Key Takeaway:
Get answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about using AI to inform business decisions.
At the end of the year, it’s normal to reminisce about this year’s highlights. For us, sometimes that means mulling over favorite moments from great TTG webinars.
The questions attendees asked during this one were thoughtful, practical, and very real. Here are some of the most common ones we got about using AI to make smarter business decisions, along with insights to help you move from guessing to knowing.
1. Where should I start with AI if I’ve never used it before?
Start small. You don’t need fancy systems or a data science degree. Begin with what you already have — your sales reports, website analytics, and customer feedback.
Then pick one simple question to explore, such as: “Act as a business analyst. Based on my sales report, what patterns do you see?”
Clean your data first (make sure dates and categories are consistent, and remove your customers’ personal details), then experiment. AI isn’t here to replace your instincts—it’s here to surface insights you might miss because you’re busy running your business.ed and ready to strengthen customer relationships instead of scrambling to put processes in place.
2. How do I know which data is most valuable?
The best data is the data you already own. Your first-party data (sales, web traffic, reviews) and zero-party data (what customers share directly) are far more powerful than anything you can buy from a third party.
When you focus on your data, you’re learning from real customer behavior. That’s what helps you make smarter inventory, pricing, and marketing decisions.
“Artificial intelligence isn’t here to take over your job but to make your job easier. The best AI outcomes come from co-intelligence: humans and AI thinking together.”
– Technology Therapy®️ Group
3. Can AI really replace my need for professional analysis?
Not at all. Think of AI as a co-pilot who is quick, tireless, and great at spotting patterns but who still needs your direction. It can cluster behaviors, summarize feedback, and forecast trends, but you bring the business context and human judgment. The best outcomes come from co-intelligence: humans and AI thinking together.
4. How can AI save me time or money?
Think of AI as the assistant you always wished you had. It can clean up messy spreadsheets, summarize hundreds of reviews, and highlight what’s selling fastest – all in minutes.
That means fewer hours spent digging through reports and more time connecting with customers or planning your next promotion. It’s not about replacing your work; it’s about giving you faster insight so you can act with confidence.
5. How can I make sure my data stays secure?
This one’s simple but critical: never upload private customer details to open AI tools. Always remove names, emails, and order numbers.
Stick with AI features inside trusted systems you already use, which are designed with privacy in mind. (Think platforms like Shopify, Klaviyo, Google Workspace.) Keep your data clean, organized, and safe.
6. How can I ask better AI questions (prompts)?
The clearer your question, the better your results. One effective structure is the prompt framework:
Task | Role | Boundaries | Context | Requirements | Exclusions
Here’s an example of what that could look like:
- Task: Analyze reviews
- Role: Senior marketing strategist
- Context: Identify what customers love most
- Requirement: Give me 3 marketing messages to emphasize next month
This format keeps your prompts focused and ensures the AI delivers answers you can actually use.
7. How can I use AI to get more reviews without offering discounts?
This question came from a retailer who shines at in-person events but struggles to get online reviews—and it’s a great prompt in itself. Try asking: “You’re an expert in customer engagement. How can I get more reviews for my ‘X’ business without offering incentives or discounts?”
Tools like Claude or Perplexity can help you brainstorm creative, authentic approaches. And for a simple, human tactic? Catch customers while they’re happy. At pop-ups or checkout, display a QR code that links directly to your review page. A quick “Loved your experience? Review us here!” can go a long way.
8. How can I use AI to plan my social media strategy better?
AI is great at analyzing what’s resonating with your audience. Feed it your engagement data and ask: “Act as a social media strategist. Based on this engagement report, what content themes and posting schedule should I test next month?”
Next, pair that with social listening for a plan that truly connects. (NOTE: Social listening is tracking what people say about your store, products, or competitors. Learn more about it and how to use it effectively when you check out this blog).
“AI tools aren’t a replacement for in-depth research. But they’re a powerful, affordable way to test ideas before you invest.”
– Technology Therapy®️ Group
9. Can AI perform market research?
Absolutely. AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity can summarize customer reviews, identify trends, and compare competitor messaging in minutes. It’s not a replacement for in-depth research, but it’s a powerful, affordable way to test ideas before you invest.
10. Does AI still ‘hallucinate’ or make mistakes?
Yes. Even advanced models sometimes generate confident but false information. Always double-check numbers or claims before making major decisions. Use AI for insight, not as your only source of truth.
From Insights to Storefront Success
AI isn’t here to take over your job but to make your job easier. It helps you see patterns faster and plan smarter—and feel more confident because you know what’s working for your business.
If you’re curious how to apply this to your retail business, now’s the time to explore it. Schedule a free consultation to learn how you can use AI to make smarter, more confident decisions for your store this season and beyond.
Make Data Work for You
AI transforms the data you already have into clear insights and better results. Let’s put it to work for your business.
