Learn how to spot fake AI solutions vs. real automation. Use our 5-question test to save costs, boost revenue, and scale your SMB with AI.
In a market saturated with “AI agents,” it’s becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses to discern the authentic from the deceptive. Many are spending up to $50,000 on solutions that could be built cheaply with tools like Zapier and ChatGPT.
This post equips you with a 5-question test to evaluate AI solutions, helping you cut costs, avoid hype, and uncover real value. We’ll also cover a roadmap for implementation, KPIs to track, and the core differences between fake AI wrappers and genuine AI automation for SMBs.
The promise of AI automation for small businesses is enticing: increased revenue, streamlined workflows, and valuable time savings. However, many vendors exaggerate their offerings, leading businesses to pay enterprise prices for hobby-level work. This makes it harder for SMBs to adopt automation that truly transforms their operations.
A Wall Street Journal report revealed that businesses were being charged up to $50,000 for AI “solutions” that are essentially wrappers around ChatGPT.
Meanwhile, developers on Reddit have shared stories of building nearly identical systems in a weekend using Zapier. This gap between value delivered and price charged highlights the need for small businesses to carefully vet AI vendors.
To avoid paying for overpriced wrappers, ask your vendor these five questions:
Once you’ve identified a genuine AI solution, you need a clear roadmap to implement it:
Automate simple tasks like bookkeeping or scheduling.
Integrate AI into customer service or intake processes.
Optimize, measure results, and scale across workflows.
For successful AI implementation, track these four key KPIs:
- Cost Reduction: How much are you saving?
- Time Savings: Hours saved per week/month.
- Revenue Impact: Uplift in sales or conversions.
- Process Efficiency: Fewer errors, faster workflows.
Measure ROI by tracking savings, revenue, and efficiency improvements with AI automation.
Navigating the world of AI for small businesses can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid hype and identify real value. Genuine AI automation can:
- Save hours every week.
- Reduce costs.
- Increase small business revenue.
- Improve customer experience.
Most SMBs can expect measurable ROI within 3–6 months, including cost savings, faster workflows, and increased revenue.
A simple AI automation can be live within 30 days. Scaling and optimization usually happen within 90 days.
Resistance to change, poor vendor selection, and lack of KPI tracking are the biggest barriers.
Start with repetitive, time-consuming tasks like bookkeeping, customer DMs, or intake forms before moving to complex processes.
Track KPIs like time saved, cost reduction, revenue growth, and customer satisfaction.
