Five admin tasks every small business can automate

The five tasks

1. 01First reply to new enquiries: an instant, friendly message saying when you'll be back in touch.
2. 02Booking reminders: a text or email the day before, which cuts no-shows.
3. 03Quote follow-ups: a polite nudge if a quote hasn't been answered in a few days.
4. 04Review requests: sent automatically when a job is marked done.
5. 05Copying details between tools: enquiry form to spreadsheet, booking to calendar, paid invoice to accounts.

How do I know what's worth automating?

Write down anything you do more than a few times a week, the same way each time. If it follows a clear rule ("when X happens, send Y"), it can usually be automated. If it needs your judgement, keep it.

Do I need to change the tools I use?

Usually not. Most popular email, calendar, booking and accounts tools can be connected to each other. The aim is to join up what you already have.

What can go wrong?

Automations that send the wrong message at the wrong time. Start with one, test it on yourself, check it for the first couple of weeks, then add the next.