12 Best AI Tools for Small Businesses You Can't Ignore in 2024

Do you think there are not just enough hours in a day to complete your business work? You’re not alone. I’d be hard-pressed to believe that any entrepreneur has never thought this at some point in life.

I was no different until I started using AI tools in our day-to-day business operations.

You . wonder how AI tools can add extra hours to a day. No, they can't, but they surely help us get the most out of what we have. 

In this guide, we have provided you with 11 game-changing AI tools that help you with recruiting, business planning, social media management, and many more. 

Trust me, these tools are real-life problem solvers and can transform the way you work. 

Let's dive right in and see what AI tools can do for your business.

Top 11 AI tools for small businesses & startups 

1. iSmartRecruit: One-stop Recruitment Solution  

iSmartRecruit is an AI Recruitment Software that manages the entire recruitment process with AI-powered assistance. 

This way, it reduces the time needed to hire top employees, which ultimately helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start their operations as soon as possible. 

Also, the exceptional collaborative hiring feature sets this highly-rated ATS apart from the rest. So, there is no better tool than iSmartRecruit for recruiting. 

Let’s see the other features it has to offer: 

Key features 

• Interview management 
• Recruitment CRM (candidate relationship management) 
• AI profile and job matching 
• World-class resume parsing 
• Job-tracker 
• Recruitment marketing and so much more for a single tool 

Pricing

Flexible and highly customisable. Please contact at [email protected] team to get custom pricing details that will suit your business better. 

Capterra ratings: 4.6 

2. Appy Pie Design: AI Animation Generator

Appy Pie Design simplifies the creation of stunning visuals, making it a go-to tool for enhancing digital content. Its AI Animation Generator stands out by enabling small businesses to easily create engaging animations without needing any prior design experience. 

This feature can help small businesses attract more attention online, explain their products or services in a more dynamic way, and increase social media engagement. By adding animated elements to their marketing toolkit, small businesses can create more impactful and memorable content, setting themselves apart in a competitive market.

Moreover, the AI Animation Generator allows for quick customization, adapting animations to fit brand identity with just a few clicks. This capability ensures that small businesses can consistently communicate their brand message across various platforms, enhancing brand recognition and customer connection through visually appealing animated content.

Key Features

• Offers a user-friendly interface that requires no prior animation experience.
• Provides a wide range of customizable templates to match different brand styles.
• Enables quick editing and customization of animations to save time.
• Supports the creation of animations for various purposes, including social media, websites, and presentations.
• Allows for the incorporation of brand logos and colors to maintain visual identity.
• Features an extensive library of animations and effects to enhance creativity.

Pricing

• 5 free credits on trial 
• 15 credits/month after subscription 
• Credits are shared between all the Al features.

3. Upmetrics: AI Business Plan Generator  

Upmetrics is a premier AI-powered software for business plans, simplifying business plan writing for startups, small businesses, or entrepreneurs. 

It has an auto-write feature that helps you write a particular section of the business plan if you are confused about it and allows you to edit it. 

Besides that, it can even change the tone of your business plan, answer your business-related queries, and help you make financial projections. 

So, if you were thinking of skipping the business planning step, then don't make that mistake and write it with Upmetrics to save time & resources and get funding. 

Here are some key features that differentiate it from others:

Key features 

• Write with AI (AI-powered text generation)
• Real-time updates and cloud storage, eliminating the risk of data loss 
• Intuitive, seamless, and responsive user interface 
• Business resources, video tutorials, and guides to help get started
• Financial calculators, eliminating the need for manual calculation with formulas 
• Content rewriting feature to polish or enhance content quality 

Pricing

• Starter - $7/month
• Premium - $14/month

Capterra ratings: 4.7

4. Copy.ai: AI Content Creation Tool 

Copy.ai has revolutionised the way small business owners, entrepreneurs, and everyone else write high-quality copies. It is a go-to content creation tool for businesses. 

It helps in creating blog posts, ad copies, and everything in between by keeping your brand voice consistent. So you don't have to use other tools for different purposes. 

Whether it is email copies, catchy social media captions, or some product description, this tool will help you with all. 

If you have a limited budget and want one solution for all your writing needs, then Copy.ai is the best option for you. 

Key features 

• AI-powered copywriting 
• Brainstorming assistance 
• Headline and tagline creation 
• E-mail copywriting 
• User-friendly interface 

Pricing 

• Free - 1 seat - $0
• Pro - 5 seats - $36/mo
• Team - 20 seats - $186/mo
• Growth - 75 seats - $1,000/mo
• Expansion - 150 seats - $2,000/mo
• Scale - 200 seats - $3,000/mo

Capterra ratings: 4.5 

5. SurferSEO: AI SEO Optimization Tool   

This is basically an SEO tool that helps to optimise written content, such as articles and blog posts. 

It scans and reads the existing top competitors' copies for comparison with yours and provides keyword suggestions. 

