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Best AI Tools Every Small Business Should Use In 2025

24 min read
Are you searching for the best AI tools to supercharge your small business? You've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we explore 12 game-changing AI solutions that can transform your business operations in 2025. From intelligent design tools and project management platforms to automated content creation and lead generation systems, discover how these powerful tools can give your business a competitive edge.

How can AI tools help your small business be more efficient? 

AI tools are increasingly taking the market by storm and transforming how small businesses are operating. It's no longer a nice to have, you simply must be using AI in 2025 to stay competitive. The tools in this list can automate repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, and streamline operations, freeing up valuable time for you to focus on what's most important to any small business: growth and innovation. Whether you’re looking to improve your marketing efforts, manage your projects more effectively, or create stunning visual content, you can be sure that in 2025 there’s an AI tool designed to help you grow.

We understand that navigating the myriad of available tools can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve curated a list of the most vital and effective AI tools that truly have the potential transform (in a good way)how you run your business.

By reading this guide, you’ll learn about the best AI tools on the market, their key features, and how they can be integrated into your daily workflows. Our goal is to make the selection process easier and help you choose the right tools to boost your business performance.

<div class="product-overview-table"> <div class="product-table-grid"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p class="product-name">Product Name</p> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p class="in-a-nutshell">In a nutshell</p> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p class="product-name">Cursor</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Accelerate coding with AI-powered assistance, boosting productivity within your existing workflow.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p class="product-name">Opus Clip</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Transform long videos into engaging short-form content.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p class="product-name">Clay</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Generate targeted leads and enrich data with AI-powered automation.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p class="product-name">VEED</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Create engaging social media videos quickly and easily.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p class="product-name">Notebook LM</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Synthesize sources into summaries, study guides, and audio overviews.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p class="product-name">Airtable</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Organize, visualize, and link complex data effortlessly.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p class="product-name">ClickUp</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Customize, automate, and manage complex projects with powerful, flexible workflows.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p class="product-name">Gamma</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Create, design, and deliver impactful presentations rapidly with AI assistance.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p class="product-name">Make</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Automate complex workflows, connect apps, and orchestrate powerful integrations.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p class="product-name">Canva</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Design, share, and publish stunning visuals effortlessly.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p class="product-name">Napkin</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Transform text into visuals, ignite creativity, and explore diverse graphic concepts.</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p class="product-name">Machined</p> <p class="in-a-nutshell">Generate interlinked content clusters, boosting SEO and simplifying content creation.</p> </div> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://www.cursor.com/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Cursor</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Makes "vibe coding" a reality</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>Natural language code generation</p> </div> <p>Ever wish you could clone yourself to get through your coding tasks? Cursor, an AI-powered code editor, might just be the next best thing. It's designed to be a coding partner, accelerating software development with intelligent features that feel like a natural extension of your own thought process. You can effortlessly generate code from simple instructions. It's today's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fky04OXWaxY" title="Vibe coding" target="_blank">Vibe coding</a>" tool of choice.</p> <p>Cursor works within a familiar VS Code environment, offering a smooth transition for many developers. You can chat with the AI assistant about your project, get code suggestions, and even integrate web searches for a well rounded coding experience.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Smart Autocomplete</b><br> Predicts multiple lines of code, reducing the amount you need to type manually. </li> <br> <li> <b>Natural Language Code Generation</b><br> Creates code based on your plain English instructions, simplifying the development process. </li> <br> <li> <b>Composer</b><br> You can tell composer to make an app for you, enabling people with no coding experience to build their ideas. </li> </ol> <p>However, it's not perfect. Occasional inconsistencies in the AI's behavior, like removing important code or misunderstanding pasted snippets, can be frustrating. It's also worth noting that very large projects might experience performance slowdowns. But remember, this is the worst it will ever be and as LLMs evolve at lightspeed, their coding ability will only accelerate.