8 Cost-Effective AI Tools to Boost Your Marketing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic, and with continued technological innovations in the field of AI, it is likely to remain a popular topic. The use of AI for Marketing has only grown. As a communications company, our clients often ask questions about AI: are we using it? Should they use it? And how can you use AI to get the best possible ROI and results?

As we work with many small businesses, the concern is also budgetary. Fortunately, there are a multitude of AI options available that can enhance marketing efforts and improve efficiency without significant investment. These customers often don’t know where to start, so let’s discuss some easy-to-find solutions.

The AI ​​tools we recommend are simple, easy to use, and affordable, helping you take your marketing to the next level.

Related: How to integrate AI into your marketing strategies

The growing influence of AI in marketing

Not only is AI more accessible, it is also incredibly versatile. You may already be using AI without even realizing it. From the personalized product recommendations you see online to chatbots who respond to your customer service requests, AI is all around us. Even platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) are using AI extensively to improve user experience and advertising effectiveness. Meta uses AI algorithms to analyze large amounts of data, including user demographics, behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to target their ads more precisely and optimize placements for better results . This capability means businesses can reach the right audience at the right time, often without the need for in-depth marketing expertise.

In fact, businesses are rapidly adopting AI, and statistics from a recent study AI Survey speak for themselves:

• 35% of companies have adopted AI to some extent.

• 77% of devices now have AI-based features.

• 9 out of 10 organizations see AI as a competitive advantage.

• By 2030, AI is expected to contribute 15.7 trillion dollars for the global economy.

For small businessesthe ability to access AI tools that are both affordable and user-friendly means the technology is more accessible than ever. Gone are the days when you needed a dedicated team of developers to implement AI into your marketing strategy. Today’s AI platforms, including those offered by Meta, are designed with usability in mind and most require little or no technical knowledge. This allows even the smallest businesses to harness the capabilities of AI and create content that rivals larger competitors.

Related: 6 Positive Impacts of AI on Digital Marketing

Key AI Tools for Marketing on a Budget

Here are some of our favorite inexpensive AI software, along with their descriptions and prices:

1. ChatGPT

   • Description: ChatGPT is a general-purpose AI language model that can help with content generation, brainstorming, and responding to customer queries. It helps marketers write compelling copy quickly and effectively.

   • Prices: Free for basic use; Subscription plans available for advanced features.

2. Grammar

   • Description: Grammarly uses AI to improve writing quality by providing grammar, punctuation, and style suggestions in real time. This ensures that your marketing copy is polished and professional.

   • Prices: Free basic plan; premium plans start at $12 per month.

3. Grok

   • Description: Grok is an AI-powered tool that can help businesses create and optimize marketing strategies based on consumer insights and market trends. It helps identify target audiences and develop personalized messages.

   • Prices: Starting at $16 per month (currently only available to those with a Premium+ subscription on X).

4. Cloth

   • Description: Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool that leverages AI to suggest templates, layouts, and images. It allows marketers to create stunning visuals for social media, ads, and other marketing materials without the need for design skills.

   • Prices: Free basic plan; pro version available for $12.99 per month.

5. Lumen5

   • Description: Lumen5 is an AI-powered video creation platform that helps marketers turn text content into engaging videos. It simplifies video production, making it accessible to businesses without extensive video editing experience.

   • Prices: Free version available; Paid plans start at $19 per month.

6. AI-powered sentiment analysis tools

   • Description: These tools analyze customer reviews and social media conversations to gauge public opinion of a brand or product. These insights can inform marketing strategies and improve customer engagement.

   • Prices: Varies by provider, usually starting around $30 per month.

7. Copy.ai

   • Description: Copy.ai uses AI to generate marketing copy, blog posts, social media content and more. It is designed to be easy to use, allowing marketers to quickly create high-quality content.

   • Prices: Free trial available; Paid plans start at $35 per month.

8. Zendesk Chat

   • Description: Zendesk Chat (formerly Zopim) offers AI-powered chat features that help businesses engage with their customers in real-time. It enables automated responses to common queries while providing human assistance options.

   • Prices: Starting at $19 per month per agent.

Related: How Small and Medium Businesses Can Leverage AI to Compete with Large Enterprises

Putting AI to work for your business

AI has leveled the playing field for businesses of all sizes, enabling even small businesses to produce quality content and compete effectively with the big players. This democratization of technology means businesses can access tools and information previously reserved for those with larger budgets. Plus, you don’t need to be an AI expert to benefit from these tools. Many platforms offer intuitive interfaces and step-by-step guidance, allowing marketers to implement AI strategies with confidence.

Integrating AI into your marketing efforts can result in significant savings and improved efficiency. Whether automate repetitive tasksgenerating creative content or analyzing data for better targeting, AI helps businesses maximize their resources and achieve better results. By leveraging these tools, small businesses can compete on a larger scale, driving growth and improving customer relationships.