SurferSEO allows brands to manage their content strategy creation from a single app. It also helps you check plagiarism there and then, so you don't need a different app for that. 

It also integrates with various apps to make tasks run smoother. Some of the features it provides are as follows. 

Key features

• Keyword researcher
• SERP analyser 
• SEO auditor 
• Backlink analysis 
• Content Editor 

Pricing

• Essential - $89/mo
• Scale - $129/mo
• Scale AI - $219/mo
• Enterprise - $399/mo

Capterra ratings: 4.9

6. Dall. E 2: AI Graphics Generator  

DALL-E 2 was created by OpenAI for making cool pictures and graphics. This tool can generate high-quality images just by your prompts, making your graphics task easier than ever.

With DALL-E 2, you can make your brand stand out by customising images that match your business style. This tool is amazing for creating images related to fashion design, art creation, or anything else, saving time and other resources. 

The best part is that you don't need to be a design expert to create any design. Some other features are: 

Key features

• Synthesising high-quality images 
• Giving a wide range of output 
• Provides various styles and themes 
• User-friendly interface 

Pricing

• $15 for every 115 credits
• (1 credit = 1 text prompt with 4 image variations)

Capterra ratings: 4.5

7. Buffer: AI Social Media Manager  

Buffer is a great AI-powered tool designed to simplify your social media management. It offers post-scheduling across different platforms. 

Its AI algorithms assess audience engagement activity and display the best time for posting for maximum reach and interaction. 

Moreover, its Pablo tool facilitates the quick creation of amazing social media images by assessing a vast library of stock photos, text, and other design elements. 

Where social media has become a prerequisite for all businesses, Buffer is a blessing for every small business in managing their social media accounts. 

Key features 

• Post scheduling 
• Performance analysis 
• Pablo's tool for creating amazing pictures 
• Audience Insights 
• Consolidated account management 

Pricing 

• Free - $0 
• Essentials - $6/mo - per channel
• Team - $12/mo - per channel
• Agency - $120/mo - for 10 channels

Capterra ratings: 4.5

8. GrammarlyGO: AI Personal Writing Assistant  

GrammarlyGO is an AI-powered writing assistant from Grammarly for professionals and entrepreneurs. 

It ensures that your content maintains grammar, checks spelling, and also makes the content more engaging and reader-friendly. 

While Grammarly has long been a go-to tool for checking spelling and grammar, GrammarlyGO takes it a step further. It goes beyond mere corrections, offering additional features like assisting in brainstorming content ideas, creating outlines, summarising content, identifying content gaps, and more—all through intuitive text-based prompts.

Let's see the features it provides: 

Key features 

• Advanced grammar and spelling check 
• Content idea brainstorming 
• Outline creation 
• Identifying content gaps 

Pricing

• Free - $0
• Premium - $12/mo
• Business - $15/mo 

Capterra ratings: 4.8

9. Brand24: AI Social Listening Tool  

Brand24 is a handy tool that uses AI to keep an eye on your social media presence. It watches and checks what people are saying about your brand, products, and even your competitors on different online platforms, which is why it is also known as an AI listening tool. 

This tool helps you take control of your reputation, quickly respond to what customers are saying, and spot chances to connect with influencers.

It sends you alerts in real time and can even analyse the feelings behind the online buzz. For business owners aiming to boost their brand's recognition, Brand24 is a tool you don't want to miss.

Key features 

• Social media monitoring 
• Reputation management 
• Competitor analysis 
• Sentiment analysis 

Pricing 

• Individual - $99
• Team - $179
• Pro - $249
• Enterprise - $499

Capterra ratings: 4.7

10. Zapier: The Ultimate Automator 

Zapier is a go-to automation tool because its AI works smartly by simultaneously automating repetitive tasks of businesses on various apps or platforms.  

It has 3000+ integration options, to be exact, so you get a diverse range of apps here. Whether it's saving Gmail attachments to Dropbox or syncing leads from Facebook Ads to your CRM, Zapier effortlessly handles these tasks.

Besides that, it is easy to use, as you don't need to be a techie to create an automation. You can simply do it with some clicks. It helps you save time and also reduces the likelihood of errors.  

Key features 

• Wide app integrations 
• Task automation 
• Real-time updates 
• User-friendly workflows 

Pricing

• Free - $0
• Starter - $29.99/mo
• Professional - $73.50/mo
• Team - $103.50/mo
• Company - Customisable

Capterra ratings: 4.7

11. Motion: AI For Productivity

Motion is an innovative AI-driven calendar application designed to effortlessly construct your schedule, organise your day, and generate optimal to-do lists through the power of machine learning and AI algorithms.

This AI tool efficiently plans your day by taking into account crucial factors such as deadlines, working hours, meetings, and the average duration of tasks. An impressive feature is its ability to schedule meetings without causing conflicts within your existing calendar.

