I've done 20+ AI audits for SMBs this year — where AI actually saves money vs. where it wastes it

I run AI implementation work for small and mid-size businesses. After 20+ engagements, patterns are clear on where AI ROI is real vs. where it's hype.

Where AI pays back fast (under 90 days):

• Missed call recovery / 24/7 lead capture (home services, dental, legal)
• Appointment scheduling + follow-up automation (any service business with a calendar)
• Inbound lead qualification + routing (agencies, consultants)
• Quote/proposal follow-up sequences (contractors, B2B sales)

Where AI is still mostly hype for SMBs:

• Complex customer service bots (they frustrate customers more than they help)
• "AI strategy" without a deployed system (consultants selling decks, not systems)
• Anything that requires a data infrastructure you don't have

The businesses I see get the fastest payback are ones with a clear, repetitive bottleneck costing them money every week -- usually a missed call or a slow follow-up. If you can name that bottleneck, AI can usually fix it in 2-4 weeks.

We also just shipped a $7 AI Website Audit Pro -- it analyzes any landing page and tells you exactly why visitors aren't converting. Good starting point if you're wondering where your site is leaking revenue. (clawmillworks.com)

Curious what you're all seeing. What's working? What's been a waste?