How automation is fuelling small business growth
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Automation was once the preserve of tech businesses that really understood the ins and outs of the digital world, but today, it is increasingly becoming used by everyone from the smallest hospitality business to the e-commerce craft store, and this is very good news because the rise of digitilisation, artificial intelligence and automated processes, are making small business growth not only possible, but likely. Here’s how automation is transforming small business operations, from sales to customer service, and helping these enterprises thrive.
Why small businesses must evolve to survive
If a business wants to not only survive, but thrive, in the modern world, it needs to be able to adapt, just like animals must adapt in the wild if they are to survive. Charles Darwin may have been talking about animals when he pointed out that those who adapt are the ones who survive, but this sentiment is just as apt in the world of business, and in the world of business, to adapt means to keep up to date with digital transformation. This was never so clear as in the global pandemic when businesses had to change their way of operating, offering online services, remote work and automated customer support to keep afloat, and doing so seemingly overnight. Companies that had already embraced automation managed to pivot, meeting new demands and staying afloat during uncertain times. Those that resisted? Well, many found themselves scrambling to catch up.
The pandemic may have accelerated this shift, but the demand for automation is only growing. As customers increasingly expect fast, seamless service, small businesses face a make-or-break decision: adapt to these technological changes or get left behind.
How automation fuels growth for small businesses
The heart of automation’s appeal for small businesses lies in its ability to reduce repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and free up time for the work that really matters. Unlike large corporations, SMEs often work with limited teams and resources, making it challenging to handle every aspect of operations without feeling stretched thin. By implementing automation, these businesses can enhance efficiency without expanding headcount.
Full-scale AP automation (Accounts Payable automation) is one standout example. Traditionally, handling invoices, payments, and bookkeeping was a time-consuming, often error-prone task that required several hands on deck. But with AP automation, all these functions can be done seamlessly, reducing mistakes, speeding up payments, and allowing small teams to focus on more strategic activities. This not only cuts down costs but also increases productivity by tenfold, giving smaller businesses a competitive edge they couldn’t achieve through manpower alone.
Digital marketing and AI: The new sales team
Today’s marketing is about more than just social media posts and email campaigns. Automation tools, boosted by AI, are now handling everything from customer insights to ad targeting. With a few clicks, SMEs can launch highly targeted paid ads, generate content through AI, and track the performance of these efforts in real-time. Small businesses are no longer burdened with the time-consuming task of “manually” managing multiple channels; instead, they can rely on AI-powered marketing tools to handle repetitive tasks while maximising their reach.
A survey by Salesforce found that 89% of employees felt more satisfied with their jobs after their workplace implemented automation, with 84% reporting a positive view of their company because of it. By automating tedious, manual tasks, employees can focus on more creative, fulfilling roles. And for small businesses, happier, more engaged employees are a recipe for success.
Automation as a strategic advantage
Automation isn’t just a one-time investment – it’s a strategic tool for growth. By automating scheduling, inventory management, and even customer service, small businesses can focus on scaling their operations. Customer service bots, for instance, can handle common inquiries 24/7, helping businesses respond to customers quickly without needing a round-the-clock support team. The same goes for automated lead generation, which allows small businesses to capture potential clients without devoting precious hours to prospecting.
This approach helps SMEs overcome resource limitations, improve efficiency, and deliver better customer service. According to Forbes, 79% of small businesses plan to expand into new markets, and automation offers a clear pathway to do just that. American Express’s research supports this trend, with 76% of small and midsize businesses expecting their sales to grow exponentially in the next five years. Automation not only allows these businesses to dream big but makes it possible to bring those dreams to life.
Automation in the age of AI: Smarter, faster, and more effective
Before AI became a driving force, many business tools required constant manual input. Sure, they saved time, but they still needed a human at the controls. Now, with AI integration, these tools have reached new heights, performing tasks that once required entire teams. From generating targeted ads to predicting customer behaviour, AI-driven automation is proving invaluable for small businesses aiming to compete in the digital marketplace.
For instance, AI can generate customer insights, predict buying patterns, and personalise marketing materials based on customer preferences. With AI-backed automation tools, even small businesses can provide the personalised, fast service that consumers now expect, giving them an edge in a competitive market. Today’s AI can create blogs, design visual content, and even make strategic recommendations based on customer data, freeing business owners to focus on high-level decision-making.
Automation and customer relationships
Automation is also helping small businesses strengthen customer relationships by providing reliable, consistent interactions. Automated email campaigns, for instance, allow SMEs to reach customers with personalised messages that are tailored to their interests, birthdays, or previous purchases. AI-powered chatbots can answer queries instantly, resolving issues even outside of traditional business hours. This level of responsiveness not only enhances the customer experience but also builds trust and loyalty – essential ingredients for any business’s long-term growth. With automation, even the smallest companies can provide world-class customer service, creating repeat customers who feel valued and supported.
Streamlined collaboration
One of automation’s underrated benefits is how it brings teams together, reducing silos and making collaboration easier. With centralised project management and automated task assignments, every department can stay on the same page, from sales and marketing to accounting and operations. Tools like shared dashboards and automated notifications mean less time is spent in meetings or sending status updates – and more time is spent making meaningful progress. Full-scale AP automation, for instance, can send real-time alerts to finance and operations teams, keeping everyone aware of cash flow and pending invoices. By breaking down barriers between departments, automation empowers small businesses to work as cohesive, agile units.
Leveraging full-scale AP automation for financial accuracy
Full-scale AP automation is particularly beneficial for financial tasks. Managing accounts and payments manually not only wastes time but increases the risk of human error. AP automation handles invoices, payments, and reconciliations automatically, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This saves small business owners from the headache of tracking each payment manually and reduces the likelihood of costly errors. As a bonus, full-scale AP automation also improves cash flow management, a critical factor for any business, but especially for cash-strapped small businesses trying to scale.
The future of automation: An integral part of business strategy
Automation is no longer an optional upgrade; it’s a necessity. Technology continues to evolve, and with it, the capabilities of automation tools expand, enabling businesses to meet customer needs more efficiently. With streamlined workflows and faster response times, SMEs that invest in automation can operate like larger enterprises – without the overhead.
A trusted automation strategy can help small businesses predict customer demand, deliver high-quality support, and keep track of productivity across departments. Early adopters of automation are already seeing the benefits, not just in terms of efficiency but in customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and profitability. For small businesses aiming for long-term success, automation isn’t a short-term fix – it’s a fundamental part of growth.
Embrace automation, drive growth
Automation is revolutionising how small businesses operate, taking over time-consuming tasks, improving efficiency, and allowing SMEs to focus on growth. Whether it’s managing accounts with full-scale AP automation, streamlining customer service with AI, or scaling digital marketing efforts, automation has opened new doors for small businesses to compete in the big leagues.
The age of digitalisation and AI isn’t a passing trend; it’s the new norm. Businesses that embrace automation not only streamline operations but also position themselves as agile, adaptable players in a rapidly changing market. In an era where “survival of the fittest” applies as much to businesses as it does to nature, automation is the tool that gives small businesses the strength to thrive.
