Artificial intelligence is a hot topic, and with technological innovation continuing in AI, it is likely to remain a popular topic. The use of AI for marketing it has only grown. As a communications firm, our clients often ask about AI – do we use it? Should they use it? And how can AI be used to get the best possible ROI and results?

Since we work with many small businesses, budget is also a concern. Fortunately, there are a host of AI options that can boost marketing efforts and improve efficiency without significant investment. These customers often don't know where to start, so let's discuss some low-hanging fruit.

The AI ​​tools we recommend are simple, easy to use and affordable, helping you take your marketing to the next level.

Related: How to incorporate AI into your marketing strategies

The growing impact of AI on marketing

Artificial intelligence is not only more accessible, but also incredibly versatile. You can already use AI without realizing it. From personalized product recommendations you see online to chatbots that answer your customer service questions, AI is all around us. Even platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) use AI extensively to enhance user experience and advertising effectiveness. Meta uses AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, including user demographics, behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to target their ads more precisely and optimize placements for better results. This ability means businesses can reach the right audience at the right time, often without the need for deep marketing expertise.

In fact, businesses are rapidly adopting AI, and statistics as of late AI survey speak for themselves:

• 35% of businesses have adopted AI to some extent.

• 77% of devices now features AI-powered functionality.

• 9 out of 10 organizations see AI as a competitive advantage.

• By 2030, AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy.

ABOUT small businessesthe ability to access AI tools that are affordable and user-friendly means the technology is more accessible than ever. Gone are the days when you need a dedicated team of developers to implement AI in your marketing strategy. Today's AI platforms, including those offered by Meta, are designed with usability in mind, and most require little or no technical knowledge. This allows even smaller businesses to harness AI capabilities and create content that rivals larger competitors.

Related: 6 Positive Impacts of AI on Digital Marketing

Top AI tools for marketing on a budget

Here are some of our favorite free AI software, along with their descriptions and prices:

1. ChatGPT

   • Description: ChatGPT is a versatile AI language model that can help with content generation, brainstorming and answering customer questions. It helps marketers craft compelling copy quickly and efficiently.

   • Prices: Free for basic use; Subscription plans available for advanced features.

2. Grammatically

   • Description: Grammarly uses AI to improve the quality of your writing by providing real-time grammar, punctuation and style suggestions. Ensures your marketing copy is polished and professional.

   • Prices: Free basic plan; Premium plans start at $12 per month.

3. Grok

   • Description: Grok is an AI-powered tool that can help businesses create and optimize marketing strategies based on consumer insights and market trends. It helps in identifying target audiences and creating personalized messages.

   • Prices: Starting at $16 per month (currently only available to those with a Premium+ subscription to X).

4. Canvas

   • Description: Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool that uses AI to suggest templates, layouts and images. It empowers marketers to create stunning visuals for social media, ads and other marketing materials without the need for design skills.

   • Prices: Free basic plan; pro version available for $12.99 per month.

5. River5

   • Description: River5 is an AI-driven video creation platform that helps marketers turn text content into engaging videos. It simplifies video production, making it accessible to businesses without extensive video editing experience.

   • Prices: Free version available; paid plans start at $19 per month.

6. AI-driven sentiment analysis tools

   • Description: These tools analyze customer feedback and social media conversations to gauge public sentiment about a brand or product. This insight can inform marketing strategies and improve customer engagement.

   • Prices: Varies by provider, usually starting around $30 per month.

7. Copy.ai

   • Description: Copy.ai uses AI to generate marketing copy, blog posts, social media content and more. It is designed for ease of use, allowing marketers to quickly create high-quality content.

   • Prices: Free trial available; paid plans start at $35 per month.

8. Zendesk Chat

   • Description: Zendesk Chat (formerly Zopim) offers AI-powered chat features that help businesses engage customers in real-time. It allows for automated responses to common questions while providing options for human support.

   • Prices: Starting at $19 per month per agent.

Related: How small and medium-sized businesses can use AI to compete with large companies

Making AI work for your business

AI has leveled the playing field for businesses of all sizes, allowing even small enterprises to produce quality content and compete effectively with larger players. This democratization of technology means businesses can access tools and knowledge previously reserved for those with bigger budgets. Furthermore, you don't need to be an AI expert to take advantage of these tools. Many platforms offer intuitive interfaces and step-by-step instructions, enabling traders to implement AI strategies with confidence.

Incorporating AI into your marketing efforts can lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency. If it is automating repetitive tasksby generating creative content or analyzing data for better targeting, AI helps businesses maximize their resources and achieve better results. By using these tools, small businesses can compete on a larger scale, ultimately driving growth and improving customer relationships.