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10 Best Tips on Using AI in a Small Business

05/08/2025 by scmarketing

We know—AI is everywhere! From news headlines to everyday tools, it’s the buzzword of the decade. But if you’re a small business owner, you might wonder what all the hype means for you. The truth is, AI isn’t just for big tech companies or Silicon Valley startups. It can be a powerful ally in your day-to-day operations.

Whether you’re time-poor, managing a lean team, or simply trying to do more with fewer resources, AI can help you streamline tasks, generate marketing content, and even engage with your customers more efficiently. Think of it as a virtual assistant that works around the clock—freeing you up to focus on growing your business.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for small businesses, especially when it comes to creating content that reflects your brand and voice. Here are ten tips to help you craft the perfect AI content prompts:

Specify the Expert Role: When asking AI to generate content, specify the expert role you want it to represent. For example, “Act as an expert Marketing content writer for my Plumbing firm.” This helps the AI understand the perspective and expertise required.
Define the Tone of Voice: Clearly state the tone of voice you want the AI to use. For instance, “Write in a professional and humorous fashion.” This ensures the content aligns with your brand’s personality.
Set Content Parameters: When writing for a blog, specify the number of words, keywords to include, and a Flesch reading score of at least 55. This helps in creating content that is both SEO-friendly (Search Engine Optimisation) and easy to read.
Avoid Fluffy Words: Ask AI to avoid using fluffy words that you wouldn’t normally use. This keeps the content concise and to the point.
Specify Language Preferences: If you prefer UK English over American English, make sure to specify this in your prompt. For example, “Write in UK English.”
Include Call to Actions: Ask the AI to add call-to-actions (CTAs) in the content. CTAs are crucial for engaging your audience and driving them to take action.
Provide Useful Documents or Links: Share relevant documents or links to help the AI understand your content better. Tools like the paid version of Microsoft 365 Copilot can automatically read your SharePoint files for this purpose.
Review and Edit: Always read through the content before sending it out. AI is not always right, and a human touch is essential for ensuring accuracy and relevance.
Use AI for Inspiration: Use AI to generate ideas and inspiration for your content. It can help you brainstorm topics and angles you might not have considered.
Specify Formatting and Structure: Clearly outline the desired structure and formatting of the content. For example, “Write a blog post with an introduction, three main points, and a conclusion.”

By following these tips, you can effectively leverage AI to create content that reflects your brand and engages your audience. For more help with using AI automation in your business, contact Smart Cow.

Example Prompts

Here are three example prompts tailored for different small businesses:

Plumber – Blog Post on Spring Plumbing Tips “Act as an expert Marketing content writer for my Plumbing firm. Write a 600-word blog post on ‘Spring Plumbing Tips’ in a professional and friendly tone. Include keywords like ‘spring plumbing maintenance,’ ‘preventive plumbing tips,’ and ‘home plumbing checkup.’ Ensure the Flesch reading score is at least 55. Add a call-to-action at the end encouraging readers to schedule a spring plumbing inspection.
Dentist – Blog Post on “Toothbrush Superheroes: How to Make Brushing Fun for Kids” “Act as an expert Paediatric Dentist. Write a 500-word blog post titled ‘Toothbrush Superheroes: How to Make Brushing Fun for Kids’ in a playful and engaging tone. Include keywords like ‘kids dental care,’ ‘fun brushing tips,’ and ‘children’s oral hygiene.’ Ensure the Flesch reading score is at least 55. Add a call-to-action at the end encouraging parents to book a dental check-up for their kids.”
Mechanic – Email to Client About Car Being Ready for MOT and Service “Act as an expert Automotive Service Advisor. Write an email informing a client that their car is ready for an MOT and service. Use a professional and courteous tone. Include details about the services performed and any recommendations for future maintenance. Add a call-to-action at the end encouraging the client to schedule their next service appointment.”

Need Help Getting Started with AI in Your Business?

By following these tips and using these example prompts, you can leverage AI to create content that reflects your brand and engages with your target audience.

Using AI effectively can transform how your small business communicates, markets, and grows—but it takes the right strategy. At Smart Cow Marketing, we’re not just a digital marketing agency—we’re your partner in creating smart, scalable solutions that save time and deliver results. If you’re ready to explore how AI automation can fit into your business, get in touch today. We’ll help you uncover new opportunities and build a smarter future for your business.

Embracing the Human Element in Marketing - Smart Cow Marketing Digital Marketing Croydon

Embracing the Human Element in Marketing: Why Authenticity Matters

10/01/202409/12/2024 by scmarketing

Authenticity in marketing refers to being genuine, transparent, and true to your brand’s values and promises. It’s about creating honest connections with your audience by communicating in a way that feels real and relatable. Authentic marketing doesn’t hide behind flashy gimmicks or false promises; instead, it focuses on delivering value and building trust.

