GoDaddy: AI is a Job Creator, Not a Job Threat
On February 19, 2025, GoDaddy Inc. issued a press release that turns the narrative around artificial intelligence (AI) on its head. While much of the conversation surrounding AI has focused on its potential to disrupt jobs, GoDaddy's latest research indicates that AI is, in fact, becoming a catalyst for job creation, particularly in the realm of small businesses. In collaboration with UCLA Anderson Forecast, GoDaddy provides compelling data that underscores the transformative economic impact small enterprises are experiencing through AI integration.
1. GoDaddy Airo™: A Game Changer for Small Businesses
Launched in 2023, GoDaddy Airo™ has emerged as a pivotal tool in the small business landscape. The company’s research reveals that the AI-powered platform is not merely a technological upgrade but a significant driver of economic activity. The data indicates a correlation between the rollout of GoDaddy Airo and an increase in microbusiness activity, which is fueling job creation and reducing unemployment rates across various counties in the United States.
Key Findings on Job Creation
- Job Creation Metrics: For every website published using GoDaddy Airo, approximately 20 jobs were created per county. The impacts were notably different across urban and rural landscapes, with urban counties seeing an average increase of 22 jobs, while rural areas reported an average of 4.2 jobs.
- Unemployment Reduction: The launch of 10 new GoDaddy-published websites in a county was associated with a 0.017 percentage-point reduction in unemployment rates.
- Record Engagement Levels: The engagement index for microbusinesses hit an all-time high in 2024, growing by 13% from January to September and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
2. Transformative Economic Impact of AI
The research points to significant economic benefits attributed to small businesses embracing AI tools like GoDaddy Airo.
- Increased Productivity and Revenue: A striking 72% of small business owners utilizing AI tools reported heightened productivity, while 61% noted an uptick in revenues over the preceding six months.
- Lower Barriers to Entry: The number of new websites launched has surged since the introduction of AI tools, signaling a democratization of business opportunities. However, 38% of microbusiness owners expressed a need for more information about AI, suggesting an avenue for educational initiatives in 2025.
3. Looking Ahead: 2025 as the Year of Impact
GoDaddy's findings suggest that small businesses, often overlooked in broader discussions about AI, are actually at the forefront of driving measurable economic change. The data highlights that digital small businesses already create an average of seven jobs per entrepreneur. With the added benefits of AI, this presents a unique opportunity to not just bolster local economies but to also support national economic growth.
Alexandra Rosen, economist and global head of GoDaddy's Venture Forward research initiative, stated, “Economic outcomes don't often materialize overnight, yet, in just under a year, GoDaddy's research shows how small businesses using AI tools are transforming local economies through job creation.” She added that GoDaddy Airo is empowering entrepreneurs to launch their businesses quickly, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the impact of AI on microbusinesses and its future implications, GoDaddy has made their full report available online here.
4. Conclusion
As we navigate through 2025, the narrative surrounding AI is set to evolve, particularly in how it relates to small businesses. GoDaddy’s research presents a compelling case that AI not only complements but significantly enhances the prospects for job creation and economic vitality in local communities. With continued investment in AI tools and education for small business owners, the potential for expanded growth and reduced unemployment appears brighter than ever.
About GoDaddy
GoDaddy is a global leader in helping entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses. The company provides a comprehensive suite of tools for naming ideas, building websites, and managing online sales. With the introduction of GoDaddy Airo™, they aim to streamline the process of growing a small business, making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever. For more information, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
