AI for small business: your questions answered

How can a small business use AI?

Start with one job that costs you time or leads, not with the technology. The most practical uses for a small business today are answering or following up enquiries quickly (including missed calls), drafting replies, quotes and social posts that you then check, tidying notes and admin after jobs or meetings, asking for reviews after a job, and summarising long documents or emails.

Pick one, run it for a month, and see whether it saves you time or wins you work before adding another. AI is a tool for doing a repetitive task faster. It isn't a replacement for your judgement or your relationships with customers.

What is an AI receptionist?

An AI receptionist is software that handles the first contact with your business. It answers a call or message, finds out who is getting in touch and what they need, and passes the details to you. Some can also book appointments or answer common questions from information you give them.

It doesn't replace a person who knows your business. It makes sure nobody is left with silence while you're busy. AI My Biz is setting up an AI receptionist called Aimy, which isn't live for customers yet. Read more on AI receptionist for small business.

What is AI missed-call text-back, and does it work in the UK?

Missed-call text-back sends a text to someone who rang your business and didn't get through, asking what they need so you can reply when you can. It works in the UK. The usual set-up is a call divert from your mobile to a number that sends the text.

It has limits: it can't text callers who withhold their number or ring from a landline that can't receive texts, and diverted calls can use minutes on some mobile plans. Details on missed-call text-back.

Where should a small business start with AI?

Ask which task you repeat every week that nobody pays you for, and which enquiry or job you lost because you were slow to reply. Start there.

If you miss calls while you're on a job, missed-call text-back is the simplest first step because it needs no change to how you work. If you spend evenings on quotes and admin, start with drafting and follow-up.

Do I need to be technical to use AI in my business?

No. You need to be able to describe the job you want done, and someone else can do the setup. Whoever you use should show you exactly what it will and won't do, in plain English.

How much does AI for a small business cost?

General AI assistants are usually a monthly subscription, and you do the setting up yourself. Done-for-you services vary. Ours are provisional at the moment: Starter (missed-call text-back) is £59 a month plus £195 setup. Plus (the AI receptionist, coming soon) is £149 a month plus £295. Complete (coming soon) is £249 a month plus £395. Bigger projects are individually quoted.

VAT, terms and the full feature list are confirmed before you buy, and nothing is charged until you agree.

Is it safe to put customer information into AI tools?

It depends on the tool and on what you put in. Before you paste in customer names, addresses or anything sensitive, check the provider's terms on how data is stored and whether it is used to train their models, and use a business account where you can. You stay responsible for your customers' personal details. When in doubt, leave them out. This is general information, not advice.

Will AI replace my staff or make my business impersonal?

Used well, no. The jobs that suit AI are the repetitive ones nobody enjoys: first replies, reminders and chasing quotes. Anything involving judgement, relationships or an upset customer should still come to you. A sensible rule is that AI handles the first reply and you handle the conversation.

Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes. With missed-call text-back you keep your number and your phone. Setup adds a call divert, so calls you don't answer go to a number that sends the text. You can switch the divert off whenever you like.

What happens after I ask for my top 3 or request a package?

For the top 3, we look at your website or what you do and send you the three things AI could do for your business, custom for you, within 24 hours. For a package request, Steve texts you the same day to get you set up. Either way nothing is charged until you agree, and if you'd like to talk it through, reply and we'll find a time.

Do you guarantee results?

No. I can't honestly promise a number of extra jobs or hours saved, because it depends on your business. What I can do is tell you exactly what the service does, what it costs and where its limits are.

Who is AI My Biz?

AI My Biz is run by Steve. I've built and run businesses myself, and the aim is simple: practical AI, set up for your business, explained in plain English. Business owners first, technology people second.