In an era where consumers are bombarded with countless messages daily, authenticity has become more important than ever. People crave real connections and are more likely to engage with brands that show a human side, admit mistakes, and genuinely care about their customers.

Why Authenticity is Important?

Building Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and this extends to your relationship with your customers. Authentic marketing helps build trust, making your audience more likely to choose your brand over others.

Creating Emotional Connections: Authenticity allows your brand to connect with people on an emotional level. Customers will be more inclined to become loyal advocates for your brand if they feel valued.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market: With so many brands competing for attention, authenticity can be a key differentiator. By being true to who you are and what you stand for, your brand can cut through the noise and resonate with your target audience.

Long-Term Success: Brands that prioritise authenticity are more likely to enjoy long-term success. This is because they build strong, lasting relationships with their customers rather than relying on short-term tactics that may not be sustainable.

Practical Tips for Implementing Authenticity in Digital Marketing

Know Your Audience: Understand who your customers are, what they care about, and what problems they need solving. Use this knowledge to tailor your messaging and ensure it resonates with their needs and values.
Be Transparent and Honest: Don’t be afraid to show the behind-the-scenes of your business. Share your successes and your challenges. Honesty fosters trust, and customers appreciate brands that are upfront about their journey.
Use Personalised Communication: Personalisation goes beyond just using a customer’s name in email marketing. Tailor your communications based on customer behaviour, preferences, and past interactions.
Engage in Genuine Conversations: Whether it’s through social media, customer service, or email marketing, engage with your customers in a meaningful way. Listen to their feedback, respond to their questions, and show that you value their input.
Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand. User-generated content is a powerful way to showcase authenticity because it comes directly from the people who use and love your products or services.
Highlight Your Brand’s Story: Every business has a story. Share yours. Whether it’s how your company started, the challenges you’ve overcome, or the mission that drives you, storytelling is a compelling way to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Maintain Consistency Across Channels: Ensure that your messaging and tone remain consistent across all platforms. Whether a customer interacts with you on social media, your website, or in person, they should always experience the same authentic brand voice.
Balance AI with Human Touch: While AI can help automate and personalise your marketing, don’t rely on it exclusively. Make sure there’s a human element in your communications, especially in interactions that require empathy and understanding.

Bringing It All Together

In the digital age, where technology plays an ever-growing role in marketing, the human element should never be overlooked. Authenticity and personalisation are not just buzzwords; they are essential strategies for building trust, creating meaningful connections, and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

As a small business owner, you have a unique opportunity to infuse your marketing with the genuine, personal touch that larger companies often struggle to replicate. By focusing on these principles, you can create a digital marketing strategy that resonates with your audience and drives long-term success.

Talk to us if you need support to help grow your business with a tailored digital marketing strategy.

Business Owners vs AI Blog from Smart Cow Marketing Digital Marketing Croydon

AI is it a help or is it a hindrance to marketing?

04/04/202403/15/2024 by scmarketing

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of marketing, with unparalleled efficiency and limitless innovation.

However, the advent of AI-generated content tools presents the necessity of a major balancing act – the allure of AI with the need of maintaining an authentic brand voice to capture your target audience’s attention. While AI undoubtedly aids content creation and sparks innovative ideas, a reliance solely on AI can potentially lead to penalties from search engines in the future, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated at detecting such content. It’s a reminder to always balance technology benefits with a human touch.

Be authentic with video

As the digital space becomes more saturated with AI-generated content, authenticity will become a rare and valuable commodity that will distinguish your brand from your competition.

Creating video content can add that much-needed personal touch, giving a face and voice to your key messages, helping your brand stand out.

It’s not about choosing one over the other, but rather integrating AI strategically with genuine, human expression. This combination will create a powerful synergy, enhancing your content’s effectiveness and resonance.

Balance the power of AI with a human touch

AI is here to stay! It will be a key tool, but your brand’s voice and story are truly yours to own. By masterfully blending AI with the authenticity of the human touch, small business owners can create a narrative that resonates, captivates, and, ultimately, converts leads. It’s here, with a delicate balance, that lies the next chapter of growing your business the SMART way.

Simon Cripps, Owner, Smart Cow Marketing

This article was featured in the March/April edition of Diamond Magazine. You can view the magazine here and find our article on Page 9. The magazine also includes great insight for local business owners with topics ranging from Recruiting from Overseas, Outsourcing Logistics & Storage, A guide to the new Flexible Working Bill, and Employment law changes.