In essence, Motion proves to be a valuable inclusion for your small business. Some of the features of this business are: 

Key features 

• Automated schedule planning 
• Conflict-free meeting scheduling 
• Deadline management 
• Task duration analysis 

Pricing

• Individual - $34/mo
• Team - $20/mo

Capterra ratings: 3.8

12. Editpad: AI Business Name Generator

Editpad business name generator is an AI-powered tool that will generate unique yet attractive business names for a given keyword or topic. This will totally eliminate the need for marketers or investors to devote their valuable time or effort to brainstorming name ideas on their own.

Additionally, this AI tool can generate business names for numerous industries, including automotive, Tech, Fashion, Health, and many more. The best feature is that it gives the option to set the no. of name that the tool should generate. This way, people will have the choice to go with the most appropriate one.

Finally, this is a completely free-to-use tool, which means it can be used unlimited times without paying a single penny.

Key Features:

• Simple to understand interface.
• Generates 100% unique yet creative name ideas within seconds.
• Gives the option to select the niche/industry for more personalized results.
• Ability to generate multiple names for a single input.

Pricing:

There is no pricing plan for the Editpad AI business name generator. This is because it is completely free for users all around the globe.

Capterra ratings: 4.6

Top Benefits of Using AI Tools for Small Businesses 

There is no wonder that AI makes life easier for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and all individuals. Let's see how advantageous AI Tools are for businesses: 

Increased efficiency 

Businesses demand certain repetitive tasks. It would be great if someone could overtake it without the need for your constant surveillance. This is where AI comes in because it automates these repetitive tasks so that businesses can focus on other important matters. 

Time-saving 

Automation of repetitive tasks through smart algorithms saves time. These tasks might take a lot more time if done manually. So, AI is a blessing in this way. 

Improved productivity  

AI-powered tools enhance productivity by handling tasks quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of errors that could have been done manually. 

Cost-effective  

Automation minimises the need for manual work, ultimately affecting labour costs here. Thus, it reduces the cost and overall budget of the business. 

Data-driven insights  

AI tools provide valuable insights after analysing large datasets, which helps business owners to make informed decisions about anything. 

Improved customer experience 

AI tools like recruitment chatbots or email automation take care of a certain amount of customer queries instantly. This way, the customers get attended to immediately, resulting in improved customer experience. 

Scalability  

With automation and smart algorithms, small businesses can easily handle increased workloads along with maintaining the quality & quantity of the work. This way they can scale easily by providing a great customer experience. 

Personalisation  

AI enables businesses to customise services, products, and marketing strategies based on individual customer preferences, leading to more personalised connections.

Now, once we know the advantages of using AI tools, let’s proceed to where we get to know how to choose the right one for your business. 

How do You Choose the Right AI Tool for Your Business?   

We listed all the above tools to make your AI tool hunt a bit easier, but if you need other tools for your business, then here are certain things to consider: 

1. Understand your requirements 

The main thing before deciding on the right AI tool is to understand the requirements of your business. This way, you will get to know for which tasks exactly you need AI tools and which of them needs your manual attention. 

2. Training period

Understand that each AI tool comes with a learning curve, so see the level of difficulty and training required for that AI tool before you invest in any tool. Your team will also need the time to go through the training period of that tool, so consider it too. 

3. Consider scalability 

Choose an AI tool that will still be helpful to you once your team or business operations grow. So you don't have to go through the process of searching for other tools frequently. 

4. Returns on Investment 

Conduct a quick ROI analysis before investing. It will help you understand whether the tool is worthy of long-term usage or not. Either it should prevent your labour costs or provide you with good returns.  

5. Industry experience 

Confirm that the tool provider has significant experience in the industry you are working in to understand the user flow and behaviour. This way the owner can customise the tool according to your needs and provide you with great customer satisfaction. 

Final Thought on Best AI Tools for Small Businesses  

And there you have it - 11 power-packed AI tools that will change the way you work and achieve goals. 

From simplifying your business planning process to recruiting the right talent and managing repetitive tasks, these tools will be your assistant and help you around. 

So why wait? Dive in and explore which AI tools are the best fit for your business to boost productivity and enjoy the simplified way of working. 

FAQs

1. What popular generative AI tool is helpful for small businesses?

Dall-E 2 and Copy.ai are widely popular generative AI tools that are beneficial for small businesses in creating graphics and content simultaneously. 

 Another such tool that is popular and commonly used is ChatGPT, which helps you with research and other queries. 

2. Is there a free AI tool I can use?

Yes, various AI tools offer free versions. Some of such tools are Grammarly, Buffer, and ChatGPT. However, the paid version is also available with advanced features. 

3. Are AI tools affordable for Small Business Owners?

Yes, there are many AI tools available that provide free versions with minimal features. Besides that, they also provide affordable pricing plans for small businesses. However, this all depends on the features you want for your business. 

4. How many small businesses are using AI?

A study from Stanford University found that 25% of small businesses are currently using AI in some way or other. The same study shows that 85% of businesses accept that technology has made their life easier.