In today’s fast-paced world, small businesses must embrace innovation to stay competitive. One of the most transformative tools available is artificial intelligence (AI). AI automation platforms like Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) are particularly accessible and can revolutionize how small businesses operate by automating repetitive tasks.
Imagine you’re running a service-based business. When a new client fills out an inquiry form on your website, Zapier can automatically:
- Add their details to your CRM (like HubSpot or Salesforce).
- Send a personalized thank-you email to the client.
- Notify your team in Slack about the new lead.
This eliminates manual data entry and ensures no lead falls through the cracks.
For businesses handling customer support, you can use Make to integrate tools like Gmail, Google Sheets, and Slack. For example, if a customer submits a support email, Make can create a ticket in your help desk system, log the details in a Google Sheet for tracking, and alert your support team in real time.
AI automation also enhances marketing efforts. Using Zapier, you can connect Facebook Lead Ads to your email marketing tool, such as Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign. When a potential customer signs up, Zapier can automatically:
- Add them to your email list.
- Trigger a welcome email sequence.
- Assign a follow-up task to your sales team in Asana or Trello.
Inventory management becomes seamless with tools like Zapier. For example, when a product’s stock drops below a certain threshold in your e-commerce platform, Zapier can send a restocking reminder to your team or even place an order with your supplier.
By using tools like Zapier and Make, small businesses can automate mundane tasks, streamline operations, and focus on growth—all without breaking the bank. Start small, and watch how automation transforms your business!
For more training on AI consider our AI Academy for Business Owners.
