10 best free AI tools for productive businesses

Rose McMillan-Posted in Sales-September 29, 2023

Everyone is talking about AI. Artificial intelligence has changed the way many businesses operate, helping them to work smarter, not harder. AI tools can help companies automate and streamline processes across multiple departments. This in turn can boost efficiency and productivity.

There are hundreds of tools out there and each of them varies in both features and price. With so much choice, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But don't let the sheer volume of available options scare you off. There are plenty of ways to integrate AI into daily business life, without spending a small fortune. And to help you we've detailed 10 free AI tools that solve common business problems, from content creation to note-taking.

What are AI business tools?

AI algorithms are often utilized in business tools to make them more efficient and boost productivity. To do so, they utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to streamline complex processes and simplify problems.

Advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning have only increased AI's popularity. Complex algorithms are helping organizations optimize their workflows, increasing business productivity.

How can AI tools help businesses?

Some businesses are still unsure about how AI can improve productivity. These tools offer the opportunity to streamline operations and enhance efficiency making difficult tasks simple and quick.

Let's look at these benefits in more detail.

Increase productivity

Businesses move fast, so they need tech that can keep up. AI tools are capable of handling huge data sets and can complete repetitive tasks with little to no mistakes.

This limits the amount of human error and allows your employees to spend more time on creative projects instead of menial tasks.

Streamline processes

AI can analyze data quickly and accurately. This allows for better decision-making, saving businesses both time and money. AI can help businesses spot bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

If an organization can identify productivity slumps, then business leaders can find ways to address these issues. In turn, they'll see higher levels of business activity and cost savings.

Avoid human error

Unlike human employees, AI rarely makes mistakes. Repetitive tasks can lead to errors but with AI you can optimize these processes and minimize this risk.

Artificial intelligence is capable of mundane tasks like data entry, answering customer queries, and inventory management. This means your staff can save time and focus on more important projects that require a human approach.

Enhance customer experiences

AI tools can improve the efficiency of customer service. Customer support chatbots work 24/7 to help customers get answers to common questions quickly. It can deliver exceptional customer experiences, exceed expectations, and help you stay ahead of the competition.

Chatbots can analyze customer feedback and assess the mood of the person it's interacting with. This frees up your team to deal with more complex customer issues saving you time and improving productivity.

What are the limitations of using free AI Tools?

While useful, free AI tools do come with some limitations, especially compared to their paid counterparts. Most AI tool providers offer a free and paid version of the product and without a subscription, you may miss out on some important features.

It's important to understand that while free tools may not offer all the features of paid options, they can still be valuable for businesses. Businesses should carefully consider the limitations of free AI tools and determine how they can best leverage them to enhance their operations.

10 best free AI tools

Now you've seen the benefits, it's time to look at the best free AI tools available to businesses.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI tools available. Its simple interface makes it easy to use and it has quickly become commonplace in workplaces across the world.

It uses NLP and ML to generate simple and human-like responses from user prompts, making it a great tool for content creation. It uses deep learning and transformer neural networks to predict and generate content based on what's been fed into it. Marketers can use it as a co-pilot when writing content, aid with interview prep with clients and build sales emails.

It also can automate multiple customer service tasks simultaneously. ChatGPT can streamline communications by supporting chatbots by helping them to handle multiple conversations simultaneously. Answering numerous customer questions and queries, quickly and efficiently can lower costs and streamline operations.

Rating: 9/10

Jasper.ai

Jasper.ai is an AI copywriting tool designed to help create high-quality written content. Its NLP algorithm allows you to customize the tone and voice of your copy to match your brand guidelines. Not only does it speed up content creation, but it also actively works to improve your writing by making suggestions and improvements.

Jasper has a range of uses, making it great for content creation. It can create clear and well-written content, in over 26 languages, quickly and easily. This makes it a great tool for writing whitepapers and long-form content like eBbooks that can be marketed globally.

It also works to boost your search engine result page rankings (SERPs) by integrating with tools like SurferSEO and Google Chrome. This can increase productivity by boosting your output, saving you both time and money.

