AI Tools Available at No Cost for Small Business Proprietors.
As an owner of a small business, your unique personality and interpersonal skills distinguish you from your competitors; however, this does not preclude the utilization of free AI tools to enhance the efficiency of your operations. Numerous tools are available that can assist you in saving time with tasks such as scheduling calls, generating content for your website, and managing data, thereby optimizing your engagement with contacts or your customer relationship management system. In this article, we present a selection of free AI tools that small business owners should contemplate adopting this year. Continue reading for a brief overview, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each tool.
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Why should you use free AI tools?
Let us first address the aspect of no cost. Engaging with these tools entails minimal risk, as there is no financial obligation involved. You can trial their capabilities, evaluate their performance, and choose to retain those that align with your preferences. Furthermore, the capacity of artificial intelligence to refine your workflow is significant. Research indicates that 57% of small business owners believe AI allows them to operate with the efficiency of larger firms. It is crucial to recognize that AI will not take over your business; rather, it will greatly ease your operational burdens. These tools are designed to accomplish more with fewer resources, making them particularly beneficial for small business owners who are often overwhelmed with various responsibilities.
Best Free AI Tools for Business
The following list includes 11 free resources that can benefit your business. Certain tools are entirely free, whereas others may have restricted versions of their products.
1. Grammarly
Best For: Editing & Copywriting
Grammarly is an artificial intelligence-based copywriting tool that facilitates the writing and editing of text. A notable aspect of this tool is its compatibility with multiple applications, such as Google Docs and email, allowing for convenient access whenever a writing review is necessary. Beyond merely highlighting spelling and grammatical errors, Grammarly also provides insights for refining sentence structure and improving paragraph transitions. This tool proves invaluable for proofreading emails before they are sent to clients; however, users should be aware that its recommendations might not accurately reflect their intended message, particularly when incorporating slang or trendy terminology.
Pros:
- Easy to install and use
- Integrates into most writing software
- Options to rewrite content in different tones or styles
Cons:
- Free versions offer limited recommendations
- Plugins may crash without a notification
- Some recommendations are irrelevant or unnecessary
2. Buffer
Best For: Social Media
Buffer serves as a management platform that monitors posts disseminated across various social media channels. It now offers an AI assistant designed to assist users in creating impactful messages that connect with their intended audience. The AI not only generates posts on your behalf but also generates ideas for upcoming content based on the details you supply. However, a notable drawback is the requirement to purchase premium reporting features, which complicates the process of assessing how to enhance your content over time.
Pros:
- Calendar for scheduling social posts
- Integrates with most social media platforms
- Plenty of advanced features for free users
Cons:
- Reporting features only included with the premium version
- Learning curve for new users
3. Thryv: Online Presence Scanner
Best For: Search Engine Optimization
Thryv provides a variety of complimentary tools designed to assist in managing your digital payments, Google reviews, online listings, and additional services. A notable AI tool is the Online Presence Scanner, which evaluates the accessibility of your business on the internet. This software conducts a search for references to your company across platforms such as Google, Yelp, and various social media sites, subsequently compiling the information into a well-organized PDF report. This document encompasses findings from social media, customer reviews, and other pertinent data beneficial for small business proprietors. This tool is particularly useful for obtaining an overview of your digital reputation. However, its utility may be limited for those who do not engage with social media or have not registered their business in an online directory.
Pros:
- Creates a report in minutes
- Designed for small business owners
- Provides a PDF version of the report
Cons:
- Report must be refreshed to update the analytics
- It provides insights, but not recommendations
4. ChatGPT
Best For: Copywriting
ChatGPT stands out as one of the leading free AI tools available today. This sophisticated chatbot is capable of generating content for your website, drafting emails for your newsletter, and crafting social media captions for your future posts. For those who are unfamiliar with AI, navigating the functionalities of ChatGPT may present some challenges initially; however, once you become proficient, you will have a reliable AI assistant to support all your copywriting requirements.
Pros:
- A convenient content creation tool
- Can write in different tones or from different perspectives
- Easy to download and use on desktop and mobile devices
Cons:
- May provide inaccurate information
- Learning curve for new users
- Content may not be optimized for search
5. Photoroom
Best For: Image Editing
Photoroom serves as an accessible design system tailored for novices. Users can modify an existing image by eliminating its background, incorporating new elements, and making various adjustments to create a completely new visual. This tool is particularly effective for straightforward graphic design tasks, such as generating a transparent background or overlaying a banner on a stock image. To fully leverage the capabilities of this tool, an upgrade to the premium version is recommended, which includes additional features such as resizing, AI-generated shadows, and a selection of templates.
