By Vicky Sidler | Published 9 June 2025 at 18:30 GMT

Running a small business in 2025 feels a bit like showing up to a Formula 1 race on a tricycle. You might have charm, grit, and determination—but the competition is moving fast. And most of them have AI under the hood.

According to Salesforce’s latest Small and Medium Business Trends Report, 75% of SMBs are already investing in AI. That’s not a prediction—it’s the current state of play.

Some are starting small. Others are going full throttle. But one thing’s clear: the businesses still ignoring AI are already behind.

AI Is No Longer a Luxury—It’s the Standard:

There was a time when AI felt like a Silicon Valley party trick. Today, it's more like a virtual co-worker. One that doesn’t need coffee breaks and actually enjoys sorting spreadsheets.

Salesforce’s research shows that AI is already woven into daily operations for more than a third of small businesses. And the ones that are growing? They’re almost twice as likely to be using AI than those struggling to stay afloat.

Here’s how they’re using it:

• Writing better emails, posts, and content faster

• Automating customer service with chatbots

• Recommending products based on real-time behavior

• Running more targeted, data-driven campaigns

• Making search and site navigation more intuitive

And 85% say they expect a return on their investment. That’s not hype—that’s impact.

So Why Are Some Businesses Still Holding Back?

Most hesitation boils down to security fears, legacy systems, or just plain uncertainty. Will it steal my data? Will it confuse my team? Will my customers think a robot is watching them?

The short answer? Not if you’re smart about it.

Like with any new system, the real risk isn’t in trying—it’s in trying without a strategy. Which is exactly where most small businesses trip up.

What You Should Do Next (Even If You’re Still on the Fence)

As a Duct Tape Marketing Strategist and StoryBrand Certified Guide, I don’t believe in adding tools for the sake of it. But I do believe this: if AI can save you time, reduce your stress, and make your message clearer—then it’s worth testing.

Here’s a three-step plan that fits inside your existing business without burning it down:

1. Pick One Use Case

Start with something low-risk and useful. Write one LinkedIn post with ChatGPT. Or use AI to summarize your latest customer reviews into a testimonial. Small wins, big momentum.

2. Audit Your Message

AI can help you write, but if your message is unclear, you’ll just publish confusion faster. Take five minutes to review your homepage. Can someone understand what you do in one sentence?

3. Build a System That’s Still Human

Yes, automation is great. But connection still sells. Use AI to free up your time—so you can spend more of it building trust with real people.

Want a Smarter, Simpler Start?

Before you dive into the deep end of AI, make sure your messaging is solid. That’s the first thing automation magnifies—for better or worse.

Download my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’s a printable, one-page tool that helps you write one clear sentence that explains what you do and why people should care. Perfect for website headers, social bios, or those moments when someone asks what you do—and your brain blanks.

👉 Grab it here.

Because even if your business still feels like a tricycle at a Grand Prix… AI might just be your upgrade kit.