What AI tools do SMBs use during the buying process?
As of November 2025, the AI tools SMBs rely on most at each stage of the sales cycle are:
Awareness:
- 27% ChatGPT (VSB)
- 46% Gemini (SB)
- 38% Gemini (MB)
Research:
- 48% Gemini (VSB)
- 64% Gemini (SB)
- 61% Gemini (MB)
Purchase:
- 16% ChatGPT (VSB)
- 33% Gemini (SB)
- 28% Copilot (MB)
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
Bredin's SMB MarketPulse goes deeper on how SMBs are using AI in the buying process.
What features do SMBs prioritize in an AI solution?
As of November 2025, cost effectiveness and data security top the list, though priorities shift by company size:
- 62% of VSBs and 59% of SBs rank cost effectiveness #1
- 61% of MBs rank data security #1
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
Do SMBs pay for AI tools?
As of November 2025, 57% of SMBs pay for AI tools:
- 56% of VSBs
- 88% of SBs
- 90% of MBs
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
What do SMBs use AI for?
Top uses as of November 2025 include AI assistants, text generation, email automation, and invoicing.
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
Bredin's SMB MarketPulse takes a deeper look at how SMBs are adopting and using AI.
Which industries are adopting AI most quickly?
From 2025 to 2026, AI adoption grew fastest in professional services and retail. Adoption rates by industry:
- Professional Services: 52% → 62%
- Retail/Wholesale: 34% → 44%
- Construction/Manufacturing: remained at 45% year over year
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
What benefits are SMBs seeing from AI?
As of November 2025, top reported AI benefits vary by company size:
- VSBs: 37% cite better quality work
- SBs: 39% cite improved marketing and sales performance
- MBs: 40% cite higher customer satisfaction and improved IT and data security (tie)
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025
What is holding SMBs back from adopting AI?
As of November 2025, top barriers to AI adoption differ by segment:
- VSBs: 30% cite keeping up with the pace of change
- SBs: 25% cite the need for extensive customization
- MBs: 20% cite employee resistance and security and compliance concerns (tie)
Source: Bredin SMB Omnibus, November 2025