30+ Best AI Tools for Small Business Owners to Try in 2024/25

Artificial intelligence (AI) is perhaps the most discussed technology-based topic in current times; I’d be shocked if you hadn’t read about, spoken about, or even used AI in the past week!

One of the biggest potential benefits of AI is its ability to improve a huge scope of industries, but just 15% of UK-based small businesses have adopted at least one form of AI technology. How can more small businesses use this technology to their advantage? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best AI-based tools that can take your business to the next level!

Why Do Businesses Use AI?

Artificial intelligence provides an innovative way to improve the productivity and efficiency of each business's daily operations, helping them reach their goals quickly. According to Government research by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), some of the most commonly adopted AI solutions in the UK focus on:

• Data management and analysis (9%)
• Natural language processing and generation (8%)
• Machine learning (7%)
• AI hardware (5%)
• Computer vision, image processing and generation (5%)

Source: “AI Activity In UK Business 2022”, Page 2

AI Chat and Virtual Assistant Tools

AI chat and virtual assistant tools are highly beneficial in helping businesses answer repetitive, simple questions asked by customers and clients, such as “What hours are you open on a Sunday?”, leaving your customer service team free to provide a more personalised service for more complex queries. Let’s take a look at the best free and paid tools to explore:

Free Tools

1. ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI that generates conversational responses and answers to a wide range of queries, widely used for customer support, content creation, and personal assistance.

• Pros:
  • Provides quick, human-like responses that can handle various tasks, from casual conversation to technical queries.
  • Easy to integrate into websites and applications, offering 24/7 support capabilities.
• Cons:
  • Can produce incorrect or misleading information, especially on complex or niche topics.
  • Limited ability to remember context over long conversations, which can impact the quality of ongoing interactions.

2. Microsoft Copilot is a virtual assistant embedded within Microsoft 365 apps that leverages AI to enhance productivity by assisting with writing, data analysis, and task automation directly within familiar Microsoft environments.

• Pros:
  • Deep integration with Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, streamlining workflows for users.
  • Enhances productivity by automating routine tasks and providing intelligent suggestions based on user data.
• Cons:
  • Some premium features are only available at an additional cost, limiting access to full functionality for free users.
  • Inaccuracies can occur, especially when dealing with complex data or context-specific tasks.

3. Google Gemini is an AI-powered virtual assistant developed by Google, designed to assist with instant responses, task automation, and integration within Google’s suite of applications like Google Docs and Sheets.

• Pros:
  • Integrates seamlessly with Google applications, enhancing efficiency in tasks such as email automation and document creation.
  • Provides quick and relevant responses that are tailored to common business and personal use cases.
• Cons:
  • Limited appeal for users who do not use Google applications or prefer other software ecosystems.
  • Some advanced features and integrations may require a Google Workspace subscription.

Paid Tools

1. Jasper Chat is a powerful AI chatbot designed for businesses, known for its advanced conversational abilities, mature knowledge base, and deep understanding of niche and complex topics, making it a strong competitor to other AI chat tools like ChatGPT.

• Pros:
  • Offers in-depth responses on specialised and advanced topics, making it valuable for industry-specific queries.
  • Provides a highly customisable experience, allowing users to tailor responses and tone to fit brand needs.
• Cons:
  • The subscription packages can be costly, starting at £29 per month, which may be a barrier for small businesses.
  • Some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to simpler, more user-friendly chatbots.

2. Poe is a platform that provides access to a variety of top AI chat and virtual assistant models under a single subscription, allowing users to experiment with different AI capabilities and even create custom chatbots for personalised use.

• Pros:
  • Offers a cost-effective way to try multiple AI models without needing separate subscriptions, with pricing starting at £14.99.
  • Allows users to create and share custom chatbots, adding flexibility and community-driven innovation to the platform.
• Cons:
  • Some AI models may not perform as well as standalone subscriptions, potentially leading to inconsistencies in quality.
  • Custom chatbot creation can be complex, requiring some technical knowledge to fully utilise the platform’s capabilities.

