I'm seeing so much change in the world of small business right now. Social media is always a guessing game or moving target, which is why I try to stay true to my core beliefs in business.
Skeptical of trends, I recently posted a small rant on my Instagram feed about feeling inundated with everything small business owners should and shouldn't be doing in digital marketing. Want to see it? Follow this link.
Don't get me wrong. I love learning new things, but many marketing tactics on social feel so short-lived and gimmicky. Yet again, it feels more like gaining followers and engagement than actually offering genuine and compelling content on a social platform.
What I really can't stand is how social media tries to push content it thinks I want to see. This is where I go down a dark rabbit hole of desperate and self-seeking influential content that leaves me cross-eyed and feeling further behind than ever.
AI is totally changing the game.
Admittedly, I was very cautious about AI when it first launched. I still am. However, how I've already incorporated it into my business feels great and positive.
ChatGPT
While I'd heard whispers of ChatGPT on the news for some time, I was first introduced to this LLM (that's Large Language Model) from a fellow colleague within the floral industry. Hiring her to help organize my thoughts about a product launch and campaign, I came to the meeting a bit disorganized and indecisive to begin with. She's wonderful and incredibly talented, but she directed me to build out a campaign within ChatGPT. I was like, "What! You want me to do what?" I was very taken back by this. While I did receive a few great documents from her, I realize now they were generated on ChatGPT. What I paid for was an expensive introduction and lesson using ChatGPT, rather than a consultation on building out a new product. From this experience, I learned this isn't what I want to deliver to my clients. I'm fine with talking about using ChatGPT as a resource, but if we are going to launch a campaign, it's going to be far more customized.
It took a little time, but ChatGPT has become almost a daily resource within my business. I use it for a variety of needs.
- Writer's Block I can be a pretty good writer when the inspiration hits me, but I sure get writer's block a lot these days! Typing in a few thoughts I haven't formulated into sentences, I ask ChatGPT to provide a couple sentences for a need. It's remarkable how well it does, and I'm using the free version! I will typically modify some of the wording so that's more my style.
- Proof/Validation Sometimes, I'm working on a list of steps for a client or a social media post. I will turn to ChatGPT for validation or confirmation that I have all the accurate information.
- Customer Finds Client on ChatGPT One of my floral clients based out of Woodinville, WA, had a customer call her to order flowers. She asked how he found her. He said, ChatGPT. Turns out, that customer was in his early 30's. That's powerful insight! It made her pause and rethink her target audience and how that demographic searches for local businesses.
Shopify Magic
Earlier in the year, Shopify rolled out a massive update which included AI integrations. Shopify Magic is scattered throughout the user dashboard to assist with titles and content. I use the feature regularly. In fact, I used it to create the title for this blog. While I didn't use the suggestion word for word, I decided on a slightly modified version.
I am finding this feature to become more and more helpful with every update I make on my site. It's also very reassuring to know my site is displaying targeted SEO content.
Time Saver
As I become more comfortable using AI in my business, I’m seeing a noticeable reduction in the time it takes to complete routine tasks. That saved time allows me to focus on higher-value priorities—like connecting with potential clients or developing new offerings. It’s not just about efficiency; AI is helping me get more done within the limited hours I have each day. In a small business, time is everything—and AI is proving to be a powerful ally.
Professional & Organized
I also appreciate how AI helps strengthen and refine my brand voice. I naturally lean toward a simple, straightforward communication style—avoiding overly technical jargon or buzzwords. With AI as a resource, I can ensure that my content remains clear, consistent, and aligned with SEO best practices, all while staying relevant to my industry and audience.
Sometimes, I'm tired, which is often! Words just don't flow into my brain the way I'd like. AI has my back. AI is like an assistant at times. As strange as this sounds, I'm very grateful for her.
Zero Ads
For the time being, AI is pretty straightforward regarding advertisements in my opinion. To be fair, I only utilize ChatGPT, Gemini, and Canva, so my exposure is somewhat limited. I am so exhausted with ads and suggested content on social media, in particular Facebook. However, I know it's only a matter of time before banner ads slide into the conversation with my assistant, ChatGPT.
I'll close with this funny story about my best friend. My BFF is one of the smartest people I know. She's an attorney and pro tem judge throughout King County. Months ago, we were talking about ChatGPT. Regardless of my valid reasoning, she flat out refused to use it. She said it was ingenuine, lacked authenticity and was borderline plagiarism. Fast forward to a few weeks ago; she admitted in casual conversation as to how useful it was. Her words literally stopped me in my tracks. I laughed out laughed. It's not very often I feel such vindication on her behalf. She knew. She knew she was eating her words. She admitted how well ChatGPT worked. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was right. :)
