Using AI to Improve Customer Service in Small Businesses
by Greg Johnson, Owner / Developer
Using AI to Improve Customer Service in Small Businesses
Excellent customer service can make or break a small business. With the rise of AI-powered tools, delivering top-tier support is more accessible than ever.
The Rise of AI in Customer Service
AI has become a key player in helping businesses provide round-the-clock assistance. From live chat to email handling, AI helps reduce wait times and increase satisfaction.
Top tip
Deploying a chatbot is often the first step—tools like Intercom, Tidio, and Drift offer fast setup with customisable responses.
Chatbots That Feel Human
Modern AI chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to customer questions. They can:
- Answer frequently asked questions
- Route customers to the right departments
- Gather initial information to speed up resolutions
Sentiment Analysis and Customer Insights
AI doesn’t just talk—it listens. Sentiment analysis tools like MonkeyLearn or Lexalytics can scan customer messages and reviews to flag frustration or satisfaction levels.
Top tip
Use this data to refine your product or service and proactively respond to complaints before they escalate.
AI-Powered Help Desks
Platforms like Freshdesk or Zendesk now include AI-driven features like ticket prioritisation and automatic categorisation, making your support team faster and more effective.
Personalisation at Scale
AI can analyse past interactions, preferences, and behaviours to personalise future communications—offering product suggestions, tailored content, or faster help.
Final Thoughts
Customer service powered by AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about creating smarter, more personalised experiences that help small businesses build loyalty and stand out.
Interested in upgrading your customer support with AI? The Web People can help implement the right tools to match your business goals.