AI Content Creation Tools

For those who need access to quality content quickly, AI content creation tools are becoming increasingly effective. These tools can assist with generating ideas, crafting coherent narratives, and optimising content for SEO purposes, saving content creators time to spend on strategy and creativity instead. There are many different free and paid tools available to help businesses with their content creation - let’s look at some of the best options:

Free Tools

1. Copy.ai is an AI-powered writing tool designed to help users generate engaging content quickly, particularly useful for social media posts, blogs, and marketing copy, featuring an easy-to-use dashboard.

• Pros:
  • Provides a wide range of templates for various content needs, including emails, ads, and social media.
  • User-friendly interface that makes it accessible even to those with no technical writing skills.
• Cons:
  • The free version is limited to 10 credits per month, restricting access for heavy users.
  • Advanced features and unlimited usage require a paid subscription.

2. Canva is a popular design platform that includes an AI content generator, enabling users to create visual and written content for marketing, social media, and design purposes in an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

• Pros:
  • Combines text generation with powerful design tools, making it easy to create cohesive visual and written content.
  • Extensive library of templates, images, and design elements integrated into the platform.
• Cons:
  • The quality of generated content may lack depth compared to dedicated writing tools.
  • Many premium assets and features are only available through Canva’s paid subscription.

3. Anyword is an AI writing platform focused on creating optimised content for marketers, with tools to craft headlines, ads, social media posts, and more, featuring predictive performance scores.

• Pros:
  • Offers predictive analytics to optimise content performance, which is valuable for marketing strategies.
  • Easy-to-use interface with extensive integration into social media and marketing platforms.
• Cons:
  • The trial version has limited access, restricting some features to paid plans.
  • Lacks app integration, making it less versatile for users needing full automation within their workflows.

Paid Tools

1. Surfer SEO is a paid AI-based tool designed to help users optimise their content for search engines by providing in-depth keyword analysis, content structure suggestions, and on-page optimisation insights, making it popular among digital marketers and SEO professionals.

• Pros:
  • Offers advanced content optimisation features, including keyword research, SERP analysis, and content editing tools, all in one platform.
  • Integrates seamlessly with other platforms like Google Docs and WordPress, streamlining the content creation and optimisation process.
• Cons:
  • The pricing can be high, making it less accessible for small businesses or individuals on a tight budget.
  • Some keyword suggestions and data points can occasionally be irrelevant or inaccurate, requiring manual refinement.

AI Image Generation Tools

AI has opened up doors for all sorts of image generation, helping businesses create engaging visuals that match on-demand prompts. The possibilities of these images are almost endless, from rainbow-coloured elephants to strange-shaped skyscrapers. Some of the free tools available are fantastic but more sophisticated paid apps are becoming widely available, too; let's explore some of the tools you could use today:

Free Tools

1. Bing Image Creator is an AI-powered tool by Microsoft that generates images based on text prompts, offering various styles and quick outputs, commonly used for creating visuals for social media, articles, and other content needs.

• Pros:
  • Generates multiple variations for each prompt, allowing for a variety of choices.
  • Easy to use and accessible through the Bing platform without any additional software.
• Cons:
  • Images often appear cartoon-like and may lack realism compared to other AI generators.
  • Limited customisation options, making it difficult to refine specific details in the images.

2. Canva Image Generator is an integrated feature within Canva’s design platform, allowing users to create images from text prompts, making it ideal for quick visual content creation within a familiar, user-friendly interface.

• Pros:
  • Seamlessly integrated into Canva’s design tools, making it easy to combine AI-generated images with other design elements.
  • Simple and intuitive, suitable for users without advanced technical skills or design experience.
• Cons:
  • The quality of generated images can be less sophisticated compared to dedicated AI art tools.
  • Some features are locked behind Canva’s paid tiers, limiting full access for free users.

Paid Tools

1. MidJourney is an AI image generation tool known for creating highly artistic and stylised visuals from text prompts, often producing imaginative, intricate, and surreal artwork.

• Pros:
  • Creates highly detailed, unique, and visually striking images.
  • Popular among digital artists for its artistic and experimental output.
• Cons:
  • Requires familiarity with Discord for use, which can be a barrier for some users.
  • Limited control over specific elements of the image, making it harder to fine-tune results.

2. Adobe Firefly 3 is Adobe’s generative AI tool integrated into its suite of creative applications, enabling users to generate images, text effects, and other assets with customisation options directly within Adobe’s ecosystem.

• Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Adobe’s suite, enhancing workflows for existing Adobe users.
  • Provides user-friendly customisation options, making it accessible to both beginners and professionals.
• Cons:
  • Performance can be limited when compared to specialised AI tools outside of Adobe.
  • Some advanced features may require a subscription to Adobe’s Creative Cloud, which can be costly.

3. DALL-E, developed by OpenAI, generates images from text descriptions, capable of producing photorealistic, artistic, and imaginative imagery suitable for various creative needs.

• Pros:
  • Highly versatile, capable of generating a wide range of styles from realistic to fantastical.
  • Frequently updated with new features, ensuring cutting-edge capabilities.
• Cons:
  • May require multiple attempts to achieve the desired result, leading to time-consuming tweaks.
  • Limited ability to handle very specific or complex prompts, occasionally resulting in unexpected outcomes.

Video Generation Tools

AI video generation tools are becoming incredibly useful; they allow businesses and individuals to quickly produce high-quality videos without the need for extensive resources, professional filming equipment, or technical expertise. These tools can help streamline content creation, enabling personalised videos, promotional content, and educational materials at scale.

Budget-friendly free tools are available, but several paid tools have been developed with a wider scope of functions. Some of the finest examples of each include:

Free Tools

1. Pika Labs is a text-to-video AI-powered tool that enables businesses to create animations based on the prompts given. Designed for those who need access to simple videos quickly, Pika Labs is a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to pay for large, expensive software.

• Pros:
  • Provides rapid video generation and automation, saving time and effort for users producing short-form or social media content.
  • Large range of templates to choose from, giving you inspiration for ideas on what to generate.
• Cons:
  • For the free plan, there’s a 2-minute limit on the videos you can make, so it is not ideal for businesses who intend on making longer clips.
  • There are occasional glitches which can appear in videos, and a good internet connection is needed for this site to work well.

2. Runway is an AI-powered video editing and creation platform that offers a range of tools for generating, editing, and enhancing videos using machine learning, making it suitable for creators and professionals looking to improve their video production workflow.

• Pros:
  • Provides advanced features such as real-time video editing, background removal, and text-to-video capabilities, enhancing creative possibilities.
  • User-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and experienced video editors, allowing for quick project execution.
• Cons:
  • Subscription costs can be high for users needing access to advanced features and tools.
  • Some features may require a stable internet connection and can be resource-intensive, potentially leading to performance issues on lower-end devices.

3. Fliki is an AI video generator designed to convert text into engaging videos quickly, allowing users to create promotional content, tutorials, and social media clips using automated voiceovers and visuals from a library of assets.

• Pros:
  • Quick and easy to use, enabling users to produce videos from text in just a few clicks, ideal for content marketers and educators.
  • Offers a variety of templates and customisation options, making it versatile for different content types and styles.
• Cons:
  • The generated videos may lack depth and quality compared to professionally edited content, limiting their appeal for high-end productions.
  • Some features and asset libraries are restricted to paid plans, which may limit functionality for free users.

Paid Tools

1. Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-grade video editing software that provides advanced tools and features for video production, including AI-powered capabilities for automating tasks such as colour correction, audio editing, and scene transitions.

• Pros:
  • Industry-standard software used by professionals, offering a comprehensive set of features for high-quality video production.
  • Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, enhancing workflow efficiency.
• Cons:
  • A steep learning curve for beginners due to its extensive functionality and professional focus.
  • Subscription-based pricing can be expensive for individual users or small businesses.

2. HeyGen is an AI video generation platform that allows users to create videos using customisable AI avatars and automated voiceovers, making it suitable for educational content, marketing, and virtual presentations.

