Generative AI tools have changed the game for small businesses. They democratize technology for small companies, enabling them to compete with (and win against) larger corporations.
.jpg "Best AI Content Tools for SMBs (How to Use")
Small businesses can now automate creative tasks using advanced technology. This levels the playing field, enhances their competitive edge, and opens up new possibilities in marketing, branding, and online presence, all with minimal investment.
Do you want to learn how to use these technologies to boost your small business? Check out the latest guide from OnDeck. It details the best AI content generation tools for small businesses, including the best ways to incorporate them into your content creation strategy.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a form of artificial intelligence (AI) that can create entirely new, original content, including written texts, images, videos, and music.
Unlike traditional AI systems, which mainly analyze and interpret data, generative AI takes it a step further by producing something truly original. It does this by recognizing patterns, structures, and formats through advanced algorithms and neural networks, then mimicking them to create its versions based on user prompts.
What kind of ways should small businesses use generative AI?
We're far from AI replacing humans. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, AI will continue to augment our personal and professional lives, helping us do things faster, cheaper, and smarter.
This is why creative AI can bring small businesses to the next level.
Automating tasks can absorb 60 to 70% of an employee's workload, freeing them up to do more meaningful and impactful work.
Essentially, generative AI tools can handle the heavy lifting, while humans can devote more time to complex tasks. Adopting generative AI is a cost-effective and highly efficient way to boost energy and productivity with minimal resources, making it an essential tool for any content-creating small business.
What to do and not to do when using generative AI to make content
Generative AI material is really cool. But it's not at all good.
AI content tools require human oversight. Always fact-check and edit any content before publishing (or before sending it to a client).
Also, don't use AI just because you can. Yes, AI thinks much faster than us "meat puppets," especially when producing snippets like headlines, meta descriptions, and alt text for SEO. But it can't understand people the way people do. So, leave the really important work, like branding and writing copy that convinces and sells, to "real" content creators.
generative AI tools for writing text
Copy.ai is a free tool that makes AI writing. It works well for making simple content, but it will slow down when you ask it to make long-form content.
Paid versions of ChatGPT and Jasper are excellent options for small businesses looking to speed up their content creation. Both tools can compile blogs or content outlines in seconds (literally). But once more, always check the facts. Both Jasper and ChatGPT are not always right.
Generative text tools let you:
- Create chatbots to answer basic customer queries
- Write simple marketing writing
- Come up with content ideas/plans
- Summarize long reports, articles, and industry white papers
Using generative AI tools to make pictures
For small business owners, AI-powered image generation tools are a godsend. For less than $20 a month, they can subscribe to platforms like Midjourney, giving them a virtual in-house graphic designer who will happily fulfill any request in seconds (at any time of day/night).
With AI help, anyone, including those of us who struggle to draw a convincing stickman, can create high-quality images and designs.
For instance, tools like Midjourney and Canva can:
- Make pictures for websites, blogs, and social media posts
- Fix and improve pictures that already exist
- Design logos and branding for your products/services
- Create eye-catching ads
Generative AI Audio Tools for Small Businesses
Podcasting is a great way to get people to listen, work together, and show that you are an expert in your field. But what small business owner has the time to learn all the technical skills for podcasting? They no longer have to, though.
AI audio tools like Riverside, which cost just $15 a month, mean you can now podcast without actually knowing how to podcast.
Then there’s Vowel, an AI audio platform that can transcribe meetings, interviews, performance reviews, and podcast episodes. It’s like having an extra administrative person on your team, and the platform is free to use for short meetings (40 minutes or less).
With AI audio, you can also:
- Create music, jingles, and audio clips
- Turn blogs and other marketing materials into audio
- Transcribe audio files into text
Creating Video Content with AI
Creating video content is more than just marketing. It’s also one of the most effective ways to train your staff and enhance their skills. In fact, 98% of small business owners surveyed said video is an essential part of their company’s learning and development strategy.
That’s why small business owners need to get familiar with AI video platforms like Pictory, wave.video, and Synthesia. They can help small businesses:
- Create videos for employee training
- Produce promotional videos
- Turn blog posts into videos
