personality and customer relationships still matter.
Review regularly – Track what’s working, and don’t be afraid to pivot or try new tools.
AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for small businesses. Whether it’s creating content, organizing your day, or connecting with customers, AI can help you do more with less. Start simple, stay curious, and let technology lighten your load so you can focus on what you do best.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.