</p> <p>For smaller businesses or startups looking to prototype rapidly, Cursor offers very interesting value. It's a powerful tool that can empower even those with limited coding experience to start building. It's essential for anyone building software in 2025.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Seamless Transition from VS Code</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Performance Issues with Large Files</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> AI-Powered Code Generation and Modification</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Inconsistent AI Behavior</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Context-Aware AI Chat</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potential for Over-Reliance</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://www.opus.pro/?via=ed3b83" rel="nofollow noreferrer sponsored " target="_blank">Opus Clip</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Might be the AI assistant you're looking for</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>AI Powered B roll Generation</p> </div> <p>Wish you could create a clone of yourself to churn out more social media content? Opus Clip might be the AI assistant you're looking for. This tool takes your long videos, like webinars or podcast episodes, and automatically creates shorter, engaging clips perfect for platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.</p> <p>It's a real time saver for content creators, marketing teams, or anyone looking to expand their reach without spending hours in editing software. Opus Clip uses AI to find those "aha!" moments in your videos, adding captions, reframing, and even generating B roll footage to make your clips pop.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>AI Powered B roll Generation</b><br> Adds supporting visuals automatically. Makes clips more dynamic. </li> <br> <li> <b>Moment Extraction</b><br> Identifies key sections in any video. Pinpoints highlights effortlessly. </li> <br> <li> <b>Automated Feature Analysis</b><br> Detects and evaluates video features. Understands your content's strengths. </li> </ol> <p>While the core functionality of generating short clips is where Opus Clip excels, the quality of the B roll can be a bit inconsistent. Also, if you're someone who needs absolute control over every frame, the AI's choices might require a little tweaking. A minor inconvenience is needing to render before continuing edits, and if you're using complex external editors, you'll find that the caption exports are limited.</p> <p>Overall, Opus Clip is a powerful tool for quickly boosting your social media presence, especially if you have a library of long form content waiting to be repurposed.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Easy Short-Form Content Creation</p> <p><strong>-</strong> B-Roll Quality Can Vary</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Customizable Captions and Templates</p> <p><strong>-</strong> XML Export Limitations</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Detailed Clip Analysis</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Rendering Required for Full Quality</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://www.clay.com/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Clay</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Effortlessly enrich lead profiles with AI-powered insights</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>AI crafts unique personalized email opening lines</p> </div> <p>Is your sales team drowning in data and hungry for more qualified, targeted leads? Clay has taken the sales and lead generation software space by storm, combining data enrichment with AI-powered insights.</p> <p>With Clay you'll be able to effortlessly enrich your lead and customer profiles with information from hundreds of <a href="https://www.clay.com/waterfall-enrichment" title="external data sources" target="_blank">external data sources</a>, you can then let AI prioritize leads based on real-time buying signals. It automates tasks like contact discovery, freeing your team to focus on personalized outreach.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Waterfall Enrichment</b><br> Combines data from various providers. If one source lacks information, it automatically checks the next, ensuring comprehensive data. </li> <br> <li> <b>AI-Generated Text</b><br> Creates personalized email opening lines. Uses AI to craft unique messages based on a prospect's job title, company, and other data. </li> <br> <li> <b>Automated Table Creation</b><br> Builds lead lists from platforms like LinkedIn. Simply define criteria like job title and location, and Clay gathers matching profiles. </li> </ol> <p>Bare in mind though, Clay isn't a simple plug-and-play tool. Its complexity requires a significant learning curve, and users comfortable with prompt engineering will get the most value.</p> <p>If you're prepared to invest time in mastering its intricacies, Clay can streamline your go-to-market efforts. If you're seeking an instant solution, you may want to look elsewhere.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Powerful Data Enrichment</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Complexity</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> AI-Powered Lead Generation</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Manual Prompt Engineering</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Personalized Outreach</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Learning Curve</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://www.veed.io/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">VEED</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Pro level video editing results without needing pro level video editing skills</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>One click silence removal</p> </div> <p>Let's face it, video is king, but not everyone has Spielberg's skills. That's where VEED comes in, promising pro level video editing results without needing pro level video editing skills. This online video editor combines user-friendly features, such as cutting and trimming, with AI capabilities, making it a popular option for small businesses.