Pros:
- User-friendly for beginner graphic designers
- Unlimited downloads for free users
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Advanced features only offered with the premium version
- Free downloads include a watermark
6. Steve.ai
Best For: Video Production
Steve.ai is a video production platform that enables users to generate both animated and live-action videos from the ground up. Users have the option to input a webpage URL, allowing the platform to assess the content and produce a video accordingly. This tool is particularly useful for businesses seeking to create straightforward videos with minimal editing effort. However, a notable drawback is its pay-to-play model; while users can begin with a free version, access to the most beneficial features requires a paid subscription.
Pros:
- Creates videos from text, URL, and audio
- Unlimited video creation
- Option to create 3D animated videos
Cons:
- Video editing features are limited
- Free to create and share videos, but not to download them
- Scripts must be written manually
7. Gemini
Best For: Research & Information
Gemini functions similarly to ChatGPT; however, it is developed by Google rather than OpenAI. The distinction lies in its training on real-time data, which allows it to provide more current information. While it is capable of executing the same copywriting tasks as ChatGPT, Gemini is primarily designed to offer solutions to inquiries that may not be adequately addressed by Google's search engine.
Pros:
- Powered by real-time information
- Integrated with other Google apps
- Ability to modify responses
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Limitations when counting and analyzing images
8. Whisper
Best For: Audio Generation
Whisper is a tool developed by OpenAI that converts audio files into written text. This tool is particularly useful for generating written transcripts of various media, such as videos, phone calls, or podcasts produced by your business. For instance, if you have obtained consent from a client to record a discussion regarding the specifics of a project, you can utilize Whisper to transcribe the conversation, thereby creating a comprehensive summary of the topics covered. However, a notable drawback of this tool is its complexity, as it is not user-friendly and necessitates a GitHub account for access.
Pros:
- Simple, but efficient
- Provides accurate transcriptions
- Options to modify transcripts
Cons:
- Requires a GitHub account
- Not very user-friendly
- Can only process audio files
9. Riffusion
Best For: Music Generation
Riffusion has the potential to become my preferred application. Users can input song lyrics, and Riffusion generates music tailored to the chosen genre, such as techno, rock, country, and others. The generated MP3 file is available for free download, and sharing your audio on TikTok is a straightforward process immediately after creation. With limited customization options, it serves as an accessible tool for novices aiming to create a jingle for their business. Without further delay, I present to you my latest single: Electric Puppy Love.
Pros:
- High-quality audio
- Free to download MP3 files
- Easy to share on social media
Cons:
- Limited options for customization
- Can’t edit the title of your song
- Free version is a demo
10. Reclaim.ai
Best For: Scheduling & Workflow Optimization
Reclaim.ai offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features aimed at enhancing your workflow efficiency. Among these is the "smart meetings" functionality, which autonomously arranges meetings according to your availability. Additionally, users can input "habits," which are routine tasks that are incorporated into your daily calendar. The platform also includes a reporting tool that provides insights into your daily productivity levels. While it may require some time to become proficient with these features, mastering them will equip you with a highly effective scheduling assistant.
Pros:
- Plenty of free scheduling tools and features
- Great for business owners with strict schedules
- Compatible with Google email accounts
Cons:
- Onboarding takes time to complete
- Business owners may not need each tool
11. Canva: AI Image Generator
Best For: Image Creation
Canva provides a robust AI image generator integrated within its platform. Although AI image generation is still developing, Canva's tool produces remarkably lifelike images of individuals, similar to the one depicted above. This functionality is particularly beneficial for generating stock photos for your website without incurring a monthly subscription fee. However, a limitation exists in that users can only create a finite number of images before needing to upgrade to a premium version.
Pros:
- Creates realistic images of people
- Built into graphic design software
- Option to convert the image into a video
Cons:
- Limited to 50 prompts
- May be challenging to create complex images
Using AI at Your Small Business
Incorporating artificial intelligence into your company's workflow is essential, regardless of whether you utilize a single product or all eleven available options. These tools are designed to streamline routine tasks, thereby allowing you to generate a greater volume of content with reduced resources. It is advisable to explore the complimentary options provided in this list and continue to experiment with AI to maintain a competitive edge within your industry.
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