The ROI of AI Communications: Time Savings & Cost Analysis for Small Business

Something broke in the communications industry over the past decade, and small businesses are paying the price.

Professional PR and content marketing have become essential business functions. A decade ago, you could build a successful small business through word-of-mouth and a decent website. In 2026, you need consistent social media presence, thought leadership content, media coverage, and crisis preparedness just to compete.

The problem? The cost structure of professional communications was designed for enterprise clients, not small businesses.

This report explores what this shift means for small business communications, how to evaluate different approaches, and how to calculate the real ROI of various options—including this emerging AI-augmented tier.