Aussies are no strangers to innovation—and the latest research from Adobe shows we’re charging headfirst into the next big tech leap: agentic AI.

What’s agentic AI? Everyone thinks chatbot- but agentic Ai can do so much more than answer your questions. This next-gen tech can interpret what you mean, make decisions, and take action. Think of it like your own digital sidekick.

And it turns out, Aussies are here for it.

According to Adobe’s latest From Assistants to Agents: The AI Evolution in Australia report, nearly one in five Australians have already used agentic AI, and another 42 per cent say they expect to give it a go in the next year. That’s a whopping 50 per cent spike in usage in just three months.

So, what’s driving this big AI boom?

AI is changing how we shop, create, and get things done

Remember when AI was just a fancy tool for techies? Not anymore. Aussies are embracing it for everyday tasks—like booking holidays, writing emails, and even helping the kids with homework.

Shopping is a big one. Almost a third of AI users are using it to help them decide what to buy and where to get it. Forget scrolling endless search results. AI now points you straight to what you’re after (and even tells you if it’s a good deal).

And we’re not just buying smarter. We’re getting more creative, too.

More than half of those surveyed have used AI for creative projects, from writing and photography to design. With tools like Adobe Photoshop’s new AI-powered Actions panel and Acrobat’s AI Assistant that acts like a research mate, it’s getting easier than ever to work faster and smarter.

What does this mean for small businesses?

If you run a small or micro business, now’s the time to pay attention. These shifts aren’t just about convenience—they’re changing how customers discover and interact with brands.

Katrina Troughton, Adobe’s VP and Managing Director for Australia and NZ, says this isn’t just a phase.

“It’s no longer just about getting smart answers,” she says. “People want AI that can act and make decisions.”

In plain English: Aussies expect brands to keep up. That means smarter, faster and more personalised digital experiences.

Tools like Adobe’s upcoming Brand Concierge will help businesses build AI agents that guide customers through the whole buying journey—from browsing to checkout—all while tailoring the experience to individual preferences.

What can you do right now?

Firstly, don’t stress. You don’t need to be a tech guru to jump on the AI bandwagon. If you’re running a small biz, it’s all about starting simple and making AI work for you, not the other way around.

Begin with the boring stuff (you know, the time-sucking admin tasks). AI tools are brilliant at knocking over things like replying to emails, summarising info, or banging out blog posts and social captions. Tools like ChatGPT can save you hours—and possibly your sanity—when deadlines start piling up.

Feeling a bit game? Have a play with AI design tools. Whether you’re giving your socials a facelift, revamping your website, or testing out a bold new logo, AI can help you create slick visuals without blowing the budget on a designer.

Think like your customers. If they’re using AI to find the best deals, compare options, and track down what they need faster than ever, your business needs to keep up. Make sure your products and services are easy to find, clear as day, and presented in a way that helps both humans and bots understand what you’re about. Give your digital shopfront a bit of love—it’s the first thing AI (and customers) will notice.

This tech is evolving quicker than a pub rumour, so carve out a little time each month to see what new tools are landing. There’s always something new around the corner that might shave time off your to-do list or help you deliver a better experience to your customers.

At the end of the day, AI’s not here to replace the heart and soul of your biz—it’s here to give you back a bit of time, a few extra brain cells, and maybe even help you knock off early on a Friday. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

The AI future is here, and Aussie businesses are perfectly placed to ride the wave. So why not dip your toes in? You might just find your new digital best mate.

Want more tips on how to bring AI into your business? Check out our AI and Tech hub for practical guides, expert insights and the latest trends.

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