learn how to use

ai for your business

It's not about replacing you – it's about giving you clever tools that spot opportunities you might miss, create content when you're stretched thin, and engage with followers while you focus on running your business.

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LET'S TRANSFORM YOUR WORLD WITH AI

Hello! I'm the founder of Social Media Academy, and I'm passionate about showing you how AI can supercharge your social channels. No tech jargon or corporate waffle – just practical, down-to-earth coaching that gets proper results. Phil


but why do i need ai?

Let's be honest – keeping up with all strands of marketing is exhausting. The algorithms keep changing, there's always a new trend, and your customers expect more every day.


That's where AI steps in. It's not about replacing you – it's about giving you clever tools that spot opportunities you might miss, create content when you're stretched thin, and engage with followers while you focus on running your business.


READ MORE ABOUT AI ACADEMY

so what is the process with ai academy

1.

Smart Social Check-Up

We'll start with a proper look at what you're doing now, using AI tools to spot hidden gems and missed opportunities in your accounts.


2.

Putting AI to Work

We'll show you how to use AI in ways that make sense for your business – creating better content, chatting with followers automatically (without sounding like a robot), and building systems that learn what works.

3.

Watch Everything Improve

See your follower numbers climb and engagement rates soar – all while spending less time glued to your phone managing social accounts.


