Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just for tech giants. SMBs can now access a range of affordable AI tools to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions. The best part? Many of these tools cost less than £100 a month, making them accessible even for businesses with limited budgets.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top AI tools for SMBs that fall under this price point and how they can help your business grow and thrive. By investing in these tools, you’ll not only improve efficiency but also gain a competitive edge in your industry.
Why AI tools are crucial for SMBs
AI tools offer various benefits to SMBs, including:
- Automation of repetitive tasks: Save time by automating routine business processes such as customer service, sales, and HR.
- Improved decision-making: AI can analyse large amounts of data to offer insights and recommendations that drive business growth.
- Enhanced customer experience: AI-powered chatbots and recommendation engines provide personalised service at scale.
For more on how AI can accelerate your business, check out our guide on AI tools for startups
1. PandaHR
- Price: £1 per user/month
- Use case: HR automation and talent management
- Features: PandaHR leverages AI to automate recruitment processes, manage employee records, and track performance. It helps SMBs manage their workforce efficiently without the need for a large HR team. Features include automated CV parsing, candidate shortlisting, and AI-driven performance assessments.
- Why it’s great for SMBs: PandaHR simplifies HR tasks, allowing smaller teams to focus on strategic initiatives. With automated recruitment tools, it’s easier to find the best talent without extensive manual input.
- Website: PandaHR
2. GoHire
- Price: Starting at £58/month
- Use case: AI-powered recruitment platform
- Features: GoHire helps SMBs manage their recruitment process from job posting to candidate management. It includes automated candidate tracking, smart job distribution across multiple platforms, and AI-driven suggestions for potential hires. The platform also offers data analytics to help businesses make informed hiring decisions.
- Why it’s great for SMBs: GoHire allows smaller businesses to compete with larger enterprises by automating and optimising the hiring process. It offers valuable insights into recruitment performance, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.
- Website: GoHire
3. Grammarly Business
- Price: £11.50 per user/month
- Use case: AI-powered writing assistant
- Features: Grammarly Business provides writing enhancement tools, helping teams improve their communication. It goes beyond grammar checking by offering tone adjustments, style recommendations, and clarity improvements.
- Why it’s great for SMBs: Clear and professional communication is essential for business growth, and Grammarly ensures that all written content, whether for clients or internal use, is error-free.
- Website: Grammarly
4. Loom
- Price: £8 per user/month
- Use case: Video messaging and collaboration
- Features: Loom allows users to record video messages that can be easily shared with colleagues or clients. It's perfect for explaining workflows, providing updates, or giving presentations without the need for a live meeting.
- Why it’s great for SMBs: Loom saves time and enhances communication by allowing businesses to share complex ideas quickly and visually. It’s ideal for remote teams or client-facing roles.
- Website: Loom
The value of AI for SMBs
AI tools have quickly become essential for SMBs looking to streamline their operations without a large upfront investment. These tools are designed to help businesses:
- Save time by automating processes like recruitment, customer support, and document management.
- Cut costs by reducing the need for manual labour in repetitive tasks.
- Improve decision-making by offering predictive insights based on data.
For more on how AI can provide valuable insights and improve your business processes, take a look at our development outsourcing services.
How to choose the right AI tool for your business
When selecting an AI tool, consider the following:
- Business needs: Choose a tool that addresses a specific challenge your business faces, whether it’s managing HR, automating document workflows, or improving customer service.
- Budget: Make sure the tool fits within your budget. All the tools in this list cost less than £100 per month, but prices can scale based on the number of users.
- Scalability: Select tools that can grow with your business. For example, if your workforce expands, you'll want an AI tool that can handle an increased workload without breaking the bank.
- Integration: Ensure the AI tool integrates with the systems you already use, such as your CRM or email platform.
If you're unsure which tool is right for your business, check out our blog on choosing the right software development agency for more guidance on selecting the best technology partner.
AI tools have become indispensable for SMBs, offering efficiency, automation, and data-driven insights at an affordable price. Whether you're looking to streamline your HR processes with PandaHR or optimise your hiring with GoHire, AI tools are helping businesses unlock new growth opportunities without breaking the bank.
To learn more about how AI can benefit your business, explore our AI development services or read about the top sustainable software tools for startups for additional insights.