Key takeaways:
- Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are increasingly adopting AI tools for tasks like chatbots, SEO, and content updates.
- Those who use AI report a significant improvement in efficiency for managing and updating their websites.
- Some SMBs are still “undecided” about using AI for website management because they’re still exploring its use cases (and not because they’re firmly against it). They are open to adopting AI provided they get some form of clarity and guidance.
In a recent survey of hundreds of SMBs conducted by Network Solutions from April to May 2025, the results highlighted a promising outlook for AI adoption by SMBs when it comes to managing their websites. Those who use AI – particularly for tasks like customer interaction, SEO, and content updates – report significant time savings and improved website efficiency.
Let’s take a closer look at the survey results.
AI adoption is emerging, with tangible benefits for early adopters
While many are still reluctant to use AI, around a quarter (24%) of the total respondents indicated they already significantly used AI for website updates in the past six months.
Among these AI users:
- 61% leveraged AI for chatbots or customer interactions
- 39% applied it to SEO improvements
- 35% used it for content optimization
Moreover, 52% of SMBs who used AI for website management and updates reported saving at least 30 minutes per task. Some even claimed to save up to 90 minutes.
These results highlight how AI is transforming daily website operations, making tasks faster and more efficient.
What SMBs aim to improve on their website
Improving the user experience and website content remain top priorities.
Even with the rise of AI and new technologies, the core principles of digital success remain unchanged. SMBs remain focused on enhancing user experience, driving traffic, and refining their content strategy. Specifically, in the survey:
- 56% want better design/UI
- 49% want to attract more visitors
- 44% want to strengthen their SEO efforts
- 38% want to improve website load times
- 33% want to improve content strategy
These priorities underline the importance of design, speed, and quality content in building an effective website, and these are elements that AI can support and streamline.
What is stopping SMBs from adopting AI?
While AI is a hot topic in industries such as tech, healthcare, and finance, it’s surprising that only a small percentage of workers are fully utilizing AI in their jobs. With any change, there’s always pushback from people who are used to traditional methods and might feel threatened by new technology.
Our survey results reflect this hesitancy, with 30% of SMBs admitting fear or discomfort when using AI tools to manage their websites, while 39% remain uncertain. Interestingly, a significant portion of the total respondents (31%) expressed no fear or discomfort, signaling readiness to embrace AI without hesitation.
When asked about their hesitations with using AI, most non-AI users in our survey expressed the following concerns:
- Uncertainty about how to integrate AI effectively
- Lack of accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content
- Lack of control over the process
These concerns are understandable. Everyone experiences some uncertainty and a learning curve when adopting new technology. But our survey indicates that many SMBs are becoming increasingly open to incorporating AI into their daily operations.
While SMBs are not yet fully convinced, they’re not afraid or dismissive—they’re simply looking for more clarity and reassurance on where and how to begin. Most are curious and cautiously optimistic, indicating that the conversation isn’t about overcoming fear, but about building confidence.
A growing opportunity of AI use among SMBs
Following concerns and hesitations highlighted earlier, it’s clear that many SMBs are still in the early stages of understanding AI’s potential. However, there is a growing opportunity for AI adoption, especially as more SMBs recognize its benefits.
Our survey sheds light on this shifting perspective:
- 14% (who either ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’) believe AI tools can improve how they manage their websites, indicating clear potential for AI adoption.
- 54% (who are ‘Neutral’) are undecided. This strongly reflects a knowledge gap, lack of exposure, or uncertainty about the actual impact AI could have on their website management processes.
- 32% (who either ‘Disagree’ or ‘Strongly Disagree’) suggest lingering skepticism or unwillingness to use AI. This is likely due to concerns about its reliability, complexity, or perceived lack of necessity for their needs.
Nevertheless, there is a noticeable shift towards curiosity. The large number of neutral responses suggests many SMBs aren’t resistant to AI—they’re just still in the exploratory phase. They’re not rejecting the technology; rather, they’re uncertain and weighing their options before committing.