LATEST ai BLOGS

By Amelia Waller April 30, 2025
Running your own business is a whirlwind, isn't it? You're juggling everything from serving your customers to balancing the books. And then there's social media… that never-ending to-do list of posts, updates, and trying to figure out what on earth to say.  If the thought of another week glued to your phone, trying to keep up with Facebook, Instagram, and all the rest makes you groan, you're definitely not on your own. Many small business owners in places like Southport (and all across the UK, to be honest!) feel exactly the same. It can feel like a massive time sink, and sometimes you wonder if it's even worth the effort. But what if there was a way to make social media less of a chore and more of a helpful tool – without needing a degree in rocket science or spending a fortune on fancy tech? Enter AI: Your New Social Media Mate Now, we know what you might be thinking. "AI? Isn't that all robots and complicated computer stuff?" Well, yes, some of it is. But the good news is that there are now some really clever (but surprisingly simple) AI tools out there that can take a big chunk of the social media burden off your shoulders. Think of AI in this context as your new, super-efficient assistant. It can help you with tasks that used to eat up your precious time, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – running your business and serving your lovely customers right here in Southport (or wherever you are!). How Can AI Actually Help My Social Media? You might be surprised at just how many ways AI can lend a hand: Coming Up with Ideas: Staring at a blank screen wondering what to post? Some AI tools can help you brainstorm ideas based on your business, what's popular, and what your audience might like. No more creative block! Writing Your Posts: Not a natural wordsmith? AI can help you draft social media posts, making sure they sound engaging and get your message across clearly. You can then tweak them to sound just like you. Finding the Best Times to Post: Ever wondered when most of your customers are actually online? AI can analyse your audience and suggest the best times to share your content, meaning more people will actually see it. Scheduling Your Posts: Instead of having to manually post every single day, AI-powered tools can schedule your content in advance. You can sit down once a week, plan your posts, and let the AI take care of the rest. Imagine those extra hours! Keeping an Eye on Things: Some AI can even help you monitor what people are saying about your business online, so you can quickly respond to comments or questions. No Tech Head Required! The best part is that you don't need to be a tech whizz to use these tools. Most of them are designed to be really user-friendly, with clear instructions and simple interfaces. It's often as easy as typing in a few details about your business and letting the AI do its magic. Reclaim Your Time and Focus on What Matters Social media doesn't have to be a constant drain on your time and energy. By embracing some of these clever AI tools, you can: Save hours every week: Think about what you could do with that extra time – maybe focus on a new product, chat with more customers, or even just have a proper tea break! Be more consistent: Regularly posting engaging content helps you stay top-of-mind with your customers. Potentially reach more people: By posting at the right times and with engaging content, you're more likely to get noticed. Reduce stress: Take the pressure off trying to come up with content on the fly. Ready to Dip Your Toe in the AI Water? If you're a small business owner in Southport (or anywhere else in the UK!) who's feeling overwhelmed by social media, now might be the perfect time to explore how AI can help. It's not about robots taking over your business; it's about using smart tools to make your life a little bit easier and your marketing more effective. At Social Media Academy, we're passionate about helping small businesses understand and use these tools without the jargon. Keep an eye out for our upcoming resources and training on how to harness the power of AI for your social media – you might just be surprised at how much time you can save!
By Amelia Waller April 28, 2025
It seems like every business is talking about their AI strategy these days. But let's be honest, a lot of it is just fancy talk. They buy a shiny new AI tool, cross their fingers, and hope it magically transforms their social media. The truth is, AI on its own won't fix your marketing. What will make a difference is having a solid system in place, with AI working as a powerful tool within that system.  The Problem with "Vibes-Based" AI We're seeing it all the time: businesses investing in AI writing tools, or AI analytics platforms, without any real idea how to use them effectively. There's no proper training for staff, no integration into their existing workflow, and no clear goals. They end up wasting money on software they don't understand, and their social media results stay stubbornly the same. AI Needs a System to Shine Think of AI as a turbocharger for your car. It can give you a massive boost, but it's useless without an engine, wheels, and a driver who knows where they're going. In social media, your engine is your overall marketing plan. This includes things like: Knowing your target audience inside out Having clear goals for your social media activity Creating a consistent flow of valuable content Engaging with your followers regularly Our Social Media Training: AI Integrated That's why our social media training course is different. We don't just throw AI tools at you and wish you luck. We provide a comprehensive framework – a 3-month marketing plan – that puts AI in its proper place. You'll learn: How to build a robust social media strategy from the ground up Which AI tools are genuinely useful for specific tasks How to integrate those tools seamlessly into your daily workflow How to measure your results and refine your approach over time Get Real Results, Not Just Hype We're focused on getting you tangible results: more engagement, a bigger following, and ultimately, more customers. It's about using AI strategically, not just for the sake of it. #MemeingfulMarketing What next?: Want to see how AI can really transform your social media? Book a free consultation to see how AI can change the way you work forever
Supercharge Your Social Media: Unlock Growth with AI Training
By Phil Gee April 28, 2025