</p> <p>VEED is tailored for social media video creation. Its simple interface and one click silence removal are practical for producing short, engaging videos. Automatic resizing for platforms simplifies multi platform posting. You can collaborate with team members, add subtitles in over 100 languages, incorporate graphics, and remove backgrounds.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>One click creation</b><br> Generate videos from text prompts, uploaded media, or start from scratch. It makes video creation accessible to anyone. </li> <br> <li> <b>Audio cleanup</b><br> Remove background noise with a single click. It ensures clear, professional sounding audio. </li> <br> <li> <b>Multilingual Subtitles</b><br> Automatically add subtitles and transcriptions. This expands your content's reach. </li> </ol> <p>VEED isn't perfect for everyone though. Its jack of all trades approach results in a lack of depth in certain areas. The AI powered features, like translation, aren't as robust as dedicated platforms. Color grading and subtitle customization are surprisingly limited. If you need precise color control, advanced subtitle effects, or highly accurate translations, VEED will probably leave you wanting.</p> <p>The tool is a solid choice for entrepreneurs and small teams needing quick, simple social media content. However, professional video editors or those with complex projects should consider other options.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Easy-to-use basic video editing</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Limited AI translation quality</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Quick creation of short-form content</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Basic subtitle options</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> One-click silence removal</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Limited color grading customization</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://notebooklm.google/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Notebook LM</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Makes research feel like a breeze</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>Audio summarization for learning on the go</p> </div> <p>This AI powered research assistant, fueled by Google's powerful AI model Gemini, is designed to help you make sense of, well, almost anything. Upload PDFs, websites, even audio files, and NotebookLM gets to work, summarizing, connecting ideas, and generating study materials. Imagine feeding it a product guide for affiliates and instantly getting lead magnet ideas. Pretty neat!</p> <p>For small business owners, this means rapid competitive research or fresh content ideas. The ability to <a href="https://www.descript.com/blog/article/testing-notebook-for-podcasters" title="turn content into audio discussions" target="_blank">turn content into audio discussions</a> is perfect for learning on the go. Plus, your data is not used for training purposes.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Multimodal content processing</b><br> Accepts diverse inputs. Upload various formats, expanding usability. </li> <br> <li> <b>Citations linked to source material</b><br> Shows where information originates. Increases transparency and allows for fact checking. </li> <br> <li> <b>Audio summarization ("Deep Dives")</b><br> Creates audio discussions. Transforms content into podcasts for convenient learning. </li> </ol> <p>NotebookLM has undeniable potential, and as Google releases new features for it overtime, the quality will only improve.</p> <p>However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The software is known for occasional inconsistencies and a somewhat clumsy user experience. The "audio overview" feature, while convenient, has been reported to distort information. It's crucial to double check NotebookLM's outputs, especially before making any big decisions.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Large Context Window</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potential for Hallucinations/Misinformation</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Source Citation</p> <p><strong>-</strong> UX Confusing</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Multiple Input Methods</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Content Bias</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://www.airtable.com/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Airtable</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Organizing business data doesn't have to be a headache</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>Automations and scripting features that connect to third-party APIs</p> </div> <p>Is your small business drowning in spreadsheets and sticky notes? Well that was us...Before we found Airtable. We use this powerful tool to power a lot of the features on the Toksta website. In essence, its a tool that combines the familiar feel of a spreadsheet with the power of a database and AI, all wrapped up in a low code platform.</p> <p>It's useful across teams working on things like product, marketing, and operations to build anything from content calendars, to CRMs, and project timelines. We especially love the <a href="https://www.softr.io/blog/airtable-scripting#:~:text=The%20scripting%20app%20allows%20you,Streamline%20repetitive%2C%20multi%2Dstep%20workflows" title="automations and scripting features" target="_blank">automations and scripting features</a>, that allow you to plug in any third party API to generate text on the fly, categorize data and much more.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Connected Data</b><br> Integrates information from various apps, creating a single source of truth for your business data. </li> <br> <li> <b>Workflow Automation</b><br> Set up triggers and actions to automate repetitive tasks, like sending emails or updating project statuses. </li> <br> <li> <b>Customizable Views</b><br> Visualize your data in multiple formats, including Kanban boards, calendars, and Gantt charts, helping you see the big picture, and stay organized. </li> </ol> <p>Using the Interfaces feature, you can build custom business apps without needing a computer science degree. Its drag and drop interface allows you to create automated workflows and connect your data from different sources. Think auto generated reports or triggering tasks based on project status updates. You can even visualize your data with Gantt charts or calendar views.</p> <p>While Airtable simplifies complex data organization, it's not a magic wand. The initial setup can feel like climbing a mountain if you're new to relational databases. Plus, for very simple tasks, a basic spreadsheet might be a more straightforward solution, but for growing businesses with interconnected data, Airtable offers a lot.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Relational Database Capabilities</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Requires Initial Setup</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Easy to Use Interface</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Not Ideal if a Simpler Tool Suffices</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Customizable Views</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Email Automation Limitations</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://try.web.clickup.com/a18y3oscm0ic" rel="nofollow noreferrer sponsored " target="_blank">ClickUp</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>One workspace for task management, collaboration, and CRM capabilities</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>Adapts to you with a buffet of views like lists, boards, and Gantt charts</p> </div> <p>This project management platform is a boon for small business productivity, blending task management, collaboration, and even CRM capabilities into one workspace. Especially popular with remote teams, it adapts to you with a buffet of views like lists, boards, and Gantt charts.</p> <p>While you can customize almost anything, prepare for a learning curve. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, especially for solopreneurs or small teams. The interface can also lag if you're juggling large projects.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Customizable Task Statuses</b><br> Tailor task stages to perfectly match your unique workflow, from "To Do" to "In Progress" to "Approved." </li> <br> <li> <b>Variety of Views</b><br> Visualize projects your way. Switch between list, board, Gantt, and other views to suit different tasks or preferences. </li> <br> <li> <b>Robust Automation</b><br> Streamline repetitive tasks. Set up triggers and actions to automate assignments, notifications, and status changes. </li> </ol> <p>If your team craves deep customization and workflow automation and built in AI features like summarization, automatic task creation from video clips and much more, ClickUp is powerful. Just be ready to invest some time in training. If you prefer simplicity, it might be overkill. It can also function as a capable CRM, saving you money on multiple subscriptions.</p> <p></p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Highly Customizable</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Steep Learning Curve</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Versatile Views</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potential Performance Issues</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Strong Collaboration Features</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Interface Complexity</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://try.gamma.app/ae33qabn3brz" rel="nofollow noreferrer sponsored " target="_blank">Gamma</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Conjure up captivating presentations without design software</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>AI generates structured outlines from simple prompts</p> </div> <p>Wan to be able to conjure up a captivating presentation, document, or even a website without wrestling with design software or code? Gamma is simply the best, most easy to use AI tool for exactly this. This AI powered platform is rapidly becoming a favorite among busy professionals, letting them transform raw ideas into polished, engaging presentations with ease.</p> <p>The tool excels at streamlining content creation. You can start with a simple prompt and have the AI generate a structured outline, import existing files, or paste in something like notes. It is like blending the visual appeal of other design tools with the structured approach of a good word processor.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>AI Generation</b><br> Create presentations, documents, or webpages from a simple text prompt, with AI handling the initial structure and content. </li> <br> <li> <b>Theme Customization</b><br> Import themes or customize existing ones to match your brand's colors, fonts, and logos, ensuring consistency. </li> <br> <li> <b>Interactive Elements</b><br> Embed external content like videos, or forms directly into your presentations, enhancing audience engagement. </li> </ol> <p>While Gamma's AI assistance is a huge time saver, it is not perfect. The auto generated content and images sometimes require a human touch, especially if you are looking for very specific results. The free version has limitations, like restricted credits and a ten slide limit, and you might encounter occasional theme mismatches. But hey, the ability to embed external content, like forms or videos, adds a great level of interactivity.</p> <p>Gamma is great if speed is your priority. It is ideal for quickly producing beautiful presentations, but be prepared to fine tune the AI's initial output.