Here’s the truth: AI is changing the game, but it’s not the villain of this story. In fact, it’s the plot twist that could make small businesses shine brighter than ever. If you’re worried about getting left behind, take a breath. This isn’t about keeping up with the robots but being more you.
So let’s break this down because AI isn’t going anywhere, and the way we show up in the world is about to matter more than ever.
What’s Really Happening with AI on Social Media?
AI tools are now whipping up posts, ad copy, and graphics faster than you can say, “What happened to Canva Pro?” And sure, that sounds great, but here’s the catch: when everything starts looking too perfect or too-AI (yes that's a thing now), people tune out.
AI is flooding social feeds with content that’s polished to perfection and pretty generic—but it’s also creating this massive hunger for something real, something relatable.
For small businesses like yours, that’s good news. Why? Because your customers don’t want mass-produced perfection. They want you. The real, messy, figuring-it-out-as-you-go you.
AI’s Impact on Small Businesses: Should You Panic?
1. Job Displacement: The Truth.
Okay, let’s rip off the Band-Aid: yes, some roles are changing. If you’ve been spending hours writing captions or fiddling with graphic design, AI can absolutely take over. But here’s the flip side—it frees you up to focus on what really matters.
Think of AI as your new assistant. It can crank out a quick caption, but it doesn’t understand your inside jokes with customers or the heart behind your brand. That’s on you. And let’s be real—couldn’t we all use an assistant to handle the grunt work? YES PLEASE!!!
2. As I've always said, Authenticity is Everything!
The more AI floods our feeds, the more people crave something that feels human. That’s where you win.
- Show Your Face: People don’t want perfect. They want relatable. Share the unfiltered moments, the messy office, the coffee-fueled brainstorming sessions.
- Talk About What Matters: You’re a small business, which means you’ve got values. Purpose. Passion. Share it. AI can mimic a tone, but it can’t replicate your why.
3. Ads Are Changing. So Should You.
AI is shaking up advertising, making it faster and more competitive. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. It just means you’ve got to shift how you play.
- Be Bold: Forget generic “Buy now!” ads. Lean into your story. Why did you start your business? What impact are you trying to make?
- Go Niche: Big brands try to be everything to everyone. You don’t have to. Focus on your people—the ones who really get you—and build trust with them.
How to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice
AI isn’t just for billion-dollar corporations. It’s a tool you can use to work smarter, not harder. Here’s how:
- Save Time, Not Personality: Use AI to draft content, but give it your flair. Add your inside jokes, your quirks, your humanity. AI can’t do that. (Trust me, I've tried!)
- Let AI Do the Boring Stuff: Scheduling posts? Generating captions? Let AI take the wheel so you can focus on big-picture ideas.
- Keep Your Ear to the Ground: Social trends move fast. AI can help you keep up, but you are the one who knows your customers. Stay connected to them.
Need Help Navigating AI? I’ve Got You.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by AI and wondering how to keep your marketing authentic, I’ve created tools to help.
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Check Out My Book, Brand Worth Loving: This is where I dig into how to build a brand that stands out—AI or no AI. It’s packed with strategies to create a brand people connect with and remember. Feed ChatGPT a well-thought-out authentic brand that inspires and you'll get better output and results.
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Join My Course, ChatGPT On Purpose: Consider this your AI survival guide. In this course, I’ll show you exactly how to use ChatGPT and other AI tools to save time, stay authentic, and grow your business—without losing your voice or values. (Seriously for about an hour of your time and only $27, you cannot go wrong!)
The Future of Small Business Marketing
Here’s the thing: AI is never going to replace you.
Big brands might use AI to crank out a million ads, but they can’t replicate what makes small businesses special: the relationship. Your audience doesn’t just want a product or service. They want a connection.
In a digital world flooded with AI-generated content, being human becomes a key advantage. The brands that will thrive aren’t the ones chasing perfection—they’re the ones showing up, being real, and staying true to what they believe in. AI can help, but YOU are responsible for this.
So no, this isn’t the end of connection and realness. It’s a new chapter. Use AI as a tool, not a crutch. Lean into what makes you, you. And remember, your audience doesn’t need another flawless ad—they need a brand worth loving.
Your brand. Built to go big and do good—even in an AI-driven world.