However, it does have a few cons. Jasper sometimes repeats words and phrases, meaning content needs to be checked closely for potential errors.

Rating: 7/10

Grammarly

Grammarly uses AI to optimize your writing. It checks for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. It also suggests ways to make your writing clearer and more precise.

It accelerates writing tasks and allows you to champion your brand voice by selecting specifics around tone.

Utilizing a tool that constantly evaluates your writing can save you time by simplifying the editing process.

It works to identify errors that could make you look unprofessional and helps ensure that your content is succinct and high-quality. It offers a browser extension that can check other collateral. This makes it easier to check errors on a multitude of platforms including sales emails.

Rating: 8/10

PhotoRoom

Not a whizz when it comes to Photoshop? PhotoRoom is an easy-to-use tool that can help you edit images on the fly. It uses an AI algorithm to spot objects within a photo and allows you to move or remove these elements.

Popular with e-commerce businesses, marketers, and graphic designers, PhotoRoom helps you create professional-looking images in a snap. Its easy-to-use interface offers a range of editing options so you can let your imagination run wild.

The free version allows you to edit five images each month and does limit the number of advanced features available. The paid version however allows you access all features including high-quality image export, color adjustment and customer watermarking.

Rating: 6/10

Designs.ai

Now you've edited your photo, it's time to get it posted! Designs.ai offers various features to help you create visually appealing images and designs. Whether you're looking to create a logo, social media post, presentation, or video animation, Designs.ai allows you to generate images based on what you upload.

It also provides more advanced editing tools like text formatting and object placement - so you can get the best design every time without splashing out on expensive software.

The free version allows you to create ten designs per month, with the help of their basic design features, templates and watermarks. The paid version offers unlimited access to all features and templates from $39 a month.

Rating: 6/10

Synthesia

Synthesia makes video creation a breeze. It offers a huge library of pre-built video templates that can be customized with different text, images, animations, and AI-generated video.

Synthesia.io saves you time and resources by creating excellent content without the need to start from scratch. Its algorithm uses AI to generate video content, custom AI avatars and video templates that match your specific needs. It also provides a wide range of language features that can help you reach international audiences.

The free version allows you to create minute-long videos and utilize their AI avatars. However longer videos with more complex features will require a subscription fee.

Rating: 7/10

Descript

Descript combines audio and video editing into one easy-to-use free AI tool. It offers a range of complex editing tools such as noise reduction, video stabilization, plus EQ and compression.

Descript has incredible transcribing capabilities. It uses AI to transcribe audio and video recordings, allowing you to easily edit your script. It's as simple as editing a word document, changes you make to the text are copied over to the video almost instantly. This means that you can edit the transcript directly, making it easy to remove filler words, rearrange sentences, and more.

It can assist with a range of content creation issues thanks to its varied AI tools. Including greenscreen effects, voiceover dub and eye contact repositioning.

Our only complaint is the time restrictions, a free package only allows you one hour worth of transcription and video editing per month.

Rating: 9/10

AnswerThePublic

Want to find out exactly what's on the minds of your customers? AnswerThePublic can help. It's a keyword research and blog idea generator tool. It uses search engine autocomplete data to generate long-tail keyword ideas that directly target specific audiences.

It allows marketing teams to generate fresh and relevant ideas that put them ahead of their competitors. Businesses can ask specific questions and identify the phrases that their target demographic is searching for. This helps them to directly communicate with their ideal customer profile (ICP).

Its ability to utilize such a large pool of data is incredible, and its keyword suggestion tools help inspire unique and creative topics. However, it can be tricky to get the hang of and the interface isn't the friendliest on the list.

Rating: 8/10

Murf

Murf is an AI-powered voiceover platform built to enhance audio content production. It works by creating AI-generated voices that work perfectly with social media videos, tutorials, podcasts, or any other audio project.

Its user-friendly platform provides a seamless experience that maximizes productivity. To get started, all you need is a script. Murf does the rest and creates a professional-sounding voiceover in minutes.

