Running a small business in Brisbane is no easy feat. Whether you’re juggling bookings at a local café, quoting tradie jobs, or finding your next client, it feels like there are never enough hours in the day. Here’s where AI can step in—not with sci-fi robots, but with everyday, “that-just-saved-my-bacon” solutions.
What AI Actually Looks Like for Small Businesses
A lot of people imagine AI as something only big corporations with even bigger budgets can afford. Truth is, AI is now baked into tools you likely use every day—think those little pop-up chatbots on websites or emails that almost write themselves. It’s not magic, just a bit of clever tech.
Three Ways Local Businesses Are Using AI (That Actually Work):
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Smarter Customer Help:
That “How can I help you?” chat bubble on your website? Powered by AI, and it means you don’t have to answer every question at midnight. Tools like ChatGPT or Zendesk can answer simple questions, take bookings, or even point a customer in the right direction. -
Better Social Media Scheduling:
Using AI-driven platforms (like Later or Meta’s own scheduling tools), you can map out a fortnight’s worth of posts in less than an hour. AI will even suggest when to post for max eyeballs—and sometimes how to reword your captions. -
Faster (and Nicer) Emails:
Feeling stuck writing those “Sorry I missed your call” notes or invoice follow-ups? AI in Gmail or Outlook drafts (and sometimes sends) the perfect message for you. It learns your style over time, so replies sound like you (not a robot).
It's not about replacing people - it's about taking back your time so you can work on the parts of your business that actually require human touchpoints
How to Get Started with AI—Without Breaking the Bank
- Start small: Try using Gmail’s “Smart Reply” or the auto-scheduler on your Facebook page.
- Look for tools you already use—most have AI features by now, often at no extra cost.
- Focus on the bottlenecks: Whatever chews up your time (emails, quotes, reminders), there’s probably an AI tool to help.
Keep It Real and Keep It Local
Here’s the thing: AI is a tool, not a silver bullet. The best results come when you mix a bit of tech with a lot of genuine understanding of your customers. Let AI handle the routine, and you focus on building those relationships that keep people coming back.
Ready to give AI a go, but not sure where to start?
Drop me a line or swing by The Yap for more simple, jargon-free ways to get more from your marketing—without needing a PhD in robots.
