Many small business owners are exploring the benefits of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in their business growth, according to a survey conducted by GoDaddy.



While some have already adopted the technology, many remain cautious and uncertain about how to utilize it to its full potential. This highlights a need for guidance in navigating the continuously evolving technological landscape.

The survey engaged with 1,003 small businesses across the United States, revealing that 38% of respondents had already experimented with generative AI tools with motivations ranging from sheer curiosity to leveraging its potential for business purposes. However, this leaves a significant majority of 62% who have yet to embark on this transformative journey.

Notably, there is a generational divide concerning awareness and utilization of generative AI, with Gen Z displaying higher rates of adoption compared to Baby Boomers. Nevertheless, 57% of all respondents expressed eagerness to grasp the intricacies of generative AI to elevate their businesses, indicating the need for comprehensive guidance.

Approximately 64% of entrepreneurs experimenting with AI tools are utilizing them for content generation purposes, including marketing assistance and blog drafting. Additionally, 29% have embraced AI to enhance customer service. The survey indicates that small business owners who have leveraged generative AI tools have experienced promising outcomes with a staggering 75% reporting excellent or very well-performing results.

Despite the benefits, small business owners still face challenges in managing and growing their businesses, such as attracting new customers and marketing effectively. However, using generative AI puts these entrepreneurs a step closer to overcoming these challenges and maximizing productivity. By focusing on their core competencies, they are empowered to fuel the success of their businesses.

Traditionally, designing and launching a website requires a significant amount of time and technical expertise. However, with AI-powered tools, small businesses can now use intuitive interfaces to generate websites quickly. These tools can suggest design elements, create content, and even optimize the site's layout based on user preferences and industry best practices. This not only reduces the need for specialized knowledge but also accelerates the time-to-market for new sites.

Moreover, AI can significantly enhance the performance of small business websites through automated optimization. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze site performance, identify bottlenecks, and suggest or implement improvements. This includes optimizing images, adjusting load times, and even predicting and mitigating potential security threats. Small businesses often lack the resources to continuously monitor and fine-tune their websites, so AI can provide ongoing, proactive management that helps maintain a high-quality user experience.

Customer support is another area where generative AI can make a big difference. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can handle common customer inquiries, provide technical support, and guide users through troubleshooting processes. This not only improves customer satisfaction by providing instant responses but also reduces the burden on human support staff. For small businesses, this means lower operational costs and more efficient customer service.

Generative AI can aid in content creation and marketing strategies. AI tools can generate SEO-friendly content, create engaging social media posts, and even assist in email marketing campaigns. By analyzing user data and industry trends, these tools can offer insights and recommendations tailored to the specific needs of a small business. This helps businesses maintain a consistent online presence and engage more effectively with their audience without needing extensive marketing expertise.
AI can assist in data analysis and decision-making. Small businesses often collect large amounts of data from various sources, but they may not have the capacity to analyze it effectively. Generative AI can process this data, identify patterns, and provide actionable insights. This enables businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time data, rather than relying on intuition or outdated information.