In today's fast-paced digital world, social media is a crucial tool for businesses of all sizes. But managing it effectively can be time-consuming and overwhelming. What if you could achieve better results with less effort? That's where AI comes in. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is revolutionising how we approach social media marketing, offering powerful tools to automate tasks, analyze data, and create engaging content. At Social Media Academy, we offer specialised AI training to help you harness the power of AI and transform your social media strategy. Whether you prefer in-person workshops or the flexibility of Zoom sessions, our training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive. Our Proven AI Training Process We've developed a simple yet highly effective 3-step process to guide you through the world of AI-powered social media management: 1. Smart Social Check-Up The first step in our AI training is to understand where you are now. We'll conduct a thorough Smart Social Check-Up of your existing social media presence. This involves using cutting-edge AI tools to analyse your accounts, identify what's working well, and pinpoint areas for improvement. We'll uncover hidden gems in your data – successful posts you can replicate, optimal posting times you might be missing – and also highlight missed opportunities, such as untapped audiences or underperforming content. This data-driven approach ensures that our AI training is tailored to your specific needs and goals. 2. Putting AI to Work Next, we'll dive into the practical application of AI tools. This is where the magic happens! Our AI training will show you how to put AI to work for your business in meaningful ways. You'll learn how to: Create better content: Discover AI tools that can help you generate engaging captions, suggest relevant hashtags, and even design stunning visuals, saving you time and boosting your content's impact. Chat with followers automatically: Implement AI-powered chatbots to provide instant responses to customer inquiries, answer frequently asked questions, and build stronger relationships with your audience – all without sounding robotic or impersonal. Build systems that learn: Leverage AI algorithms that analyze your social media data to identify patterns and trends, allowing you to refine your strategy over time and continuously improve your results. We'll focus on practical, actionable strategies that you can implement immediately, regardless of your technical expertise. Our AI training emphasizes ethical and responsible AI use, ensuring you maintain a genuine connection with your audience. 3. Watch Everything Improve The ultimate goal of our AI training is to help you achieve tangible results. By implementing the strategies and AI tools you learn, you'll watch everything improve. You can expect to: See your follower numbers climb: Attract a larger and more engaged audience with AI-optimised content and strategies. Watch engagement rates soar: Increase likes, comments, and shares by delivering content that resonates with your target audience. Spend less time managing social accounts: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow, freeing up valuable time to focus on other aspects of your business. Our AI training empowers you to work smarter, not harder, and achieve sustainable social media success. Training Options: In-Person or Zoom We understand that businesses have different needs and preferences. That's why we offer our comprehensive AI training in two convenient formats: In-Person Training: We come to you, at your business premises so that all your tools are close by and we can discuss how AI tools can help you to achieve your goals Zoom Training Sessions: Enjoy the flexibility of learning from the comfort of your own office, with live instruction, Q&A sessions, and engaging virtual activities. What to do next?: Ready to transform your social media strategy with the power of AI? Contact us today or book a free consultation to learn more about our AI training programs and how we can help your business thrive.
By Phil Gee April 27, 2025
Hi everyone, I'm always looking for ways to help you streamline your business and free up your time. AI (Artificial Intelligence) might sound like something from a science fiction film, but it's actually becoming incredibly useful for small businesses like ours. There are now some amazing tools that can automate tasks, boost your marketing, and generally make life a lot easier. I've been doing some digging, and I want to share 10 of the most promising AI tools I've found. These are all designed to be helpful even if you're not a tech whizz, so don't worry if you're not particularly confident with computers! Tool 1: HeyGen Description: First up is HeyGen. In simple terms, HeyGen lets you create videos using AI avatars – those are like computer-generated people. Instead of having to film yourself or hire actors, you just type in what you want the avatar to say, and HeyGen turns it into a video. This is a really clever way to make training videos, marketing clips, or even just quick updates for your customers, without needing fancy equipment or any filming skills. Key Features: You can choose from a range of different AI avatars. It's really easy to turn text into a video – you just type, and the avatar speaks. Some versions let you create an avatar that looks like you (if that's something you're interested in!). It can speak in different languages, which is brilliant if you have customers overseas. Use Cases: Imagine creating a welcome video for new customers that feels really personal, without you having to be in front of the camera every time. If you need to explain a product or service, HeyGen can help you make a clear and engaging explainer video. It's also great for creating quick social media adverts. Pricing: It's worth having a go with the free trial to see if it's right for you. They have different monthly plans, depending on how many videos you need to make. The cost goes up as you need more videos or extra features. Personal Thoughts : I can see this being a big time-saver for creating those 'how-to' videos that so many of you need for your websites. I'm still getting my head around how realistic the avatars are! It's quite impressive, but it's important to use it in a way that still feels genuine to your brand. For small businesses on a budget, HeyGen could be a really cost-effective way to get professional-looking videos. Tool 2: ElevenLabs Description: Next up is ElevenLabs, which is all about creating realistic voices with AI. You can type in any text, and ElevenLabs will read it aloud in a very natural-sounding voice. What's even more amazing is that it can create an AI version of your own voice, or any other voice you want, which opens up some very interesting possibilities. Key Features: The voices sound incredibly lifelike – much better than the old computer voices we're used to. You can adjust things like the speed and tone of the voice. The voice cloning is the standout feature – it's a bit like making a digital copy of someone's voice. It works in lots of different languages. Use Cases: If you're creating audio versions of your website content for people who prefer to listen, ElevenLabs is ideal. For those of you creating online courses, this could save you hours of recording time. Imagine creating personalised audio messages for your customers using your own AI voice! Pricing: There's a free option to try it out, which is always good. The paid plans charge you based on how much speech you generate each month. Personal Thoughts: I'm really excited about the potential for this to make online learning more accessible. The voice cloning is where it gets really interesting, but we do need to think carefully about the ethics of using this technology