What Is an AI Agent (And How Local Businesses Are Using Them Right Now)
Your next employee might not need a desk, a payslip, or a lunch break.
They’ll work 24/7.
Never complain.
Never miss a follow-up.
And they might close more business than the hire you haven’t been able to find.
Welcome to the rise of the AI agent—and no, this isn’t a Silicon Valley pipedream. It’s already being used by local business owners to capture leads, answer questions, book appointments, and keep customers happy… even while you're off walking the dog.
If you still think AI is too complicated or “not for a business like yours,” you’re already behind. But the good news? You can catch up fast.
🤖 So… What Is an AI Agent?
Let’s cut through the hype.
An AI agent is a smart digital assistant that talks to your customers, answers questions, and takes action—without needing a human to watch over it.
Unlike traditional bots that follow rigid scripts, AI agents can:
Hold natural conversations
Ask and answer questions
Schedule appointments
Recommend services
Follow up automatically
Make decisions based on logic you define
Think of it as cloning your best employee—without the overheads.
🧠 Big Tech Is All In—And You Should Be Too
Two tech giants are betting big on AI agents:
✅ OpenAI: “Operators”
These are intelligent agents that can interact with tools, remember past chats, and pull real-time data. To use one in your business, you’ll need ChatGPT Team or Enterprise—realistically, £160/month+ once setup and integrations are factored in.
✅ Google: “Project Mariner”
Not publicly available yet, but designed for business use. It’ll plug into Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and more—ideal for handling enquiries, bookings, and messages in tools you’re already using.
🧩 What Can an AI Agent Actually Do for Local Businesses?
Here’s how smart local businesses are using AI agents right now:
📞 24/7 Call Handling
AI voice agents (using platforms like Air.ai or Twilio) can:
Answer incoming calls
Speak naturally with real customers
Book appointments or take messages
Used by: Contractors, med spas, HVAC engineers, dentists—anyone who can’t afford to miss a lead.
🗓 Instant Chat Booking
Website or Facebook AI agents are quietly booking appointments in the background.
They’ll:
Greet visitors
Handle FAQs
Schedule calls or visits
Capture leads with no staff involved
Used by: Hair salons, wellness clinics, pet groomers, domestic cleaning services.
💬 Lightning-Fast Lead Follow-Up
AI agents can instantly follow up via email, text, or Messenger:
Qualify leads
Ask helpful follow-up questions
Guide users to book or buy
Used by: Realtors, legal firms, gyms, car dealerships—anyone where a 10-minute delay can cost a customer.
❓ Customer Support & FAQ Handling
Sick of answering the same questions? An AI agent can step in and free up your time.
Used by: E-commerce shops, mobile phone repair businesses, independent retailers.
💸 What Does It Cost?
🛠 How to Get Started
Three simple paths:
1. DIY with OpenAI or Google
If you're technical, build with GPT Builder or Gemini.
2. Plug-and-Play Platforms
Use tools like:
Air.ai for voice
ManyChat or Tidio for chat
Zapier AI to automate systems
These come with pre-built templates and minimal setup.
3. Hire a Pro
If you want it done fast and right, hire a consultant or local agency to set it up and train it for your business.
🚀 Why the Smartest Local Businesses Are Already Doing This
This isn’t about trends. It’s about:
Stopping lost leads
Getting more done without hiring
Beating the competition to every opportunity
AI agents don’t replace your team.
They amplify what you're already doing—and they do it on autopilot.
Start small.
Add one agent—a phone greeter, a lead responder, a booking assistant.
Then track, tweak, and scale.
Because soon, the real question won’t be “Should I use AI?”
It’ll be “Why didn’t I start sooner?”
💥 Want to See One in Action?
Curious what an AI agent could do for your business?
🎯 [Take the Local Growth Scorecard]
🤝 [Apply to Partner With EBC]
