Artificial intelligence (AI) allows computers to perform tasks typically reserved for humans. However, that doesn't mean it can replace humans. Instead, it simply enhances productivity and improves the way your business can operate.
More than 40% of small companies have begun developing AI strategies, according to a 2022 IBM study. That number is growing steadily each year, with more and more businesses discovering how the automation of tasks can boost their business in multiple ways.
Still not convinced AI would be beneficial for your business? Here are five areas you can improve with artificial intelligence.
1. Customer service
Providing information and answering questions is essential to delivering a positive customer experience. But is it worthwhile to have employees spend their days answering messages with the same information over and over? This is where AI can help.
AI-powered chatbots can improve your customer service with automated responses to frequently asked questions and around-the-clock support. Your customers can get answers quickly and your employees' time and energy can be directed elsewhere.
2. Productivity
Your employees may be incredibly efficient, but what would you say if you knew those tasks could be completed just as quickly — if not faster — and free up your employees' time? Similarly to how AI can improve your customer service, it can also boost productivity in all aspects of your business.
Artificial intelligence can ensure your processes run automatically, consistently and correctly. It can reduce mistakes and errors, allow your employees to focus on higher-level tasks, and make your company more productive and efficient.
3. Energy efficiency
Automating mundane tasks is artificial intelligence's specialty, and that technology can be used to help you save energy, too. AI already plays a part in many modern HVAC systems, but adding smart technology to the mix makes saving energy and creating a comfortable space even easier.
Smart thermostats use artificial intelligence in a new way, learning the habits of your building and using that data to automatically adjust the temperature for energy savings. It takes the guesswork out of picking the optimal setting and takes yet another thing off your plate so you can focus on your business.
4. Cybersecurity
Many credit card companies rely on AI to detect and prevent fraud, so why shouldn't your business use the same technology to protect sensitive information?
Artificial intelligence can guard your business against fraudulent activities, such as credit card fraud, identity theft, etc. These advanced fraud detection systems work 24/7 to keep your information safe, protecting you and your customers from financial loss and damage to your company's reputation.
5. Marketing
You may offer the best products or services in the world, but do people know about it? Reaching customers is half the battle, and artificial intelligence makes winning it even easier.
AI can use algorithms to analyze your data and marketing trends to recommend an effective content marketing strategy. Selecting the most appropriate keywords, optimizing blog posts, and determining when and how often to post are all easily accomplished with the help of artificial intelligence.
Now that you know how artificial intelligence can improve business operations, you can join the more than 60% of businesses who are currently implementing it and get started on a plan to incorporate this game-changing technology.