Published on: April 21, 2023  Updated on: February 15, 2024

Best AI Business Tools: The Ultimate Guide for All Departments

Author: Inge von Aulock

We know that tools using artificial intelligence are all the rage. But it’s for good reason. If you want to take your business to the next level, then you’re going to have to jump on the bandwagon.

From marketing tools to e-commerce, graphic design to video voiceovers, AI tools for business can improve all departments’ functionality. There are so many use cases for this kind of technology, so we’re going to look at each department and list our top 3 AI tools for business. 

Why AI is important for business

3 Best AI tools for HR

3 Best AI tools for sales

3 Best AI tools for marketing

3 Best AI tools for customer support

Why AI is important for business

Whether you’re running a large corporation or a small business, integrating AI technology into your workflow can provide a number of benefits. These can help you streamline your business operations, save time and money, and even boost your bottom line. Here are 4 reasons why AI models are becoming an essential part of modern businesses.

1. AI can help automate repetitive tasks

One of the biggest benefits of AI technology is its ability to automate repetitive tasks. This can help free up valuable time for employees to focus on more high-value activities that require human skills and expertise. 

For example, AI algorithms can be used to automate data entry, invoicing, and other administrative tasks that can be time-consuming and error-prone when done manually. This can improve the efficiency of your business operations and help you get more done in less time.

2. AI can provide high-quality insights and recommendations

Now, AI isn’t just for taking over boring tasks. It actually has the ability to provide high-quality insights and recommendations based on large amounts of data. AI algorithms can be used to analyze customer data to identify patterns and trends, which can help businesses make more informed decisions about their marketing and sales strategies. 

This can also help businesses identify areas where they can improve their operations or customer service to better meet the needs of their customers. Without monitoring metrics, you’ve got no direction. Your team will be more focused on areas that need improvement with AI. 

3. AI can provide customizable templates

AI technology can also be used to provide customizable templates that can streamline various business processes. For example, AI-powered document templates can help businesses create contracts, invoices, and other reports quickly and easily. 

This can save companies time and money while also ensuring that these documents are accurate and compliant with relevant regulations. Paperwork is tiring. And, in the working world, it seems endless. Making use of this technology could free up your valuable time. 

4. AI is accessible for small businesses too

Finally, it’s worth noting that AI technology is becoming increasingly accessible for small businesses as well. Cloud-based AI platforms like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud can provide affordable access to AI tools and services that were once only available to large corporations. 

This can be extremely helpful for startups to get off the ground. Plenty of AI platforms offer free usage, like ChatGPT, so you don’t need a big investment to get started. 

3 Best AI tools for HR 

First up in departments is… drumroll, please… HR! 

Human resources is an often underestimated but integral part of any business. Hiring, onboarding, training, and keeping employee satisfaction and engagement up are incredibly important.

Don’t underestimate your HR team. Instead, check out some of the best free AI tools and paid-for apps that can help streamline business processes and automate tasks.

1. HireVue 

HireVue is an AI-powered video interviewing platform that can help smooth out the hiring process. The tool uses machine learning algorithms to analyze candidate responses and provide insights to recruiters, making it easier to identify the best candidates for the job. 

Let’s take a look at some specific AI features the software offers:

  • Video interviewing: HireVue enables HR professionals to conduct live or recorded video interviews with candidates, which can be reviewed at a later time. This feature helps save time and resources by reducing the need for in-person meetings.
  • AI-powered assessments: The platform can use AI-powered assessments to analyze a candidate’s responses and provide insights into their personality, cognitive abilities, and behavioral traits.
  • Candidate ranking: Using AI algorithms, HireVue can analyze the data collected from assessments and interviews to rank candidates based on their suitability for the job. This feature helps HR professionals make more informed hiring decisions.

If it’s the interview process that your HR team hasn’t quite got down, then HireVue might be the right AI tool for your business. Why not request a demo to be sure?

Opening webpage on HireVue's site which says: Quickly engage and asses a candidate's skills and future growth potential

2. Textio 

Textio is an AI-powered writing assistant that uses natural language processing and can help HR teams improve their job descriptions, emails, and other written communications. By using machine learning algorithms to analyze language patterns, it can provide recommendations for more effective communication. 

Remember, communication is key. The following features can ensure yours is always spot on:

  • Diversity and inclusion: Textio’s platform can highlight instances of biased or exclusive language in job postings and suggest alternatives that are more inclusive. This helps ensure that job postings appeal to a wider pool of candidates and attract a more diverse range of applicants.
  • Writing guidance: The software can also provide guidance and suggestions for improving the clarity, grammar, impact, and persuasiveness of written communication. If you’re crafting job postings, employee communications, and other HR-related documents, this can make them more effective. 
  • Performance metrics: Textio’s platform can track the performance of written communication over time, providing insights into how changes in language and tone affect engagement, retention, and other key metrics. 

How your HR department writes may sound like a small element of their job. However, with Textio, you’ll soon see an improvement across the board, not only in recruitment but internally as well. 

An example piece of text with annotations sits next to a heading that says "End hidden bias, literally."

3. Kallidus

Kallidus is an HR automation platform that can help streamline a variety of tasks, including onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement. It uses AI to automate workflows, track employee progress, and provide insights to HR teams.

Sounds appealing? Let’s look at some specifics:

  • Onboarding: Kallidus’s platform can automate and streamline the onboarding process, making it easier for HR to welcome new hires and ensure that they have a smooth transition into their new role.
  • Employee data management: By centralizing and automating employee data management, Kallidus makes it easier for HR professionals to track and manage employee information, including personal details, performance, and compliance-related data.
  • Reporting and analytics: The platform can also provide the team with real-time data and insights into employee performance, engagement, and retention. This helps management make more informed decisions about talent optimization and workforce planning.

These features belong to Sappling, a previously independent company that has now been taken up by Kallidus. Request a demo to see if it’s the right tool for you. 

Website dashboard that has an image of two HR professionals at a desk, next to a heading that says "sapling is now part of Kallidus"

3 Best AI tools for sales

So, we’ve sorted out the HR department. What’s next? You know it: sales. 

To be successful when it comes to conversions and lead generation, you need to know your target audience inside and out, and your sales process must be smooth. Does that sound like your business? Great! But, if you’re not quite there yet, here are some of the best AI tools to help out.

1. Gong.io 

Gong.io is an AI-powered conversation analytics tool that can help sales teams better understand their target audience by analyzing sales conversations. The tool uses machine learning algorithms to create transcriptions and analyze sales calls. This provides insights into customer behavior and identifies opportunities for improvement. 

It sounds a little too good to be true, but take a look at some of their specific features to be convinced:

  • Conversation analytics: Gong.io‘s platform can analyze sales conversations in real-time, providing insights into how sales representatives are communicating with prospects and customers. This feature can help marketing teams identify areas for improvement and optimize their sales conversations.
  • ​​Coaching and training: The software can provide coaching and training resources to help sales representatives improve their communication skills and close more deals. 
  • Deal management: Gong.io can help sales teams manage their deals more effectively, providing insights into deal progress, potential roadblocks, and areas of risk. This can help your teams make more informed decisions and improve their win rates.

It’s definitely worth trying out. Knowing how to successfully communicate will help in all areas of business. 

Turn customer interactions into strategic insights. Stop losing winnable deals. We can help.

2. Crystal Knows

Nope, it’s not a tarot-reading platform… unfortunately. Instead, Crystal Knows is an AI-powered personality assessment tool that can help sales teams tailor their communication to different personality types. The tool uses algorithms to analyze publicly available information about a prospect, such as social media profiles, and provide recommendations for how to best communicate with them. 

Whilst this may initially ring some alarm bells, don’t worry – it’s all above board. Check out the features that make this AI tool stand out from the crowd:

  • Prospecting tools: Crystal Knows can provide insights into the personality types of potential prospects, helping sales teams identify the most promising potential clients and tailor their outreach to each individual.
  • Personality assessments: The platform can provide personality assessments for individuals, including insights into their communication style, decision-making approach, and other key traits. This adds another level of personalization when it comes to trying to close a deal. 
  • Communication insights: By providing insights into how to communicate effectively with different individuals based on their personality type, your sales teams can improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships with prospects and customers.

