AI tools for small business: what's worth it

2 min read · Updated

The short answer

The AI tools for small business worth trying first are the ones that take a task you already do every week: drafting emails and posts, taking meeting or call notes, categorizing expenses, scheduling, replying to reviews, and answering common customer questions. Start with one, measure the time it saves, and keep a person checking anything customer-facing.

By job

  • Writing: first drafts of emails, posts, job ads and policies.
  • Notes: transcripts and summaries of calls and meetings.
  • Bookkeeping: suggested categories for expenses in your accounting software.
  • Scheduling: booking and reminders that don't need a person.
  • Reviews: drafted replies to routine reviews.
  • Customer questions: answers about hours, areas and services, handed to a person when needed.

How to choose

  • Does it work inside tools you already use?
  • Where does your data go, and is it used for training?
  • Can you review what it sends before it goes out?
  • What does it cost per month once the trial ends?

What to avoid

Tools that publish or send things to customers without anyone checking, and anything working from out-of-date information about your business. An AI tool is only as accurate as the facts it's given.

Questions

Are free AI tools safe for business use?

Read how they handle data. Keep customer and payment details out of consumer accounts.

Which should I try first?

The one that takes the task you most often put off.

What's the difference between an AI tool and an AI agent?

A tool helps you do a task. An agent takes on the task within rules you set.

Keep reading

AI MarketingAll of Lehvel Learn

Want to discuss AI Agents?

Book a time with Lehvel and we’ll go through what your business actually needs.

Reserve a time

Other Lehvel services