Success means different things to different small businesses because each is unique, with goals that are specific to their size, customer type and business objectives. While some companies may be focused on driving more revenue, others want to acquire more customers. Some firms want to build community, and in the case of nonprofit organizations, boost donations. Success might also be defined as spending less time on marketing while getting the same or better return.
For those just getting started with AI, Vella advises starting small and building up to more advanced strategies. A content generator, like the one his company launched this spring for SMBs can be a way to accelerate the copywriting process for emails and text messages, while simple automations can help SMBs put their manual tasks on autopilot.
AI can have both fast and lasting impact for SMBs. Approximately 40% of SMBs using AI for less than six months have seen quick results, and that number jumps to 57% after one year. As the technology’s marketing sophistication grows, AI becomes even more valuable and leaders continue searching for methods to incorporate AI into other areas of their business. Right now, 88% of SMBs that are using AI for marketing are leveraging it in two or more areas.