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Rapid Presentation Creation</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Reliance on AI-Generated Content</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> AI-Powered Content Generation</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Limited Customization in Free Version</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Easy Editing and Customization</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potential for Generic or Inaccurate AI-Generated Images</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://make.com/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Make</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Effortlessly connect your CRM, email marketing, and project management software without writing code</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>Visually design and automate processes across your various applications</p> </div> <p>This no code automation platform lets you visually design and automate processes across your various applications. It allows you to effortlessly connect your CRM, email marketing platform, and project management software, all without writing a single line of code.</p> <p>Make's strength lies in its ability to handle complex, multi step automations. Think transforming data formats between different systems or creating intricate workflows triggered by specific events. It's often combined with tools like Airtable (also in this list) as a way to pull and send data. E.g. we use it to send product data stored in Airtable to an LLM for processing. The LLM then categorizes it and Make then helps us send that data back to Airtable to store the category of the product. It's Magic for people that don't want to dig deep into various APIs, they are all built in for plug and play with 1000s of apps.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Drag and Drop Interface</b><br> A visual workflow builder. Easily create automations by connecting app modules. </li> <br> <li> <b>Vast Integrations</b><br> Connects with 1000s of applications. Allows for extensive cross platform automation. </li> <br> <li> <b>No Code Environment</b><br> Accessible to all users. Build automations without needing any programming knowledge. </li> </ol> <p>While incredibly powerful, Make might be excessive for businesses with simple automation requirements. There's a learning curve involved, so if you're just looking to automate basic tasks, there might be simpler tools available.</p> <p>Ultimately, Make is an impressive tool for streamlining operations and boosting productivity, especially if your small business juggles numerous apps and requires sophisticated automation.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Enables Complex Automations</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Steeper Learning Curve for Beginners</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Enhanced API and Webhook Integration</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potentially Overkill for Simple Automations</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Easier to Connect to Custom Scripts and AI Models</p> <p><strong>-</strong> May be less intuitive for users new to automation.</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://canva.com/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Canva</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Accessible, not necessarily high end, creative work</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>AI assisted design</p> </div> <p>Need to whip up snazzy social media graphics, a quick presentation, or even some basic marketing materials? Canva might be your new best friend. This online graphic design tool is a favorite among entrepreneurs and marketers, particularly those who want polished designs without the fuss of complex software. Its drag and drop interface and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YV2gApZi58" title="AI design tools" target="_blank">AI design tools</a> make it easy to use.</p> <p>The free tier is surprisingly generous with templates and intuitive editing tools, perfect for crafting social media posts or flyers. But be careful, a reliance on templates can sometimes lead to generic/boring looking graphics. Also some key features, like background removal, are locked behind a paywall which is kinda something you'd expect to be free, since everyone needs it.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Templates</b><br> A wide variety of customizable, contemporary templates are available. You can find almost anything premade, and customize to your needs. </li> <br> <li> <b>Drag and Drop Editing</b><br> Quick design changes. Move elements around the screen and place them where you like. </li> <br> <li> <b>Magic Write</b><br> Canva's AI text generator. Describe what you want it to write, and it will generate it for you. </li> </ol> <p>While professionals might find Canva restrictive, it is a lifesaver for small businesses on a tight budget. Established brands seeking a truly unique visual identity, though, may need to explore dedicated design software eventually.</p> <p>To summarise, Canva excels at accessible, not necessarily high end, creative work. It is a solid choice if your design needs are straightforward, you need AI to assist with design and your budget is a primary concern.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Free Version Available</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Limited Features in Free Version</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Wide Variety of Templates</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potential for Generic Designs</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Flexible and Customizable</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Text Customization Limitations</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://www.napkin.ai/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Napkin</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Turns walls of text into engaging visuals</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>No prompts needed</p> </div> <p>Ever wish you could turn that wall of text into something people actually want to look at? Napkin AI aims to do just that, <a href="https://avidopenaccess.org/resource/generating-diagrams-with-napkin-ai/" title="transforming your written content into diagrams" target="_blank">transforming your written content into diagrams</a>, charts, and other visuals. Simply paste your text, and Napkin AI gets to work, analyzing the content and suggesting a ton of relevant visual representations.