Choosing your first AI tools: a practical guide
Five tool categories, six questions to ask before you sign up, and a 30-day plan to test AI tools without wasting money.
There are thousands of AI tools and new ones launch every week. Instead of chasing every launch, understand the categories and test a few with a plan.
Five categories that cover most needs
| Category | Good for |
|---|---|
| General AI assistants | Writing, summarising, brainstorming, explaining, analysing documents. |
| Meeting assistants | Transcripts, summaries and action items from calls. |
| Writing & design helpers | Built into tools you already use (docs, slides, email). |
| Automation platforms | Connecting apps and running workflows without code. |
| Data & coding assistants | Spreadsheets, formulas, Python, SQL. |
Six questions before you sign up
- What specific task will this save time on?
- Where does my data go, and is the tool approved by my organisation?
- Does it work with the tools I already use?
- What does it really cost per user per month after the trial?
- Can I export my work if I stop using it?
- Is there a simpler option already built into my existing software?
A 30-day test plan
- Week 1: pick one general assistant and use it daily for drafting and summarising.
- Week 2: write down the three tasks where it helped most.
- Week 3: try one specialist tool for your biggest remaining time-sink.
- Week 4: decide: keep, drop or upgrade. Note the time saved.
Remember: the best tool is the one you actually use every day. Start with 5 ways to use AI in your daily workflow.
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