Altona Businesses Adopt AI Tools as Half of Shoppers Switch Search Methods

Altona business owners are increasingly turning to automated systems to remain competitive as customer search patterns undergo a significant shift. Recent figures indicate that 49% of people have utilized generative AI tools over the past year to locate local services, marking a departure from traditional search methods. This trend has placed pressure on small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to update their digital presence or risk losing ground to more accessible competitors.

Expanding Digital Capabilities

For those looking to streamline their operations, the Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN) has stepped in to provide direct support. The organization offers consultancy and in-person education for SMEs, helping business leaders navigate the technical shift without requiring an extensive background in software engineering. These services are complemented by the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre, which currently collaborates with 28 organizations to provide technology demonstrations and customized adoption roadmaps, with a particular focus on the local manufacturing sector.

Practical applications are already moving beyond simple web searches. Local businesses are beginning to leverage AI receptionists for 24/7 call handling and AI chatbots designed to manage website inquiries autonomously. Furthermore, AI accounting tools have been introduced to automate financial transactions, removing the need for complex manual setup. These tools are particularly relevant for local trades and retail businesses, which report that implementing AI voice agents to handle after-hours and high-volume periods has resulted in a 30% increase in lead capture.

Support and Strategy

The transition toward automation is already widespread, with roughly 89% of small business owners reporting that someone in their organization is currently using AI tools. As the market shifts, more than 75% of these businesses are either actively using or exploring new implementation strategies. For those operating within the area, resources such as the Hobsons Bay Business Boost Day, scheduled for July 20, 2026, at the Civic Centre on 115 Civic Parade, serve as an entry point for learning about these evolving digital tools.

As customer reliance on conversational AI assistants continues to rise-with AI Overviews now appearing in up to 39% of searches-the gap between firms using these technologies and those that are not is expected to widen. Organizations seeking to modernize can utilize the free training and strategic planning provided by national adoption centers to align their business models with current consumer expectations.