How SMBs Can Rethink Their Digital Footprint With AI

By Kimberly Little

In the evolving landscape of business management for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), artificial intelligence tools have emerged as vital assets to streamline operations and optimize resources. Small business owners continually seek ways to bolster their competitive edge and increase efficiency, understanding that in today's technology-driven market, staying ahead of the competition is critical. The appeal of AI for SMBs lies in its ability to automate, empowering entrepreneurs to reinvest time spent on administrative tasks into growing their businesses.

Automation of Routine, Time-Consuming Tasks and Technical Obstacles

A major advantage of AI is its ability to remove technical obstacles facing small businesses. SMBs seeking to establish an online presence should choose an AI-powered platform that simplifies the process of building and publishing reliable, polished websites. These tools eliminate the need for extensive technical expertise, enabling small business owners to create and manage professional online presences with ease.

AI excels at automating routine and time-consuming tasks, such as inventory management, appointment scheduling and content creation. By leveraging AI-powered automation, businesses can operate more efficiently, reduce human error, and free up valuable time for strategic initiatives, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best — driving innovation and growth.

Improving Digital Marketing Design and Strategy

Digital branding is another area where AI can make a substantial impact. AI tools help optimize your efforts by designing visually appealing materials and creating content for your website, from generating images, to product descriptions and more. AI-powered marketing tools can also be helpful in search engine optimization and analyzing data for more effective campaigns, helping businesses understand customer behaviors and preferences, allowing for tailored marketing strategies that engage and convert more effectively.

AI implementation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each business has unique needs and challenges, and AI tools must be tailored accordingly. It's crucial for small businesses to experiment with AI-powered technology and test the latest online marketing platforms to find the best fit for their specific requirements. Moving forward with customizable AI solutions can help businesses explore AI capabilities such as content generation, while flexibly scaling the use of AI to their needs and the needs of their customers.

Something else to keep in mind is that a user-friendly website experience and reliable customer support is crucial for small business owners without a technical background in website management. Seek a platform that provides expert support to users around the clock, with fast response times and top tier knowledge and expertise.

Striking the Right Balance

AI provides numerous benefits, yet it's essential to strike the right balance between automation and the human touch. Customers still value personalized interactions, especially in areas that require empathy and nuanced understanding. Small businesses should use AI to enhance their operations while maintaining the personal touch that distinguishes them from larger competitors.

While AI is a trendy and potentially transformative investment, small businesses should seek out platforms that offer safe, affordable and scalable solutions that provide an accessible starting point for the use of the technology. To draw a vehicular comparison, sometimes a fuel-efficient and affordable sedan is a better choice than an exotic sports car.

The Value of AI for SMBs

AI offers small businesses significant opportunities to streamline operations, optimize resources, and enhance user experiences. By removing technical obstacles, automating routine tasks, and improving digital strategies, AI can help small businesses stay competitive in a dynamic market. It's essential to implement AI thoughtfully, balancing automation with the human touch and seeking solutions that meet real business needs. With the right website platform, businesses can unlock AI's full potential to drive success and growth for their business.

Kimberly Little is senior vice president, commercial lead of Web.com, an AI-powered website builder.

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Kimberly Little is Newfold Digital’s senior vice president, commercial lead of Web.com and its flagship professional services product lines. For over 20 years, Kim has served in leadership positions in product, operations, financial management, and marketing for SAAS and consumer product companies. Before her time at Newfold Digital, Kim held leadership positions at Samsonite, Network Solutions and Web.com. Kim is passionate about problem-solving, her ability to relate to people, and having fun. She supports her team and co-workers in ways that make them feel valued and important while giving room to succeed. Kim is co-chair of the Woman in Newfold Affinity group, which focuses on cultivating a global community of women across the organization to inspire, support, mentor, educate, motivate and develop each other through facilitated interactions and organized activities. Known for her confident, authentic approach to leadership, Kim’s efforts deliver value for our company, her team and our customers. Kim holds an Associate in Science (AS) Degree in Computer/Business Applications, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Business Management, and an MBA Degree in Global Business Leadership with a concentration in Marketing from Jonson & Wales University.