AI tools or artificial intelligence–based software are modern programs that can think and work like humans. These tools save us time and reduce costs because they can handle many common tasks on their own. For example, they analyze large amounts of data to provide insights, communicate with customers through chatbots, and make business operations easier. Using AI increases work speed, inspires new ideas, and helps you stay ahead in competition. That’s why AI is very useful for businesses.
Over the past two years, I’ve seen that AI isn’t just a popular word — it has become an essential part of my daily work. I work in content, marketing, and product growth for a fast-growing B2B platform. To make my work easier, I’ve tried many AI tools. At first, it was just an experiment, but now AI has become like a personal assistant for my entire business.
Below, I’ve shared detailed information about the AI tools I use — how they work, how they help me in my work, and why I chose them. Whether it’s creating videos, writing blogs, running ads, or analyzing performance — these tools now work like real members of my team.
What AI means for small sized businesses.
For small businesses, AI means using smart tools that help you run your business easily — even if you don’t have a big team or a lot of money. Think of it as your digital assistant that can write content for you, reply to emails, talk to customers, make videos, and even create parts of your website or app.
In the past, this kind of technology was only available to big companies. But now, AI has become accessible to everyone. That’s why small businesses like mine can now automate many tasks, make quick and smart decisions, and spend more time on the things that truly matter.
AI doesn’t mean replacing people — it means helping us do more with the time and resources we already have.
Factors to consider when choosing AI Tools for your startup
Choosing the right AI tool for your startup or small business is very important. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide on how you can pick the right tool 👇
Define your needs
Understand your business goals: First think about which problems you want AI to solve (for example — marketing, customer service, or office tasks).
Make a list of tasks: Write down which tasks you want to do or improve with AI.
Research tools
Explore different tools: Look for AI tools that match your needs. Use reviews, blogs, and comparison sites.
Check features: See whether each tool’s features match your requirements.
Consider your budget
Understand costs: Check whether the tool charges monthly, one-time, or pay-as-you-go.
Weigh costs vs benefits: Consider how much time and money the tool will save your business.
Check ease of use
Choose user-friendly tools: Pick a tool that’s easy to use so your team can learn it quickly.
Check support: See if the company offers training or customer support.
Check compatibility with other software
Compatibility: Make sure the tool works well with your other systems (like CRM or project management tools).
API or plugins: See if the tool has an API or plugins so it’s easy to integrate.
Consider scalability
Can it scale?: If your business grows, will the tool still work? Verify if it supports more users or new features later.
Read reviews and user feedback
Learn from others: Read what similar businesses say about the tool.
Check case studies: See how the tool performed in other companies.
Use trials
Take a free trial: Many tools offer a free trial period — use it.
Get team feedback: Let your team try the tool and collect their opinions.
Decide carefully
Compare: Compare tools by features, price, and reviews.
Choose the best fit: Pick the tool that matches both your needs and your budget.
Monitor after you start using it
Track results: Regularly check whether the tool is actually helping your business.
Keep looking: If a better tool appears on the market, consider switching.
👉 Follow these steps and you’ll be able to choose the right AI tool for your startup or small business — one that makes your work easier, faster, and more successful.
AI Tools Overview
| AI Tool | Best For | Key Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Content creation, customer support | AI chatbot, content generation, API access | Free / $20/mo |
| Grammarly | Writing & editing | Grammar check, AI writing suggestions, tone rewrites | Free / $12/mo |
| Jasper | SEO, Marketing & copywriting | Long-form content, AI SEO, brand tone training | From $39/mo |
| Notion AI | Productivity & documentation | Note summaries, task generation, Q&A | Add-on: $10/user/mo |
| Copy.ai | Marketing automation | Email sequences, blog writing, AI workflows | Free / $49/mo |
| Zapier AI | Automation & workflows | AI-powered automation builder with 6000+ integrations | Free / $19.99/mo |
| Surfer SEO | SEO optimization | AI content editor, keyword suggestions, NLP analysis | From $89/mo |
| Pictory | Video content | AI video creation from text, automatic subtitles | From $19/mo |
Video generation tools for sized business.
1: Synthesia: Talking-head videos without the studio
Category: Video generator
What it is & How it Works:
When I want a “talking-head” video but don’t want to book a camera crew or appear on camera myself, I use Synthesia. This tool allows me to type a script and create a video with a digital avatar in just a few minutes. I usually choose realistic avatars that match my audience. It also supports multiple languages and subtitles, so I’ve used it to create localized video versions as well.
Benefits for Small Businesses:
As part of a small team, Synthesia helps me quickly produce explainer videos, landing page demos, and training content. There’s no need for actors or video editors—just write the script, click, and publish. This is especially useful for onboarding or short client updates.
Key Capabilities & Features:
Text-to-video from a simple script
125+ avatars, 60+ languages
Built-in templates and layouts
Zapier and LMS integrations
2:HeyGen: Custom avatar videos with my own face
Category: Video generator / personalized avatars
What it is & how it works:
HeyGen lets me upload my own photo and create an avatar of myself. Then I can write a script and have “me” appear in the video delivering it. The drag-and-drop video editor also makes it easy to add visuals or captions. For short work videos or LinkedIn content, it’s my favorite tool.
Benefits for SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses):
I don’t have to be on camera all the time—I just use my avatar. That means I can easily make a weekly video message or promo. It saves me a lot of time and helps me stay visible across different channels.
Key capabilities & features:
Create a personalized avatar from a photo
175+ voice and language options
Custom branding + music overlays
Free plan: 3 minutes/month
- Best AI tools for content creation
3:Pika Labs: Cinematic scenes with AI-controlled visuals
Category: Video generator / creative storytelling
What it is & how it works
Pika is a fun and creative tool used for brand storytelling. I upload photos or logos and describe a scene, and it creates short, cinematic videos that feel like movie trailers. The “Scene Ingredients” feature is amazing—I can place our team or products into dreamlike scenarios.
Benefits for Small business:
This tool gives me highly shareable content for social media. When I want something more creative or new (like a teaser campaign), I use it. It also gets much more engagement compared to stock footage.
Key capabilities & features:
Create videos from images + prompts
Customize scenes
Fast generation (under a minute)
Currently free to use (in research preview)
- Do I need to use AI tools?
4:Runway Gen-2: B-roll and background videos on demand
Category: Video generation & editor
What it is & How it works:
Runway is perfect for B-roll or background scenes in my videos. I upload a reference image or write a short description, and it gives me stylized video clips. It also has a full video editor, so I don’t need to go to another tool to edit the clips.
Benefits for small businesses:
This tool helps me create professional videos, even if I don’t have any footage. I often generate transitions, intros, or background scenes this way. It saves a lot of time during busy campaign periods.
Key capabilities & features:
Create videos from text/images
Timeline editor with effects
Green screen, motion tracking
Free plan available
Image generation tools for sized business
1. Midjourney: Standout visuals with a unique artistic edge
Category: Image generator