How to Evaluate AI Tools Without a Tech Team

Published on 2025/03/12 by Jasper Sutter

Why This Matters

AI can supercharge your business—but only if you pick the right tools. For many small business owners and lean teams, evaluating AI tools feels intimidating. There’s too much hype, too much jargon, and too little clarity on what actually matters.

You don’t need a CTO or a degree in machine learning to make smart decisions. You just need a framework that prioritizes business outcomes, not buzzwords.

This guide walks you through how to evaluate AI tools with confidence—even if you're not technical. We'll cover:

• What features and signs to look for
• Red flags to avoid
• How to match tools to your real business needs
• Questions to ask during demos or free trials

Let’s cut through the noise and help you make smarter choices.

1. Start With the Problem, Not the Tool

Before evaluating any tool, ask:

What problem am I trying to solve?

Examples:

• “I spend too much time writing marketing emails.”
• “We’re losing leads because we don’t respond fast enough.”