The free version allows up to 10 minutes of audio creation including transcribing and AI voice generation. It also allows three users to work simultaneously, meaning teams can easily collaborate on projects.

Rating: 9/10

Fireflies

Minute-taking can be tedious - and it's hard to actively engage in a meeting while simultaneously taking notes. Fireflies solves this problem by identifying important moments in a meeting and transcribing them in real-time. It allows you to search and analyze transcripts to find valuable information and insights.

It integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like Zoom and Google Meet allowing for easy collaboration. The AI tool helps support effortless collaboration by allowing you to share detailed meeting highlights across your team and business.

The free edition allows you to clip soundbites and provides automated summaries of each business. It allows 800 minutes of storage meaning you can make the most of your valuable team interactions. However, you will need a subscription to ensure full integration with your company's software such as your CRM.

Rating: 7/10

How to choose the right AI tool for your business?

AI tools aren't one size fits all. That's why it's important to take your time researching and evaluating each platform and how it may benefit your organization.

You want to find tools that are compatible with your team, business, and current software. That way you can make the most of these tools and use them to help you develop your organization.

Implementing new AI tools doesn't happen overnight. You need to create a clear plan of action that highlights how it can be utilized. This helps your team to better understand the importance of utilizing these tools to maximize productivity.

You can manage this process by following four simple steps:

  • Evaluate business needs
  • Compare platforms
  • Creating a training plan
  • Assess and improve

Let's explore these steps in more detail.

Evaluating business needs

Before selecting an AI tool, you need to assess what areas of your business need the most support. Look for bottlenecks in productivity, company pain points, and any general inefficiencies.

What problems is your business experiencing? Is customer service slow or does content creation need a boost? Consult with relevant stakeholders in all departments and speak to employees at every level. Everyone in your company can provide unique and valuable insight into the common problems they're facing and provide opportunities to streamline these issues.

Comparing platforms

Research is crucial when it comes to AI. Artificial intelligence has a range of abilities and opportunities but not all of them will be useful to you and your business. Before diving in, take time to explore what's out there.

You will need to implement training on how to use these platforms, so you want to ensure it's easy to use. Consider things like user interface and troubleshooting resources to assess how difficult these platforms will be to maintain.

Create a detailed training plan

It takes time to adjust to new working practices. To successfully implement AI in your business you need to create a detailed plan that explores how you will manage this.

Begin with weekly training sessions that cover individual features within the software. Explain how the technology integrates with the platforms you currently use like your CMS or CRM. You should use day-to-day, relatable, business pain points as examples to support your training. That way your employees can see the specific benefits and improve overall integration.

Assess and improve

A business and its needs are always changing. That's why it's crucial to review your AI tools periodically. Check to see whether the new tools have actively improved productivity and assess how well employees have taken to the new processes.

If take-up is slow or you're still facing issues, evaluate why. Maybe it wasn't the right fit, or maybe training could've been more extensive.

It may be that the tool doesn't integrate well with your other software. Knowing the issue is the first step toward finding a solution.

The future of AI

AI is continuing to grow in popularity, and no one knows for sure what it will mean for the future of business. What seemed impossible just a few years ago, is now well within the capabilities of new AI tools.

As technology evolves so will AI. Tools will become more efficient, accurate, and quicker and the number of features will continue to grow. Some experts have even predicted that AI will take digital technology out of the two-dimensional screen form and become part of the physical environment surrounding an individual.

While this seems like science fiction, it does offer insight into the extensive world that AI has the potential to create. However, for now, we should enjoy the benefits it's already brought us when enhancing chatbots and image software.

Conclusion

Incorporating AI tools into your business day-to-day provides a range of advantages. From streamlining communication to enhancing content creation and video production. AI tools have the potential to revolutionize the way you operate and help you stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

But before choosing, you need to carefully evaluate your needs and consider factors such as compatibility, user-friendliness, and adoption rate. The right software is crucial for business growth, whether it's an AI tool or a CRM program. Take the time to explore how it can help you.

Try Capsule CRM for 14 days for free to see how it can help support you.

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