• Pros:
  • Offers an easy-to-use interface with customisable avatars and backgrounds, allowing for quick video creation.
  • Ideal for producing engaging content without requiring extensive video editing skills or equipment.
• Cons:
  • Limited features compared to more advanced video editing software, which may restrict creative options for professional use.
  • Generated videos can sometimes lack personalisation and may appear less polished than those edited by hand.

3. Wondershare Filmora is a user-friendly video editing software that incorporates AI features to assist with editing tasks, effects, and transitions, making it accessible for beginners and casual users looking to produce high-quality videos.

• Pros:
  • Intuitive interface that simplifies the video editing process, making it suitable for users of all skill levels.
  • Offers a range of built-in effects, templates, and music options, enhancing creative possibilities without requiring extensive resources.
• Cons:
  • Some advanced features are limited to the paid version, which may restrict functionality for free users.
  • Performance may lag with larger projects or high-resolution files, especially on lower-end hardware.

AI Email Inbox Management Tools

Businesses are using AI to reduce email overload and streamline communications, through several free and paid tools. These tools can automatically sort, prioritise, and categorise emails, allowing users to focus on high-priority tasks. This not only improves productivity but also reduces the stress associated with a crowded inbox. Some of the best tools to explore include:

Free Tools

1. Hoppy Copy is an AI-driven email management tool that assists users in drafting, organising, and optimising email communications, helping to streamline the process of creating effective and engaging messages.

• Pros:
  • Offers intelligent suggestions and templates, making it easier to create professional and personalised emails quickly.
  • Integrates with various email platforms, allowing for seamless use across different accounts.
• Cons:
  • May not have as many advanced features as dedicated email clients, limiting comprehensive inbox management.
  • The effectiveness of suggestions can vary, requiring users to review and edit generated content for accuracy and tone.

Paid Tools

1. Microsoft Copilot Pro for Outlook is an AI-powered tool integrated into Outlook that enhances email management and productivity by providing smart suggestions for drafting emails, summarising threads, and automating routine tasks.

• Pros:
  • Deep integration with Outlook allows for seamless use and enhances existing functionalities, making email management more efficient.
  • Offers intelligent drafting and summarisation features, saving time and reducing the effort required to manage email communications.
• Cons:
  • Some features may be limited to higher-tier subscriptions, restricting access for basic users.
  • Reliance on AI suggestions can sometimes lead to generic responses that may need further customisation.

2. Gemini for Gmail is an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance the Gmail experience by providing features like automatic email organisation, smart replies, and context-aware suggestions for composing messages.

• Pros:
  • Automatically organises emails and prioritizes important messages, helping users focus on what matters most.
  • Offers contextual suggestions for replies and drafting, making email communication quicker and more efficient.
• Cons:
  • May not always accurately prioritise emails according to individual user preferences, leading to potential oversight of important messages.
  • Some features might require a paid subscription or advanced settings, which could limit access for casual users.

3. Sanebox is an AI-powered email organisation tool that helps users manage their inboxes by filtering and prioritising emails, ensuring that important messages are highlighted while less critical ones are sorted into designated folders.

• Pros:
  • Effectively reduces inbox clutter by automatically sorting emails based on user-defined rules and behaviour patterns.
  • Offers features like reminders and snoozing, enhancing productivity and focus on high-priority tasks.
• Cons:
  • Requires users to trust the AI's judgment on email importance, which may not always align with individual preferences.
  • Subscription-based pricing may not be ideal for casual users or those with minimal email management needs.

AI Workflow Automation Tools

AI workflow automation tools can streamline repetitive, time-consuming tasks, allowing businesses to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and focus on strategic activities. AI saves time and reduces operational costs by automating workflows, such as data entry, scheduling, or customer interaction. Some of the free and paid tools that businesses can take advantage of include:

Free Tools

1. HubSpot CRM is a comprehensive customer relationship management platform that includes AI-powered workflow automation features, helping businesses streamline sales, marketing, and customer service processes.

