Guides · Updated 2026-10-15

AI for beginners: the first three tasks to hand over

Ignore the noisy product launches. If you've never used AI in the business, hand it these three tasks first. Each one is writing you already do, and each has a prompt pack on this site.

1. Email and text replies

Job: turn rough notes into a clear reply.

How: paste the customer's message and your bullet points into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini. Ask for British spelling and a short draft. Edit before you send.

Prompts: ChatGPT prompts for small business admin and the trade sets under prompts for tradespeople.

Watch: don't paste anything you wouldn't put in an email to a stranger. Check prices and dates yourself.

2. Quote follow-ups

Job: nudge a quote that went quiet without sounding desperate.

How: give the AI the quote date, job type and your usual next step (call, site visit, revised option). Keep your real price; only draft the wording.

Prompts: follow-up templates in the tradespeople and admin guides. Price the job first with the quote calculator and how to write a quote that wins.

Watch: once a homeowner accepts a quote you agreed away from your premises, cancellation rules can apply — see the deposit refund calculator.

3. Review requests

Job: ask for an honest Google review after a good job.

How: short text with your review link. No discount for a review.

Prompts: review-request prompts in the trade guides. Background: can Google detect fake reviews? and Google review tools.

Watch: buying reviews or offering gifts for them breaks Google's rules and can get reviews removed.

After the first week

If those three save you time, pick one more job only:

• Missed calls → missed-call text-back tools
• Choosing what to pay for → free vs paid ChatGPT and how to choose an AI tool

Use the AI tool break-even calculator before any subscription.

FAQ

Do I need a paid AI plan to start?

No. Start on a free plan. Upgrade only if limits block real work.

Will AI replace my quoting or bookkeeping app?

No. Use AI for drafts; keep numbers in a calculator or accounting app with sources you trust.