Subj : SMBs want to use tech more in order to grow - but costs are provi To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Mon Sep 01 2025 11:45:08 SMBs want to use tech more in order to grow - but costs are proving a big barrier Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:35:14 +0000 Description: SMBs want to use more tech to reach wider audiences, but costs and ROI uncertainty are holding them back. FULL STORY ======================================================================Study finds 96% of SMBs agree tech could help them reach new markets AI, digital marketing and ecommerce offer the biggest opportunities High costs and limited budgets highlight the need for removed barriers Nearly all (96%) of the small and medium-sized businesses surveyed in a recent study by Shopify agree technology will help them to reach new markets in the next 12 months - but key hurdles are preventing them from full success. Unsurprisingly, AI tools topped the list, with 43% seeing it as the most helpful for global expansion, but many raised cash concerns. High costs and limited budgets (44%) and uncertainty around ROI (30%) are currently preventing SMBs from full rollout, while larger cash-backed enterprises are accelerating with a more trial-and-error approach. SMBs are more cautious about tech rollouts With larger companies proving that artificial intelligence investments can bring huge rewards, one in three (35%) UK SMBs are now taking more risks to gain an edge in a competitive landscape, with previous caution highlighting a gap between ambition and execution. Shopify Head of Northern Europe Partnerships Matthias Kleven said: SMBs are ready to innovate but need clear pathways, affordable tools, and measurable outcomes to fully commit. Digital marketing tools (38%) and ecommerce platforms (36%) also emerged as key areas for investment among UK SMBs, with around three in five agreeing that their own website allows for more personalized marketing strategies (57%) and allows them to build an emotional connection with customers (63%). What the study fails to note is the type of AI thats helping SMBs the most customer-facing AI like chatbots and personalized marketing have the potential to create more tailored experiences, but automation and predictive analytics can help businesses do more with their data. Looking ahead, SMBs could pilot technologies theyre not already using in certain areas to gauge ROI before fully deploying, taking lessons from larger enterprises that have already made these types of investments. Shopify is also calling for the removal of barriers, enabling business owners to more easily access tech that delivers value. You might also like Many SMBs say they can't get to grips with AI, need more training Why not try the best AI writers ? Weve listed the best productivity apps ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/smbs-want-to-use-tech-more-in-order-to-grow-but- costs-are-proving-a-big-barrier --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .