AI in Business: How To Get Started

This post will look at getting started with AI in business, considerations, applications, various tools, and benefits.

There’s a lot of buzz about artificial technology (AI) and how it can benefit online entrepreneurs.

When you’re working as a sole employee, donning many different hats in your business, finding out there’s a tool that can cut your workload for you is enticing. 

But many men and women still need to utilize AI in their business, primarily because it sounds complex and intimidating. 

Not to mention they don’t know how to navigate the ethics of it all. 

Those who know about AI either pump out new AI tools or sell courses of prompts without explaining how it works and how it can benefit you.

Below, you’ll get a solid introduction to the world of AI for online entrepreneurs. 

You’ll find out why so many are adopting this technology into their business and feel confident moving forward with it on your own.

AI in Business – Understanding What AI Is and How It Can Benefit You

AI stands for artificial intelligence. 

It is a technology that allows machines to amass, analyze and understand data from humans to assist you with your tasks. 

Just as a human researcher would read about a topic, watch people’s behavior and look at data like patterns and trends, AI can do this, too – but on a much bigger scale in mere seconds. 

There are Two Forms of AI in Business

Narrow, like Amazon’s Alex or the iPhone Siri Ai tools that can respond to inquiries. 

And general, that absorbs information, processes it, and then applies that knowledge like humans do to help with tasks. 

It’s not an evil robot poised to take over the world or put everyone out of business. 

It’s no more threatening than a keyword tool or another convenient technology that helps you research and make decisions. 

Benefits of AI in Business

You can use AI in your business as an online entrepreneur in several ways. 

AI Applications in Business – Efficiency & Productivity

First, it helps with efficiency and productivity. 

You’ll save time using AI, which you can apply elsewhere in your business (or personal life).

These are not sloppy shortcuts, but often better than what you, as a human, can devise for yourself. 

The information it gathers can help you make better strategic decisions. 

That can help you avoid floundering in this business. 

It can save you from backtracking and changing direction due to a failure or obstacle. 

AI Applications in Business – Save Money with AI in Business

Another way AI can help you as an online marketer is to save you money. 

You can eliminate the need to outsource or buy far more expensive tools. 

So you save money to reinvest in other business areas (or just add to the profits).

It’s easy to scale a business when you understand how to use AI tools. 

Many solo entrepreneurs struggle with it because they only have so many hours in the day. 

AI Applications in Business – Strategy & Creativity

It can help you strategically and creatively, too. 

You can use AI for text content, videos, images, and audio. 

It gives you an immediate multimedia approach to your online efforts. 

Because it has access to so much information, it can even conduct market and competitor analysis. 

With this leading knowledge, you can always maintain a cutting edge in your niche.

AI Applications in Business – Customer Service Chatbots

Some people have business models where they’re continually fielding common questions from customers. 

A chatbot AI system can greet customers and answer these for you so that you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to reply continually. 

So whether it’s automation, creativity, research, strategy, or something else, Internet Marketers can significantly benefit from AI tools.  

AI in Business – Discover the Variety of AI Tools That Can Help You Online

The next step in learning how to get started with AI in your business is understanding what is available. 

Dozens of new AI tools are released daily, so it can get overwhelming quickly if you see too many options.

Start with the most basic, free AI tools, then expand your knowledge. 

Tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard are great places to start. 

These are text, language-based AI tools. 

Content Creation

So they can help create content for your: 

• blogs 
• email autoresponders 
• social media profiles
• lead magnets, or
• info products

It can do everything from simple brainstorming to outlining to complete content creation. 

It also can whip up sales copy for you. 

You can use it for your sales letters, landing pages, and even bridge pages to warm up your audience with your copy and bonus promo.

Video Content 

AI tools can entirely create and map out video content for you. 

You can also use text-based AI for video scripts and storyboard details. 

You can then take the information to a tool like Canva and create it yourself. 

Video AI tools can assemble a professional-looking presentation in any style you like. 

It can be animated, a slideshow, or even an AI human-like representative giving the video narration on camera. 

Audio

You can find AI tools for audio, too. 

Audio is terrific if you have a podcast or want to record an audiobook for your followers. 

You get AI to create or feed a script, such as an article you want to turn into audio. 

AI can then deliver a human-like audio recording. 

If you need images, AI can create things from your instructions. 

It can also edit and enhance images you provide if you need something altered or improved for your online business use. 

You can find AI tools that can deliver analytical information, too. 

Whether it’s data about your site and profiles, or those made by your competitors, AI can spot patterns, predict future developments in your niche, and spot any gaps you can fill to serve your customers’ needs.

 Virtual Assistant

And suppose you need a virtual assistant to step up and interact with your customers. 

In that case, you can easily integrate a simple chatbot on your site or social media (such as Facebook).

AI in Business – Match the Right AI Tool to What You Need the Most Help With

Different types of AI tools have additional capabilities. 

