Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) should prioritise AI tools that automate repetitive tasks, enhance customer engagement, and provide data-driven insights heading into 2026. Focus on generative AI for content creation and AI-powered analytics for deeper market understanding.

Currently in Australia, AI adoption is accelerating. Tools like Microsoft Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, offer significant productivity gains for tasks ranging from document drafting to email summarisation, with pricing models generally aligning with existing Microsoft subscriptions. Generative AI platforms, such as those powering ChatGPT, are increasingly accessible for creating marketing copy, social media posts, and even basic website content, often with tiered subscription plans suitable for varying business sizes. Furthermore, AI-driven customer service chatbots are becoming more sophisticated, offering 24/7 support and personalised interactions, with implementation costs varying based on features and integration complexity.

For an actionable start, explore free trials of generative AI tools to understand their content creation capabilities and investigate AI-powered analytics dashboards within your existing marketing platforms.