Using this AI tool will definitely give you a one-up over your competitors. Why wouldn’t you try it when you can get started for free?

Know your buyer before you sell. Crystal gives you personality-based guidance for every email, call, and meeting.

3. Conversica

Conversica is an AI-powered sales assistant that can help teams automate their lead follow-up process. The tool uses machine learning to engage with leads via email and other communication channels, qualifying them and passing them on to the sales team for further action. 

Conversion is all about nurturing, but we don’t always have the time to do so. Take a look at the features that could help you out:

  • Sales intelligence: Conversica can provide real-time insights into customer behavior and preferences, helping sales teams understand customer needs and identify potential cross-sell or upsell opportunities. This can help improve sales effectiveness and drive revenue growth. 
  • Sales engagement: This AI tool can engage in automated, two-way conversations with prospects and customers, providing personalized communication at scale. This can help you build stronger relationships with prospects and customers and improve engagement rates.
  • Lead generation and qualification: The platform can automatically generate and qualify leads using natural language conversations. This feature can help sales teams identify the most promising leads and focus their efforts on the highest-value prospects.

Corsica is a solid option if you want to make sure a lead never goes unnoticed. See if you can improve conversions and request the demo today. 

An image of a woman in a suit next to statistics like: 24x return on an investment, 100% lead follow up, 10x Pipeline and customer growth.

3. Best AI tools for marketing

We know the repetitive tropes. Content is king, blah blah blah. We’re not going to reiterate this for you because I’m sure every business now understands the importance of content marketing. However, not all companies have the resources to really excel in this department. Do you know what could help? Yep, you guessed it. AI marketing tools! 

1. Jasper

Jasper is an AI assistant that helps generate professional copywriting. The company claims to be able to help you create great content 10x faster. Do you trust them? Well, let’s look at how they do it:

  • Audience segmentation: Jasper’s platform can segment audiences based on a range of criteria, including demographics, behavior, and preferences. This feature can help marketers tailor their messaging, product descriptions, blog articles, and campaigns to each segment, improving engagement and conversion rates.
  • Campaign optimization: This AI tool can provide real-time insights into campaign performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimization, helping your team make data-driven decisions and improve their ROI.
  • Personalization: The platform can provide personalized messaging and content to each individual prospect or customer based on their behavior and preferences. This will help marketers build strong relationships with clients and improve their conversion rates.

Jasper is a one-stop AI shop for content creators. It can help you do just about anything in half the time you’re used to. Starting at $40 a month, you may as well give it a go!

Create amazing marketing copy 10x faster with AI. Jasper is the generative AI platform for business that helps your team create content tailored for your brand.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot is a marketing automation tool that uses AI to streamline campaigns and improve SEO. HubSpot can be used to create and manage marketing processes, analyze customer data, and optimize AI content for search engines. 

But how exactly does it do this? Let’s take a look: 

  • Content creation: HubSpot’s platform includes a range of design tools for creating and publishing content, including blog posts, landing pages, and social media posts. This helps create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
  • Email marketing: The platform includes a range of tools for creating and sending email campaigns, including automated workflows and personalization features, meaning you can reach a wide audience with targeted messaging and improve engagement rates.
  • SEO optimization: By including tools for optimizing content for search engines, like keyword research and optimization suggestions, marketers can improve their website’s visibility in search engine results and drive more organic traffic to their site.

If this sounds like it could help you out, check out their pricing. They have a huge array of various packages designed for businesses of every kind to streamline your content generation process.  

Grow better with Hubspot: software that's powerful, not overpowering. Seamlessly connect your data, teams, and customers.

3. Lumen5

Lumen5 is a video editing tool that uses AI to create engaging video content from written content. It can be used to create video content for social media platforms and other marketing channels.