You can use AI for the following: 

• writing 
• video creation,
• search engine optimization (SEO) 
• data mining 
• graphic design 
• customer service 
• social media management 
• affiliate tasks
• product development
• predictive analysis 
• and more

For content creation, you’ll want to use the NLP (natural language processing) AI tools that can act as writers and editors. 

These tools can simultaneously provide well-rounded information for brainstorming and outlining. 

Ideally, you want to look for NLP tools with the most accurate information. 

For example, if you’re using ChatGPT, its data is stifled back to 2021. 

But Google’s Bard has up-to-date information. 

Video AI Tools

For video AI tools, you want one that’s in line with your technical skills. 

There are basic ones and complex video AI, so user-friendliness should be a priority. 

Video AI tools will have various styles and templates, while others are more limited. 

Some will have automated captioning and transcription features, while others don’t. 

Choose one with the right features and customization options for your needs. 

Also, ensure that the file will align with whatever platform you use it on. 

SEO AI Tools

Regarding SEO AI tools, you can use the NLP AI that helps you improve keyword usage or plan your semantic keywords. 

You can also use AI to dissect the SEO of your competitors and see how you can outperform them. 

It can audit your site or content for improvements as well. 

You want an SEO AI tool that can give you detailed reports. 

The more information you have, the better, but make sure it includes the metrics you need to know.

AI in Business Intelligence – Predictive Analysis

These same tools also often have predictive analysis capabilities built in. 

These can recognize consumer behaviors and patterns so that you can promptly take advantage of rising trends. 

You want data analysis that provides reliable and accurate information, especially if it will guide you in the direction you should be taking.

Design AI Tools 

With design AI tools, you want something that offers you a good selection of filters and editing features. 

That way, when you have it create images for you, it stands apart from the competition. 

Chatbots

If you need a chatbot, look for one that works with whatever platform you want to use it on. 

For example, if using WordPress or Facebook Messenger.

You want to be able to customize the responses and use a tone and style perfect for your brand. 

Social Media AI Tools

If you’re looking for AI tools to use with social media, look for those that work with the social media sites and apps you plan to use. 

You’ll want it to be able to engage in social listening and help you strategize and automate your marketing.

Affiliate Marketing AI Tools

For affiliate marketing purposes, it’s good to have an AI tool capable of following a link to the product you wish to promote and accurately analyzing it for your product reviews. 

However, if you plan to be an info product vendor, look for an AI tool that is best at forecasting in your niche so that you have reliable information to work off of. 

You need something that will represent you well in the marketplace. 

With all of these options for AI tools, you’re going to find both free and paid versions available to you. 

When you’re just starting, work with some free AI tools initially, and then you’ll know more about what you need to have the best functionality for your business.

AI in Business – Immerse Yourself in the Learning Process

Before using AI in your online business, consider immersing yourself in learning to understand how it works. 

Understanding is essential with any type of technology or strategy.

Having a hands-on learning process is far better than simply reading about what someone else did. 

Still, you can learn how to use artificial intelligence in your business in many ways. 

AI in Business – Look For Developer User Guides

Start by looking to see if the company that developed the AI tool you are using has released any type of user guides or tutorials. 

This type of knowledge bank is frequently all you will need to get started. 

Additionally, a company or vendor will usually review the tool’s features and give tips on using it best. 

You’ll find some step-by-step starter instructions to help you use it.

Check For a Forum or Social Media Group 

If they still need to get a type of knowledge bank up front, they will often have a forum or an account set up on social media so that you can ask questions and find answers to what you need.

Contact Customer Support 

Feel free to contact customer support and ask for help on how to do something or for direction on where you might find some resources to teach you how to use their software. 

Ensure you follow the AI tool’s creator or vendor to get new updates.

You need to be aware of features or strategies you can utilize for your business and want to be the first to know about them. 

Follow AI Leaders On Video Sites

Another way that you can learn how to use AI in your business is by watching YouTube videos or other online tutorials such as on TikTok or other platforms. 

You can search the AI tool by name or by looking for a particular keyword, like blogging with AI.

If you don’t find any free information, you can find some paid courses or coaches willing to tutor you in your use of AI so that you can complete a project in full. 

Prompts

You can also find people who have pulled together prompt sheets for your business needs. 

Sometimes someone will compile a ton of prompts that everyone can use, and you can sort through those and pick and choose what you want. 

Trial and Error

Using trial and error with AI tools is an excellent way to learn what works and what doesn’t. 

Don’t be afraid to try new things or ask AI how to best use it for a specific purpose.

How to Use AI in Business – Start with Small AI Projects and Test the Results

As you begin using AI in your business, you want to start small before immediately using it for a large project. 

It will teach you how to prompt the tool best, redirect it, and get the desired results. 

Pick a minor task you can start with and focus on having AI do an excellent job. 

For example, don’t start with an entire info product and try to have AI write a book if this is your first time using the tool.

Instead, you can start with something shorter, such as a 5-page lead magnet. 

Or, go even shorter with that and start with a checklist, cheat sheet, resource guide, or other short-form content. 

You can also start with a short email autoresponder or a blog post. 

Prompt In Small Segments

Ensure that you prompt AI to complete the work in small segments rather than all at once, even if it’s just a blog post.