responsibly. For small businesses, ElevenLabs could be a quick and affordable way to add professional audio to your marketing or training materials. Tool 3: Gemini Description: Now, I'm sure you've all heard of Gemini! It's Google's latest AI model, and it's designed to be incredibly versatile. Think of it as a super-smart assistant that can help with all sorts of tasks – from writing emails to brainstorming ideas. What sets Gemini apart is its ability to understand and work with different types of information, like text, code, images, and more. This makes it really powerful for a wide range of business needs. Key Features: Gemini can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. It's designed to be very responsive and helpful, almost like having a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague. It's constantly being updated and improved, so it's only going to get better over time. Use Cases: Need help drafting a social media post? Gemini can do that for you. Stuck on what to write in an email to a difficult client? Gemini can help you find the right words. Want to brainstorm some new marketing ideas? Gemini can be your sounding board. It can even help you understand complex data or create reports. Pricing: Access to Gemini varies depending on how you want to use it. Some features are integrated into existing Google products, while others might be accessed through APIs or other platforms. It's best to check the latest Google AI announcements for the most up-to-date information on pricing and availability. Personal Thoughts: I'm really excited about the potential of Gemini to help small businesses with their marketing. It could be a game-changer for creating content and engaging with customers. What I love about it is how easy it is to use. You can just ask it a question in plain English, and it understands what you mean. For those of you who struggle with writing, Gemini could be a real lifesaver. Tool 4: AnswerThePublic Description: AnswerThePublic is a brilliant tool for understanding what your customers are really asking about. It basically shows you all the questions people are typing into search engines related to a particular topic. This is incredibly valuable for your marketing, as it helps you create content that actually answers your customers' needs and questions. Key Features: It generates visual 'search clouds' that show you questions, prepositions, comparisons, and related searches. It organises the data in a clear and easy-to-understand way. It helps you identify trends and patterns in what people are searching for. Use Cases: If you're writing blog posts for your website, AnswerThePublic can give you a wealth of ideas for topics to cover. It's great for planning your social media content – you can create posts that directly address your customers' questions. It can also help you optimise your website content to rank higher in search engines. Pricing: There's a free version that gives you a limited number of searches per day, which is a good way to try it out. The paid versions offer more searches and extra features. Personal Thoughts: I use this tool all the time! It's amazing for getting into the minds of your customers and understanding what they're struggling with. It's so much better than just guessing what people want to know – it gives you concrete data. For small businesses on a tight budget, the free version is a great starting point. Tool 5: Google Alerts Description: Google Alerts is a free tool from Google that sends you email notifications whenever new content about a specific topic appears online. It's a really simple but powerful way to stay updated on your industry, your competitors, or even mentions of your own business. Key Features: You can set up alerts for any keyword or phrase. You can choose how often you receive alerts (e.g., daily, weekly, or as it happens). You can specify the sources you want to monitor (e.g., news, blogs, web). Use Cases: Keep track of what people are saying about your brand online. Monitor your competitors' activities and marketing campaigns. Stay informed about the latest trends and news in your industry. Find new content to share with your social media followers. Pricing: Google Alerts is completely free to use. Personal Thoughts: I recommend setting up Google Alerts for your business name, your key products or services, and your main competitors. It's a really easy way to keep your finger on the pulse. It's amazing how much information is out there, and Google Alerts helps you filter out the noise and focus on what's important. For small businesses, this is a fantastic free tool that can provide valuable insights. Tool 6: ScribeHow Description: ScribeHow is a tool that automatically creates step-by-step guides and documentation. It records your screen as you perform a task and instantly turns it into a clear, visual guide with screenshots and instructions. Key Features: Automatic screenshot capture. Step-by-step instructions generated from your actions. Easy editing and customization of guides. Options to share or embed guides. Use Cases: Create training materials for new employees. Document your business processes and procedures. Provide customer support by showing people how to use your products or services. Generate how-to guides for your website or knowledge base. Pricing: ScribeHow typically offers a free trial or a free version with limited features. Paid plans usually offer more advanced features and unlimited guide creation. (You'll need to check their site for the specifics) Personal Thoughts: This tool is a game-changer for creating training documentation! It saves so much time compared to manually writing out instructions and taking screenshots. If you're always answering the same questions from customers or employees, ScribeHow can help you create clear guides that everyone can refer to. I think this would be particularly useful for businesses with remote teams, as it makes it easy to share knowledge and processes. Tool 7: Suno Description: Suno is an AI tool that allows you to create music with vocals. You can generate songs in various styles and genres just by providing text prompts. It simplifies the music creation process, making it accessible to those without musical expertise. Key Features: Text-to-music generation. Ability to create songs with lyrics. Support for various music styles and genres. User-friendly interface. Use Cases: Creating background music for videos or presentations. Generating unique jingles or theme songs for your brand. Producing personalised songs for social media content. Exploring musical ideas without needing instruments or recording equipment. Pricing: Suno may offer a free trial or a free tier with limitations. Paid subscriptions likely provide more song generation credits or advanced features. (It's best to check their website for the most current pricing details.) Personal Thoughts: This is a really fun and creative tool! It could be a great way to add a unique touch to your marketing materials. While it might not replace professional musicians for high-quality recordings, it's excellent for quick and easy music creation. For small