• Pros:
  • Offers a robust set of tools for managing customer interactions, with automated workflows to enhance lead nurturing and follow-up.
  • User-friendly interface and extensive resources for onboarding, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.
• Cons:
  • Some advanced automation features require a paid subscription, which can be costly for smaller businesses.
  • May require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with CRM systems, potentially delaying initial implementation.

Paid Tools

1. Ayanza is an AI-driven workflow automation and productivity tool that simplifies business processes by automating repetitive tasks and integrating with various applications to streamline workflows and improve productivity.

• Pros:
  • Offers easy integration with a wide range of applications, enabling seamless data transfer and task automation.
  • User-friendly interface allows non-technical users to set up and manage automation workflows without extensive training.
• Cons:
  • Limited customisation options for advanced users looking for tailored automation solutions.
  • May not be as widely known or supported as more established competitors, leading to potential challenges with community support and resources.

2. Zapier is a widely used automation tool that connects different apps and services to automate workflows, allowing users to create "Zaps" that trigger actions across various platforms based on specified conditions.

• Pros:
  • Supports thousands of apps, offering extensive integration options for automating diverse tasks and workflows.
  • Easy-to-use interface for creating automation without coding, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
• Cons:
  • The free tier is limited in terms of the number of tasks and premium features available, which may require a subscription for full functionality.
  • Complex workflows can become cumbersome to manage, leading to potential errors if not carefully monitored.

3. Zoho CRM is a powerful customer relationship management tool that incorporates AI and automation features to help businesses manage customer relationships, sales, and marketing efforts effectively.

• Pros:
  • Provides a comprehensive suite of tools for automation, including workflow management, lead scoring, and email campaigns.
  • Flexible pricing plans make it accessible for businesses of all sizes, with a range of features to suit different needs.
• Cons:
  • Some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to competitors, leading to potential challenges in navigation.
  • The vast number of features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring time to explore and learn the platform effectively.

AI Data Analysis Tools

Tools that use AI to analyse data are invaluable for quickly uncovering insights from vast amounts of data, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater speed and accuracy. These tools can identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that may be difficult or impossible for humans to detect, leading to smarter forecasting and decision-making. Some of the best free and paid tools to analyse data quickly include:

Free Tools

1. Julius is a free AI data analysis tool designed to help users analyse and visualise data sets through natural language processing, allowing users to generate insights and reports without extensive technical expertise.

• Pros:
  • User-friendly interface that allows non-technical users to easily query and analyse data using natural language commands.
  • Offers quick insights and visualisations, making it suitable for users needing fast data analysis.
• Cons:
  • Limited functionality compared to more advanced data analysis tools, which may restrict in-depth analysis for complex datasets.
  • The accuracy of insights may vary depending on the complexity of the queries and the underlying data quality.

2. Google BigQuery Studio is a powerful data analysis tool that provides a serverless, highly scalable platform for querying and analysing large datasets using SQL. It integrates seamlessly with Google Cloud services for enhanced data management.

• Pros:
  • Supports large-scale data analysis, allowing users to handle vast datasets efficiently without the need for infrastructure management.
  • Integrates with other Google Cloud tools, enhancing collaboration and data management capabilities across platforms.
• Cons:
  • Requires knowledge of SQL for effective use, which may pose a barrier for non-technical users.
  • While there’s a free tier, costs can escalate with heavy usage or larger datasets, making it less accessible for smaller projects.

3. FormulaBot is a free AI-powered tool that simplifies data analysis by allowing users to create and manipulate formulas and functions to derive insights from datasets, primarily aimed at users of spreadsheet applications.

• Pros:
  • Intuitive interface that enables users to create complex formulas without deep knowledge of data analysis, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Integrates with popular spreadsheet tools, enhancing the data manipulation capabilities directly within familiar environments.
• Cons:
  • Limited to functionalities associated with formula creation, which may restrict comprehensive data analysis compared to full-fledged data analysis platforms.
  • Performance may be hindered with very large datasets, affecting the speed of calculations and insights.

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