Meet the #AbsaSmallBizFriday Featured Business of the week – Adbot.
Adbot helps businesses of all sizes thrive by making online advertising simple, effective, and affordable. Their AI-driven platform automates the management of Google and Bing ads, with Facebook ads launching soon. They use advanced machine learning to ensure campaigns are optimised continuously, driving better results. With Adbot handling ad management, business owners can focus on growth and leave the complex world of digital marketing to them.
With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Michelle Geere saw firsthand how small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) struggled to compete with larger companies. High agency fees and the complexity of managing digital ad campaigns meant that many SMEs weren’t achieving the same results. She knew there had to be a better way—one that didn’t take business owners away from what matters most: running and growing their businesses.
That’s why Michelle founded Adbot. Her vision was to create a platform that would make online advertising simple, affordable, and effective for all businesses, especially SMEs. By leveraging AI and machine learning, Adbot automates the complex task of managing campaigns, eliminating the need for business owners to spend hours on ads or hire expensive agencies.
In 2020, just before the world went into lockdown, Michelle launched Adbot’s B2C platform. It was a challenging time for many businesses, and she knew Adbot could make a difference. During that period, Adbot supported countless entrepreneurs who were doing everything to stay open and support their families. Adbot allowed them to run effective ad campaigns without needing to understand the intricacies of digital marketing or spend a fortune. They helped them reach their customers and stay afloat during one of the toughest economic periods in recent history.
Michelle’s goal from the start has been to empower small business owners by giving them the tools to compete effectively in the digital space. Adbot has seen tremendous success since then, with businesses of all sizes—from start-ups to more established companies—benefiting from increased visibility and growth.
Today, Adbot continues to evolve. They’ve automated Google and Bing ads and are launching Facebook ads soon. Their focus remains the same: making online advertising easy, accessible, and impactful for every business, no matter its size or budget.
Since their launch, Adbot has empowered over 2,000 small and medium-sized businesses to attract more customers online. Their AI-driven platform delivers three times better ad performance than businesses managing campaigns on their own.
One of their key partnerships is with MTN Nigeria, where they offer online advertising services that allow business owners to pay using airtime. Adbot has also partnered with Ayoba, expanding their reach to more entrepreneurs. Currently, they’re in discussions with major players to create similar partnerships, providing SMEs with valuable advertising tools as part of their services.
In 2024, they attended an acceleration program in Europe, thanks to winning the Irish Tech Challenge. This will help them expand their services internationally, continuing to support businesses in growing their online presence.
In 2024, Adbot received the National Marketing Award at the South African Small Business Awards – this prestigious awards programme celebrates the most outstanding businesses and the exceptional business people behind these successful and growing businesses.
As Adbot looks to the future, Michelle Geere sees Adbot continuing to evolve as a key player in digital marketing for SMEs. With their recent win at the Irish Tech Challenge, they are excited about scaling into international markets, particularly in Europe. Their goal remains to simplify online advertising and empower more entrepreneurs globally to grow their businesses efficiently.
The Small Business Friday Movement, sponsored by Absa, encourages all South Africans to go out there and support local small businesses. It’s a 365 day drive that peaks on the first Friday of Spring every year. Find out more about #AbsaSmallBizFriday here and read about more of our featured small business heroes here.