Having worked with small businesses for seven years, it’s clear something is different this year. AI is transforming how founders go digital. 91 per cent of those who integrated AI report experiencing growth. Founders are streamlining operations (82 per cent) and effectively controlling costs (69 per cent).
While leaders in large corporations may emphasise similar AI advantages, what sets SMBs apart is their distinct approach to incorporating AI into their business journey.
Personal touch, powered by algorithms
Remember the friendly barista who knew your name and coffee order? AI is reviving that personal touch. Today’s AI is not just helpful but also warm and personable — by analysing the sentiment of a customer’s text, capturing customers’ preferences, and dynamically generating real-time responses, making each interaction special and boosting sales along the way.
Building their online store for free
One in three small business owners do not have a website. Founders just don’t have the time, marketing dollars, and know-how to get started. Now, AI is transforming this struggle by enabling the creation of online stores within minutes, at no cost. HitPay’s online store builder is a great example — free, user-friendly, and AI-powered. It addresses a core challenge for most SMBs, allowing them to kickstart their online presence without the burden of a US$50 monthly fee.
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Making it easy and free to create a website also allows for more traditional businesses or institutions to offer incremental value. For example, the North Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia uses their website not just for regular educational services but also lets parents book school field trips directly, making it more convenient for busy parents to access new services.
Designers 2.0
Canva has always been popular among SMBs because of how easy it is to pick up and the abundance of free assets to use. Now, with AI integrated into design software like Figma and Canva, small business owners are not just picking existing designs; they’re creating new, unique ones. Using prompts, AI helps their design truly reflect their brand ideas. In fact, 80 per cent of founders state they have integrated AI into their creative process.
This mix of AI and design tools is bringing in a new creative era. It means small businesses can stand out visually without big investments.
Social media management
Running a small business means promising customers that we’re always around and ready to do more. However, managing content, comments, and messages on social media can pose challenges, especially while busy running a full-time business.
AI tools, like scheduling posts and automated responses, assist small businesses in creating delightful digital experiences. Take Leon’s story, for instance. While overseeing his family’s goat dairy business, he nurtured a close-knit online community by consistently sharing engaging daily content about the farm.
Go global like a local
With AI, small businesses are now going toe-to-toe with the big players. As they grow across borders, local businesses can translate their website, videos, and ads while maintaining great translation quality and a voice that sounds like their brand. This is something they would have had to pay a translation agency for previously.
As we look at the road ahead, one word stands out: Self-reliance. With no-code tools, payment technology, and export-ready solutions, it’s never been easier to get started. This might just be what the internet promised — giving everyone the power to do more than we ever imagined.
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