businesses looking to create engaging content on a budget, Suno offers an interesting option to explore. Tool 8: NiceJob Description: NiceJob is a reputation management platform that helps businesses collect and showcase positive customer reviews. It automates the process of gathering reviews from various platforms and helps you use those reviews in your marketing to attract more customers. Key Features: Automated review collection from multiple sites. Tools to share reviews on social media and your website. Features to monitor your online reputation and track your progress. Use Cases: Building trust and credibility with potential customers. Improving your online reputation and search engine rankings. Saving time on manually collecting and sharing reviews. Pricing: Look for different plans based on the number of locations or the features you need. They often have trials or demos available. Personal Thoughts: For local businesses, online reviews are absolutely essential. NiceJob seems like a great way to make the most of those positive customer experiences. I like that it helps you not only collect reviews but also use them actively in your marketing.If you're struggling to get enough reviews or want to improve your online reputation, NiceJob is worth checking out. Tool 9: Synthesia Description: Synthesia is an AI video generation platform that allows you to create videos with AI avatars. Similar to HeyGen, it simplifies video creation by enabling you to generate videos from text, using digital avatars as presenters. Key Features: A variety of AI avatars to choose from. Text-to-video conversion in multiple languages. Custom avatar creation (possibly, confirm on the website). Easy video editing and sharing. Use Cases: Creating training videos and tutorials. Developing marketing and sales videos. Personalizing video messages for customers. Pricing: Look for free trials or subscription plans with varying video lengths or features. Personal Thoughts: AI video generation is becoming more and more impressive. Synthesia could be a cost-effective way to produce professional-looking videos without expensive equipment. It's important to consider when using AI avatars is appropriate for your brand. Sometimes a real person is still more effective. For businesses that need to create a lot of video content regularly, Synthesia could save significant time and money. Tool 10: BigVu Description: BigVu is a teleprompter and video creation app that helps you record professional-quality videos with your smartphone. It combines a teleprompter to help you read your script with features to edit, add captions, and share your videos. Key Features: Teleprompter functionality that scrolls your script. Automatic captions to make your videos more accessible. Video editing tools to trim, add music, and brand your videos. Easy sharing to social media platforms. Use Cases: Creating engaging videos for social media marketing. Recording presentations and training videos. Producing video updates for your team or clients. Pricing: They often have a free version with basic features and paid plans for more advanced functionality. Personal Thoughts: I've always struggled with looking natural on camera, so a teleprompter app like BigVu is very appealing! The automatic captions are a great feature for making videos more accessible to everyone. For small businesses that want to create professional-looking videos on a budget, BigVu is a handy tool. CONCLUSION So, there you have it – my top 10 AI tools to help you supercharge your business! We've covered a lot of ground, from automating tasks and creating engaging content to managing your reputation and streamlining communication. Remember, AI is a powerful tool, but it's not about replacing you. It's about empowering you to work smarter, not harder. By exploring these tools and finding the right fit for your needs, you can free up time, improve your efficiency, and ultimately achieve your business goals faster. I encourage you to take the next step and try out a few of these tools. Most offer free trials or free versions, so you can experiment without any risk. I'm really keen to hear what you think! Which of these tools are you most excited about? Have you used any other AI tools that have been a game-changer for your business? Please share your thoughts with me – let's learn from each other! *Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. **Double-check the details and pricing on each website, as this information can change.
By Phil Gee April 18, 2025
AI is not just a collection of individual tools; it's a transformative force that can be integrated across your entire marketing workflow. From understanding customer behaviour and personalising marketing messages to automating repetitive tasks and analysing campaign performance, AI offers a holistic approach to enhancing your marketing efforts.  Explore the various ways AI can work together to create a more efficient, effective, and data-driven marketing strategy, ultimately freeing you up to focus on building relationships and growing your business. Consider how AI can streamline your customer communication . By analysing data on how your audience interacts with your content, AI tools can help you tailor your messaging for maximum impact, ensuring you're delivering the right information to the right people at the right time. Furthermore, think about the time you can save by automating repetitive tasks such as scheduling social media posts or segmenting your email list. This frees up your valuable time to focus on the bigger picture – building relationships with your customers and developing innovative strategies for business growth. Embracing AI across your workflow isn't just about keeping up with the times; it's about gaining a genuine competitive advantage and working smarter, not just harder.
By Amelia Waller April 18, 2025
Valuable insights often get lost in the flurry of meetings and conversations. AI-powered meeting assistants can now transcribe and summarise discussions, making it easier to capture key information, identify action points, and analyse important points. This technology can be particularly useful for reviewing client calls, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings, ensuring that no valuable information slips through the cracks. Learn how to leverage AI to improve meeting productivity, extract key insights, and make data-driven decisions for your marketing strategies. Think about how this could transform your client interactions . By using AI to transcribe and summarise calls, you can easily revisit key points, ensuring you fully understand your clients' needs and preferences. This allows for more personalised and effective follow-up, strengthening client relationships.  Furthermore, consider the benefits for internal team meetings and brainstorming sessions . AI can help you keep track of all the ideas and decisions made, ensuring everyone is on the same page and that valuable insights aren't forgotten. This leads to more efficient teamwork and better-informed strategic planning for your marketing efforts.
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