With our current attention spans, video content is essential. Check out Lumen5’s key features:

  • Automated video creation: Lumen5’s platform can automatically turn text into videos, using AI to match images, animations, and music to the content. This feature can help marketers quickly create engaging video content without the need for extensive editing skills.
  • Customizable video templates: This AI tool includes a range of customizable video templates, allowing teams to create clips that match their branding and messaging. This means creating professional-looking videos that resonate with a target audience is easy.
  • Social media integration: The platform includes integration with a range of social media platforms, so you can quickly and easily publish videos to various media channels. 

If you’re looking to up your content game, try Lumen5 out. Starting at just $19 a month, there’s not much to lose. 

Grow your brand and drive demand with video at scale. Our online video creator makes it easy for anyone on your team to create engaging video content.

3 Best AI tools for customer support

So, with your stellar marketing and sales departments, you’re going to have plenty of new customers to keep happy. But don’t panic. AI tools can make it super easy to keep your satisfaction levels high. Let’s check out our top 3 to help your CRM (customer relationship management). 

1. ChatGPT

Chat GPT is a large language model based on the GPT-3 and 4 architecture that can be trained to answer customer queries and provide personalized support. It can also be used to improve the customer experience by providing instant support and resolving issues quickly.

This isn’t any regular AI chatbot. It’s so advanced that you often won’t realize you’re talking to an AI. Take a look at its other great features:

  • 24/7 availability: As a digital platform, ChatGPT is available 24/7, allowing customers to receive support at any time of the day or night. This feature can help businesses provide fast and efficient support, even outside of regular business hours.
  • Scalability: This AI can handle multiple customer interactions at the same time, making it a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes. This makes dealing with high volumes of customer inquiries a breeze.
  • Personalization: ChatGPT can be trained to recognize individual customers and personalize responses based on their history with the business. This helps companies provide personalized support that meets the specific needs of each customer.

It’s likely you’ve heard of ChatGPT before. You may have even played around with it. But don’t underestimate its power in customer service. Try it for free. 

Introducing ChatGPT: We've trained a model that interacts in a conversational way.

2. Salesforce Einstein

Salesforce Einstein is an AI-powered customer service platform that can analyze customer data to provide personalized support. It uses machine learning algorithms to identify customer needs and provide relevant solutions. 

But how does it do that? Let’s find out:

  • Predictive analytics: Einstein can analyze customer support data to identify patterns and predict future customer behavior, allowing businesses to proactively address potential issues. 
  • Automated routing: The platform can automatically route customer support cases to the appropriate agent or team, ensuring that customers receive support from the right person.
  • Predictive analytics: It can analyze customer support data to identify patterns and predict future customer behavior, making it easier to address potential issues.
Say hello to Einstein GPT: If you dream it, the world's first generative AI for CRM can generate it.

3. Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a customer support platform that uses AI-powered tools to improve the customer experience. It can automate responses to common queries, identify high-priority issues, and provide personalized support based on customer data. 

Sounds pretty ideal, right? If you’re not convinced, check out the following features:

  • Multichannel support: Freshdesk allows businesses to manage customer inquiries from multiple channels, including email, phone, social media, and live chat. This helps businesses support customers through their preferred channels, making it easier for them to get help.
  • Ticket management: This AI tool provides a ticketing system that allows businesses to organize and manage customer inquiries efficiently. This ensures that no customer inquiry is missed and all are handled promptly.
  • Knowledge management: The platform allows businesses to create a knowledge base of frequently asked questions and articles to help customers find answers to their questions without having to contact support.

You can request a demo, or you can use their basic package for free. If you see improvements, why not upgrade? 

Scale support experiences without scaling costs. Start a free trial or request a demo.

Conclusion

So, whether you want a little extra help with your next marketing campaign, or maybe you need help writing content without worrying about plagiarism, it’s a good idea to integrate AI into your processes. Either way, using these tools could give your business the boost it needs. 

Don’t get left behind. You’ll soon notice if your competitors are using AI technology and you aren’t, so stay ahead of the curve. 
There are so many AI tools out there for you to use. Check out our library to find more.

Author Image - Inge von Aulock

Inge von Aulock

I'm the Founder & CEO of Top Apps, the #1 App directory available online. In my spare time, I write about Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and review apps and tools I've tried, right here on the Top Apps blog.

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