How Small to Medium Businesses Can Leverage AI

Even with Limited Technical Capability

By Shaun Price.

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the exclusive domain of large corporations. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), AI presents a transformative opportunity to enhance operations, improve customer experiences, and drive growth. Despite common misconceptions about the complexity and cost of AI, many SMBs are discovering that accessible, user-friendly AI tools can deliver significant benefits without requiring extensive technical expertise or substantial financial investment.​ 1

Recent findings indicate that while only 31% of SMBs currently utilize AI, a substantial 91% of those have reported increased success in their operations. This underscores the potential of AI to level the playing field, enabling smaller enterprises to compete more effectively in today's dynamic business landscape. 2​

AI can streamline operations, provide analytics for informed decision-making, automate repetitive tasks, and significantly enhance customer service through chatbots and virtual assistants. Embracing AI helps SMBs grow, remain competitive, and improve operational efficiency without extensive technical capabilities.

Why AI Matters for SMBs

AI offers several critical advantages:

  • Automating Routine Tasks: AI can handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and customer inquiries, freeing up staff to focus on strategic activities.​
  • Enhancing Customer Engagement: Through personalized marketing and 24/7 customer support, AI helps businesses build stronger relationships with their clients.
  • Improving Decision-Making: AI tools analyse vast amounts of data to provide insights that inform strategic decisions, from inventory management to financial planning.​
  • Scaling Operations Efficiently: AI enables businesses to expand their services and reach without a proportional increase in resources or personnel.​

Forbes elaborates on additional benefits in 20 Ways SMBs Can Leverage AI To Elevate Their CX. By incorporating AI into their operations, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can enhance efficiency, agility, and competitiveness, thus positioning themselves for sustained growth in an increasingly digital economy.

What’s Holding SMBs Back?

Common concerns among SMBs include:

  • Lack of technical expertise
  • High perceived implementation costs
  • Uncertainty about starting points

These concerns are understandable but manageable. Starting small, using low-code/no-code tools, and directly addressing practical business challenges can help SMBs affordably integrate AI. Accessible AI platforms provide user-friendly, cost-effective solutions, debunking the myth that SMBs need specialized skills or expensive infrastructure.

Where to Use AI Today (Without Coding)

AI significantly enhances efficiency across multiple sectors:

Industry Examples

  • Healthcare: Diagnostics, predictive analytics, personalized medicine.
  • Finance: Investment optimization, fraud detection, streamlined customer interactions.
  • Customer Service: Instant support through AI chatbots and virtual assistants.
  • Marketing: Personalized ads, targeted consumer analysis, and improved customer segmentation.
  • Education: Personalized learning experiences streamlined administrative tasks.

SMB Tools for Integrating AI into your SMB

How to Get Started with AI (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to begin leveraging AI:

  • Identify a pain point – Start where you’re losing time or making repetitive decisions.
  • Choose a no-code tool – Platforms like Zapier, Power Automate, or Make.com can connect existing systems and automate tasks with built-in AI.
  • Start small – Pilot AI in one function (e.g. marketing emails), gather feedback, and expand.
  • Upskill your team – Encourage short online courses on AI basics via LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera or, Microsoft Learn (free). It builds confidence and shows staff that AI is there to help, not replace.
  • Track results – Measure time saved, customer satisfaction, or revenue uplift. This justifies future investment and builds momentum.

Case Studies

The following case studies illustrate how various small businesses have leveraged AI to enhance their operations.

Amarra

AI has played a role in improving Amarra's e-commerce operations. It optimized inventory management, reducing overstock by 40% while ensuring popular dresses remain available. AI-powered content creation through ChatGPT reduced product description drafting time by 60%, maintaining quality and brand voice. AI also improved customer service, with chatbots handling 70% of inquiries, allowing employees to focus on complex issues. Additionally, AI-driven market analysis helped Amarra understand consumer preferences and emerging fashion trends. Although there were challenges in balancing automation with human interaction and mitigating biases, the company refined its AI tools and trained employees to use them effectively. 3

Repurpose

Repurpose, an eco-friendly brand specializing in compostable home and kitchen products, uses AI to enhance operations and compete in the market. With AI for financial automation, marketing, and employee reviews, efficiency has greatly improved despite limited resources. AI tools streamline accounts payable and support marketing efforts, saving the finance team time. Although aware of AI's energy use, the company balances innovation with sustainability. CEO Lauren Gropper highlights how AI helps Repurpose scale, compete with larger companies, and grow in a dynamic market. 4

Don’t Forget Cybersecurity and Governance

AI offers many benefits, but it also introduces new risks due to the nature of automation and data handling:

  • Data Leaks: AI systems frequently process large volumes of sensitive customer and business data, increasing the potential for accidental exposure.
  • False or Misleading Information: AI-generated content might produce inaccuracies or misinformation, negatively impacting customer trust and business reputation.
  • Increased Cybersecurity Threats: AI tools, particularly cloud-based or third-party solutions, can expand an organization's digital footprint, making it a more attractive target for cyberattacks.

SMBs should manage these risks with simple, effective governance:

  • Clearly define AI use policies (allowed tools and data).
  • Ensure secure access with logins, audit trails, and controlled permissions.
  • Understand data handling and storage clearly.
  • Always review AI-generated outputs, especially those impacting customers or financial decisions.

Basic governance helps SMBs responsibly leverage AI, reducing risks while maximizing benefits.

Final Thoughts

Small and medium-sized businesses can harness AI effectively to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and support secure, sustainable growth. By addressing practical outcomes and leveraging accessible, low-code or no-code tools, SMBs can navigate common AI adoption hurdles. Gradual training empowers teams, transforming AI from an intimidating technology into a valuable partner. Implementing clear governance and oversight ensures risks are managed, allowing businesses to confidently explore advanced AI applications. This balanced approach allows SMBs to fully realize AI's potential, securing their long-term success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Footnotes