As much progress as it has made, I think we are still in the early stages (who would have thought!). As new versions of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc. come out, we are going to see bigger and bigger leaps. And the reality is that we are not able to keep up. That is why I should have perhaps titled the article, “ how artificial intelligence can transform companies ”. But it is also true that today there are already many things that can be done that begin to change our companies.
The main advantages of AI for companies are: usa phone numbers list
process automation, improved customer experience and decision-making based on large volumes of data.
My goal with this article is to give you an overview of the things that can be done in an SME, with real examples.
You can read more articles aimed at guiding SMEs in my Marketing Guide for SMEs .
Applications of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in SMEs
Process Automation with AI
Automation is one of the uses that you will find most interesting. Anything that reduces time is always interesting. Things like accounting, customer service and inventory management can be automated or semi-automated.
How to automate accounting with AI
For example, AI-based accounting systems can process invoices, reconcile accounts, and generate automatic financial reports, etc., saving time and reducing errors.
To automate your accounting, you can start by using tools like QuickBooks or Xero , which integrate AI to handle transactions and generate reports. Simply download your bank statements and the tool will automatically categorize and reconcile the transactions.
Both are classic accounting management tools that are adding machine learning to their processes. In other words, they are trying to make them smarter. But don’t expect ChatGPT-like “magic” generating a complete analysis based on a few pieces of data.
Improving Customer Service with AI
The use of chatbots and virtual assistants is transforming customer service. We have been seeing chatbots for several years. They have good capabilities, but they are limited.
The advent of artificial intelligence has opened up a world of possibilities that are still in the process of materializing. It is one thing to potentially do it with AI-based virtual assistants , and another to do it easily and work.
Of course, if we configure it well, we can start to provide things beyond what we achieved with a chatbot. In addition, having a virtual agent is a very positive positioning element for our company.
The promise is that they connect to third-party data sources and can query information about customers and give them some answers, and even in the future, do some paperwork. But as far as I understand, they already do the first extra tasks, but it's not yet easy for them to do 100% of things correctly. Obviously, it will come, and sooner rather than later.
Tools to create these assistants: ChatGPT by OpenAI, Chatbase or Chatfuel.
Chatbot or AI virtual assistant for digital marketing
I have created my own virtual assistant to answer questions about digital marketing . I am still training it, but it is already starting to give some correct answers.
Data Analysis and Decision Making in Marketing with AI
AI facilitates predictive analytics and big data analysis, helping SMEs make informed decisions. AI-based CRMs can analyze behavioral patterns and predict future trends, allowing SMEs to anticipate market needs and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Predictive Analysis with AI for SMEs
What is predictive analytics?
Predictive analytics uses AI algorithms to analyze historical data and predict future outcomes. We can apply it to sales prediction, campaign optimization, identifying market trends, or anticipating inventory needs.
There are tools designed for large volumes of data and budgets (such as IBM Watson Analytics and Microsoft Azure Machine Learning), but we also have options for small and medium-sized businesses.
For example, we can use the free Google Analytics Predictive Metrics module to better understand the seasonality of sales, conversions, marketing campaigns, etc. The advanced option is only included in Google Analytics 360 (which is prohibitively expensive for an SME).
At the CRM level, we have two interesting options for SMEs: Zoho Analytics and Microsoft Power BI (both with affordable costs. €24/month for the first and €9.40/month/user for the second).
This is the most recommended use for an SME, but we are going to look at some more so that you know the possibilities.
Customer Segmentation with AI for SMEs
What is customer segmentation?
AI customer segmentation involves using algorithms to analyze customer data and group them into segments based on behaviors, preferences, and demographics. This is the data that predictive analytics would use to make its predictions.
In this case, we have options in both HubSpot and SalesForce, but both options are a bit expensive for an SME. The expensive part is relative, it depends on the use we are going to give it, but knowing the world of SMEs as I do, I think that before this option, they would invest in other things.
There are additional options for sentiment analysis (analysis of our customers' opinions, based on the intention or sentiment of the text), price optimization, personalization of the user experience, etc. but I think that with what we have seen so far, we have a good base to start from.