OPINION: Meta AI is helping local small businesses

As independent, Albuquerque-based, small business owners, we know firsthand the power of digital tools like personalized advertising and artificial intelligence to grow and sustain our respective businesses. These technologies provide laser-point accuracy to reach the right customers, optimize operations and compete in ways that were once out of reach for small businesses.

We recently had a chance to share some insights with New Mexico Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich’s team about how we utilize the Meta AI platform to generate images, draft text and to make ads.

AbqTours — History & GHOST Tours of Old Town uses the personalized ads tool on Facebook, and through these ads they have generated 40% of their sales. These ads don’t just blanket the internet — they help the business reach the exact customers who are looking for this unique experience. That means more efficient marketing, more meaningful engagement and a stronger bottom line. These tools are not only cost-effective — they’re essential for the success of their business.

AI is also changing the game for Rude Boy Cookies. The store uses the platform to generate digital ads that help level the playing field for a locally owned, community driven small business. Through utilizing these digital tools, Rude Boy Cookies can compete against corporate box stores.

Both of these business owners recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Meta Business Leaders Network annual conference — joining other small business owners from across the country to advocate for policies that protect these vital tools. They met with lawmakers to share how personalized ads and AI are helping small businesses thrive — and why future legislation must preserve access to these technologies.

In New Mexico alone, there are an estimated 120,000 small businesses that use Facebook and 42% of those small businesses are rural. The success of small business owners fuels local economies.