10 Quick and Easy Automations You Can Add to Your Business Right Now

Automation can sound intimidating — like you need fancy software, weeks of set-up, or tech wizardry. But the truth? Some of the best automations are the small, simple ones. The kind you can set up in ten minutes and then forget about — while they quietly save you hours over time.

Here are ten you can add to your business right now:

1. Calendar scheduling

Stop the back-and-forth of “what time works for you?” Tools like Calendly or Acuity let people book straight into your diary. Add buffers, reminders and limits so you’re never overloaded.

2. Invoice reminders

Chasing payments isn’t fun. Most invoicing tools (Xero, QuickBooks, even PayPal) will send polite reminders automatically. No awkward emails from you required.

3. Canned email responses

If you find yourself typing the same reply over and over, save it. Gmail, Outlook and other email tools let you create canned responses so you can answer with one click.

4. Social media scheduling

Batch your posts once a week (or month), drop them into Later, Planoly or Buffer, and let them roll out while you get on with actual work.

5. Form to spreadsheet magic

No more copying and pasting answers. Google Forms, Typeform and Jotform all connect directly to spreadsheets so info is neat and ready to use.

6. Welcome emails

Set up an automated “hello” email when someone signs up to your newsletter or downloads a freebie. It makes a warm first impression — without you lifting a finger each time.

7. Project kick-off checklists

Tools like Asana or Trello let you save a template board or task list. Each time you start a project, copy it across and everything’s ready to go.

8. File back-ups

Cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox can automatically back up your files. No dragging, dropping or panicking when your laptop plays up.

9. Meeting follow-ups

Apps like Zoom can automatically record meetings and send you the link, or tools like Otter.ai can auto-transcribe them. No more frantic note-taking.

10. Recurring tasks

Set repeating reminders in your project tool or calendar for the things you always forget — monthly reports, website checks, even submitting your expenses. It saves brain space and stops things slipping.

Start small

You don’t need to set up all ten at once. Just pick the one that would save you the most time (or sanity) right now. Then add another when you’re ready.

The aim isn’t to turn yourself into a robot — it’s to clear out the repetitive jobs that keep weighing you down. Little by little, these quick automations give you back time, energy and focus.

✨ Want some help choosing the right tools or setting things up?

That’s exactly what I do. Get in touch with me if you’d like advice on the best systems for your business or support getting automations in place.