We explore how Australian small businesses can use AI advertising tools to save 7.3 hours weekly, featuring practical examples and accessible platforms.
What’s happening: New research from Amazon Ads shows 87% of Australian small and medium-sized business marketing leaders believe AI advertising tools will drive future growth by freeing up time for strategic priorities.
Why this matters: Australian SMBs estimate they could save 7.3 hours weekly using AI to manage advertising campaigns, equivalent to 45 working days annually.
New research from Amazon Ads shows that 87% of Australian small and medium-sized business (SMB) marketing leaders believe AI advertising tools will drive future growth by freeing up time for strategic business priorities.
SMBs estimate they could save 7.3 hours per week, equivalent to about 45 working days annually, using AI to create and manage advertising campaigns. While nearly three-quarters of SMBs are currently using or testing AI tools, 45% admitted feeling overwhelmed by the number of AI advertising tools available, and 50% didn’t know where to start.
Unlocking future growth
The Amazon Ads research shows that 72% of SMBs are already using or actively testing AI tools for advertising purposes. Businesses plan to use their time savings in several ways: 28% intend to focus more on sales activities, 28% on developing team skills, and 28% on exploring new marketplaces and channels they previously lacked time to pursue.
SMBs also expect a 27% reduction in advertising costs over the next year thanks to AI-enabled efficiencies, including reduced time on data analysis (39%), better predicted campaign performance (25%), improved campaign reporting and optimisation (28%), and media planning support (31%).
AI in advertising today
Of the SMBs currently using or testing AI advertising tools, many are already seeing tangible benefits. Those implementing these tools report improvements through automated visual creation (13%), improved performance forecasting (9%), and automated ad copy generation (8%). SMBs also anticipate future gains including improved audience reach (44%), accelerated creative content generation (39%), and automation of repetitive advertising operations (30%) (Amazon Ads, 2025).
For SMBs seeking additional AI capabilities, several external platforms offer accessible solutions. For example:
- Meta Business AI provides sales automation, customer interaction support, and a chat-based assistant within Ads Manager for personalised advertising guidance.
- Canva offers AI-driven design tools for creating professional visuals without a dedicated designer.
- Jasper provides AI-generated copy and content templates for a range of marketing needs, starting at $39 per month with free trials.
- Madgicx includes an AI Ad Generator and bidding optimisation for Meta ads, starting from $31 per month with a seven-day free trial.
These platforms illustrate how SMBs can combine AI-powered tools with existing workflows to increase efficiency without needing extensive technical expertise.
Confidence gaps remain
Despite widespread adoption, SMB confidence varies. The Amazon Ads study found that 45% of marketing leaders feel overwhelmed by the number of tools available, 50% are excited about AI in advertising but unsure where to start, and 44% admitted feeling like they are “faking it” when using AI. This highlights the need for user-friendly AI solutions that do not require steep learning curves.
SMBs also want to maintain human oversight in key advertising decisions. According to Amazon Ads, 38% want final creative approval, 32% want control over budget allocation, and 31% want to ensure cultural and emotional context is considered.
Willie Pang, General Manager Australia at Amazon Ads, said, “For SMBs, time is a precious resource. Every hour saved is time that can be spent growing the business or serving customers better. That’s why we’ve built AI capabilities into familiar tools to make the process simple and effective. Our AI-powered tools such as Image Generator and Video Builder help businesses easily produce standout ads, letting them get back to what they do best: building their business.”
Australian SMBs are navigating a period of optimism about AI’s potential and practical challenges in adoption. Success appears to depend on selecting accessible AI tools that complement existing workflows, combining automation with human expertise. While Amazon Ads provides core data on adoption, other platforms like Meta, Canva, Jasper, and Madgicx offer additional pathways for SMBs to experiment with AI in advertising.
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