AI for Small Businesses: Getting Started
by Greg Johnson, Owner / Developer
How Small Businesses Can Start Using AI Today
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for big corporations anymore. Small and medium-sized businesses across the UK are already using AI to streamline operations, improve customer service, and stay ahead of the competition.
Here’s how your business can start using AI—today.
1. Identify Everyday Tasks That Could Be Automated
AI is perfect for repetitive or time-consuming tasks. Think about areas in your business that take up a lot of manual effort:
- Responding to customer queries
- Managing social media posts
- Organising appointments or bookings
- Filtering and sorting email
- Optimising your website for better user experience
Top tip
Tools like ChatGPT, Calendly, and Zapier can automate many of these processes quickly and affordably.
2. Use AI for Smarter Marketing
Struggling with content ideas or ad targeting? AI can help:
- Generate blog posts and email copy
- Analyse customer data for better segmentation
- Create custom social posts
- Recommend keywords for SEO
Top tip
Platforms like Copy.ai, Jasper, or even Canva’s AI tools are built with small businesses in mind.
3. Enhance Customer Service with AI Chatbots
Customers expect fast responses—AI can deliver. Chatbots can answer FAQs, collect customer info, and direct people to the right place without human involvement.
Top tip
Chatbot platforms like Tidio, Intercom, or Drift can plug right into your site.
4. Make Data-Driven Decisions
AI tools can sift through data you already have—sales, traffic, email performance—and spot trends or opportunities you might miss.
Top tip
Tools like Pecan AI or Microsoft Power BI use predictive analytics to turn your data into strategy.
5. Start Small, Learn Fast
You don’t need to overhaul your business overnight. Pick one problem, test an AI tool, measure the results. Most platforms offer free trials or entry-level pricing.
Final Thoughts
AI is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s becoming a core part of running a competitive business. By starting with simple tools and use cases, small businesses can unlock massive time savings and improve customer experience.
Need help choosing or setting up the right AI tools for your business? That's exactly what we do at The Web People. Get in touch to discuss how AI can transform your business operations.