</p> <p>While the speed is impressive, and its interface is easy to use, the results can sometimes be a mixed bag. You might find the perfect visual instantly, or you might need to cycle through options and do some tweaking. Customization helps, providing control over icons, colors, and fonts, plus the multiple export formats (PNG, PDF, SVG) make it easy to use your creations across presentations, blogs, or documents.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>No Prompts Needed</b><br> Just paste your text and let the AI analyze it. </li> <br> <li> <b>Visual Customization</b><br> Adjust icons, colors, fonts, and even line styles. </li> <br> <li> <b>Flexible Exporting</b><br> Get your visuals in PNG, PDF, or SVG formats. </li> </ol> <p>Napkin AI feels like a brainstorming partner. It is great for quickly generating ideas and rough drafts of visuals. However, it is important to review the results for relevancy before primetime. Some of the style options can look a touch unrefined, so it's worth experimenting to find what suits your needs.</p> <p>Currently in beta and free to use, Napkin AI is worth exploring if you need a quick way to add visual flair to your content. Just remember, it is a tool to assist, not replace, your own creative judgment.</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Rapid Visual Creation</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Visual Relevance Issues</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Easy Integration with LLMs</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Style Limitations</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Customizable Visuals</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Potential for Over-Reliance</p> </div> </div>
<h2><a href="https://machined.ai/" rel="nofollow " target="_blank">Machined</a></h2>
<div class="grid-review"> <p><strong>Why Care?</strong></p> <p>Automates SEO content creation</p> <p><strong>Superpower Feature</strong></p> <p>Autopilot Clusters</p> </div> <p>Ready to ditch the content creation grind? Machined, an AI powered SEO/content platform, might be your new best friend. It automates SEO content by intelligently handling keyword research, clustering, and even writing the articles. Designed for startups, niche site owners, and SEO agencies, Machined aims to simplify content creation. It supports over 120 languages, creates interlinked articles, and integrates with WordPress.</p> <p>The "bring your own key" model can get a little complex, and configuring keyword research can be a chore. The platform works best for general topics, so keep that in mind. Also, generating images can be hit or miss. Despite these minor drawbacks, generating over 30 articles is very impressive.</p>
<h4>Features We Love</h4> <ol> <li> <b>Autopilot Clusters</b><br> Input a broad topic; it suggests relevant keywords and article ideas. </li> <br> <li> <b>Content Customization</b><br> Select writing tone, article length, and integrate your own research URLs. </li> <br> <li> <b>CMS Publishing</b><br> Directly publish generated content to your WordPress or Webflow site in draft mode. </li> </ol> <p>Machined is not perfect, but it is a surprisingly effective tool for quickly producing interlinked blog content, specifically if you are comfortable with a bit of technical setup.</p> <p>Pros and Cons Summary:</p> <div class="grid-pros"> <div class="header-row"> <div class="header-container"> <p>Pros</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9 1.94434C7.55373 1.94434 6.13993 2.37321 4.9374 3.17671C3.73486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> <div class="header-container"> <p>Cons</p> <div class="header-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100%"> <path d="M9.5 1.94434C8.05373 1.94434 6.63993 2.37321 5.4374 3.17671C4.23486 3.98022"></path> </svg> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Creates Interlinked Blog Clusters</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Not Suitable for All Niches</p> </div> <div class="row-pros bg-grey-10"> <p><strong>+</strong> Automated Keyword Research</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Manual Research Configuration (Per Blog)</p> </div> <div class="row-pros"> <p><strong>+</strong> Customizable Tone and Perspective</p> <p><strong>-</strong> Requires External API Key</p> </div> </div>

Your Next Chapter Awaits!

So, we've taken you on a journey through a landscape brimming with AI-powered possibilities, from crafting captivating visuals with Canva and Gamma to automating workflows with Airtable and Make. It's clear to us at Toksta, AI isn't just a buzzword, it's now essential small businesses utlilze it to stay competitive.

These tools aren't about replacing human ingenuity, but augmenting it. They're about freeing you from tedious tasks, unlocking creative potential you didn't know you had, and giving you the data-driven edge to truly thrive in today's fast-paced market.

Choosing the right AI companions for your business is a bit like assembling your dream team. Take the insights you've gained, experiment, and don't be afraid to embrace the power of intelligent tools. The future of your small business is bright, and with AI in your corner, it's ready to shine even brighter!

Meet the author
Sam Cassman is a seasoned growth marketer with over 10 years of experience as a growth marketer for startups and small businesses. He is the founder of Toksta, a research technology company that helps businesses find and purchase the best software and SaaS. Sam has also run his own growth marketing consultancy Honest Growth, where he helped numerous clients to grow their businesses, including Eventcube, Baluu, Obby, and NBM Group.
Learn more about Sam