Common mistakes to avoid when adopting AI
To supplement the findings in our study, here are some key mistakes to keep in mind as you plan to gradually integrate AI into your day-to-day business:
- Underestimating the learning curve. Many small businesses underestimate the time and effort required to get familiar with AI tools. Skipping this step can lead to frustration and cause missed opportunities to fully utilize AI’s potential for your business. Ensure your team gets the right support during the implementation phase to avoid these pitfalls.
- Failing to set clear objectives. Adopting AI without setting clear goals can result in using it in ways that don’t support your business objectives. It’s important to define your objectives upfront to ensure that AI adoption supports your business goals.
- Neglecting to monitor AI tools. AI-driven processes can sometimes fall short. Even though AI tools are powerful, they still require oversight. Regularly monitoring these tools will help maintain quality and ensure that they stay aligned with your business needs.
Future AI trends for small business websites
As AI continues to evolve, small businesses will experience even more changes in website management. Here are some key AI trends to look out for:
- AI-driven personalization. Businesses will increasingly adopt AI to offer deeper personalization. AI will analyze user behavior to deliver tailored content and product recommendations, boosting conversions.
- Advanced chatbots. AI will make chatbots more sophisticated, allowing them to handle complex customer queries. This will improve customer service automation, freeing up time for staff and providing a better user experience.
- AI-generated content and creative assets. AI tools will continue to evolve in generating content. They will mimic human writing better and enable businesses to produce high-quality marketing copies. Advancements in AI will also streamline the creation of design assets such as images.
SMBs will only get more productive in using AI for business use. Its continuous adoption is supported by a McKinsey & Company survey that suggests 78% of companies use AI to assist in areas like marketing, sales, service operations, and human resources.
Frequently asked questions
AI can automate tasks such as website building, logo generation, customer interaction using chatbots, and content creation. Automating these activities can save time and improve your efficiency, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Small businesses can use a variety of AI tools like AI website builders for easy site creation. You can also use AI-powered SEO tools for improving online visibility, AI writers for content generation, and AI logo builders for branding.
While AI offers numerous benefits, there are some potential downsides for small businesses to consider:
– The initial investment and setup costs for implementing AI can be a barrier for some small businesses, especially those with limited budgets.
– Integrating AI into your business processes often requires a learning curve. Business owners and employees may need to become familiar with new tools and software, which could take time and training.
– AI-generated content or automated processes might not always meet the quality required for specific business needs.
Despite these downsides, the benefits of using AI can far outweigh the challenges if you implement the tools carefully.
About the research
The study explored current AI adoption trends, common use cases, and the tangible benefits experienced by users, while also addressing ongoing challenges. The data is based on a survey of Network Solutions customers who have websites.
Over 130 respondents participated, and the survey was conducted in April and May 2025 using Qualtrics. Here is more information about the sample:
- 74% of respondents have been managing their websites for over 8 years, while only 7% have had their site for less than 3 years.
- 62% use their website for business promotion, 17% for e-commerce/storefront, and 14% for portfolio or showcase.
- 54% mentioned that “attracting new customers” is the primary reason for their website, while 28% cited “expanding past local audiences.”
Note: We encourage you to reference this study in your content and kindly ask that you include a link back to this article for full access to the survey results.
Use AI with confidence to grow your business
The value AI can bring to your business is undeniable. As the survey made clear, there is a promising opportunity for SMBs to make the best use of AI, at least in terms of website management and updates.
Here are more notable insights from the research:
- Many SMBs are not opposed to AI but are instead curious and cautious, with neutral responses indicating they are still exploring and considering their options before fully embracing the technology. This highlights a substantial opportunity for education and support.
- While SMBs have reservations about AI in general, their adoption is continuously increasing.
- AI is starting to deliver noticeable efficiency gains for SMBs, as AI adopters reportedly save at least 30 minutes per website management task.
- Concerns about accuracy, control, and integration persist, but these are balanced by a growing openness to experimentation and learning.
- SMBs generally see AI as having a net positive impact on their business.
- As AI-powered tools continue to evolve, SMBs who invest in understanding and strategically implementing these technologies stand to gain the most.
We encourage you to start small, set clear goals, and seek out resources and partners to build confidence with AI.
Network Solutions offers a suite of AI-driven tools and reliable expert support to help you succeed online with AI. Please reach out to us at 1-866-888-6302 and our professional services team will be ready to help you.