Have it brainstorm and outline your content, then write one section at a time. 

You will get more thorough information than if you simply asked it to write the entire blog post all at once. 

You also want to choose something easy to keep tabs on initially. 

Don’t start with a complex project. 

Instead, start with something simple with easy prompts you can give AI and then review to see how well it did. 

Ensure you have all the information you need to feed into the system before you begin working with AI. 

For example, have a sheet ready to tell it what your niche topic is, who your audience is, etc. 

Using AI is about more than just knowing how to prompt it.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask AI to Refine Its Results

It’s about knowing how to refine the results that it gives you. 

That way, you can polish the output to perfection to represent your brand exceptionally in the marketplace. 

You can even teach AI to create content in the same style that you do. 

If you have a blog or video content, you can instruct AI to pay attention to your style. 

Or you can have them follow the style of a competitor if you want the same tone and learn from that language model. 

Then, you can work on using AI for more complex or larger projects. 

You can pinpoint the various areas you want it to be involved in. 

After that, plan to utilize it to benefit your business.

How to Combat the Two Main Drawbacks of Using AI in Business

When considering using AI in your business, you don’t just want to know about the benefits it can deliver for you. 

You also have to evaluate any drawbacks, and there are two primary things you need to know about.

Lack of Originality 

The first is the need for originality or personalization when using AI in your content creation. 

Remember, it has access to an entire database of content that teaches it how to think like a human. 

So while the content is not necessarily scraped and copied from anyone, the ideas it puts together are never unique. 

As a niche leader, you want to stand apart from the competition. 

So you always want to maintain control over the innovative concepts you teach your followers.

When it comes to content creation, you can have AI write informative and educational content and then go back and add your personalization or unique take on things afterward. 

You want your content to be a manageable account of the facts. 

Having a personal touch is essential so your content builds a rapport with your followers and subscribers online. 

The great thing about AI is that you can ask it to personalize your content. 

It can put a human tone to the content, but you must prompt it. 

For example, you could tell it to add some personalization about your weight loss journey. 

If the article doesn’t reflect what you want it to say, you can redirect AI or simply clean up any misinformation yourself. 

You can also give it a lot of details about your own story. 

AI can take that information and write it in a very professional yet conversational manner for your audience.

Information Accuracy

The second problem with AI is that it can deliver inaccurate information. 

It might be a link, an article or resource that it mentions, or facts about people or events in general. 

This inaccuracy is called hallucination in the world of artificial intelligence, and it will do an outstanding job of making you feel as if what it has told you is accurate. 

You must take control to ensure all the data is correct before publishing it in your name. 

It is especially true if you are in a particular niche, such as health or finances, 

But it’s something you should be doing to combat this problem with AI, regardless of your niche.

AI in Business – Pay Attention to Changes and New Releases in AI Technology

We previously mentioned how you need to stay tuned in to the vendor or manufacturer of any AI tools so that you’ll be aware of any updates or new features with the AI tools you are using. 

But you also want to pay attention to this industry and technology. 

Watch Out For Rule Changes

For example, implementing new rules may prevent people from using AI in their work. 

Currently, search engines are saying they have no problem with AI-generated content. 

There have been no strict rules about people publishing books on Amazon using AI. 

But you need to pay attention, and if changes occur where AI content is prohibited, you will be putting your accounts and sites at risk.

Use The Best Tools Available

You also want to be using the very best tools available to you for your online business. 

If there is a new technology in the world of AI that can do things faster or better, you want to know about it to stay competitive. 

You can set up a Google Alert or pay attention to the industry by following blogs and social media accounts that routinely report about AI topics. 

You can join groups on Facebook that have people discussing AI so that you know the minute things change.

Scale Your Use of AI in Business for Increased Profits Online

As your familiarity and comfort improve with the use of AI in your business, and you see the results in profits, you will want to scale your use of this technology even more. 

Before you do more of the same, look at your business overall and identify any other areas that could benefit from the use of AI. 

You may need to undergo a learning curve if it’s a new type of technology, such as video AI versus text AI.

Ensure you set goals for yourself for growing your business using this technology. 

You want to avoid simply churning out more content but have a strategic approach. 

Aim your strategy to rank in the search engine results pages, get more traffic, and convert more people into buyers. 

Also, consider evaluating whether or not a paid AI tool would benefit you more than some of the free options on the market. 

It may have additional features or elements not available in the free version, allowing you to scale your business to the next level significantly.

How to Use AI in Business – Standard Operating Procedure Prompts

You also want to ensure you develop prompt sheets and processes using AI. 

If you can look at a standard operating procedure you have put together for using AI in your business, you can tweak it and refer to it for fast implementation at any time.

This procedure will also allow you to use your prompt sheets for outsourcing. 

You can provide your AI prompts to freelance providers who can leverage this technology for you and scale your business even more. 

Some people are seen as AI experts. 

But you can hire a virtual assistant and teach them via video or written tutorials how to use your prompts in your business to get the desired results.