Bots for small business, set up the sensible way
Plain-English guides to setting up bots that handle the repetitive work in your small business. Keep a human in charge, start small, and let the bots do the boring bits.
Easy wins to start with
- Easy
How to set up an email triage bot
Sort incoming email automatically so the important stuff floats to the top and the rest waits its turn.
- Easy
How to set up a lead follow-up bot
Make sure every website enquiry gets a fast, friendly reply, even when you're on the tools.
- Easy
How to set up a social media posting bot
Write once, schedule a month, and let the scheduler do the posting.
- Easy
How to set up a review request bot
Ask happy customers for a review automatically after the job's done.
- Easy
How to set up an appointment booking bot
Let customers book themselves into your calendar without the back-and-forth.
- Easy
How to set up an invoice reminder bot
Chase overdue invoices automatically and politely, so you don't have to.
When you're ready for more
- Medium
How to set up a Google review reply bot
Get a drafted reply for every new Google review, ready for you to check and post.
- Medium
How to set up an FAQ chatbot on your website
Answer the same ten questions automatically, using only information you've approved.
- Medium
How to set up a missed-call text-back bot
When you can't answer, send an automatic text so the caller doesn't ring the next business.
- Medium
How to set up a document data entry bot
Pull details out of invoices, receipts or forms automatically instead of typing them in.
- Medium
How to set up a new customer onboarding bot
Send new customers the right info at the right time without remembering to.
- Medium
How to set up a content repurposing bot
Turn each blog post or video into social posts and an email automatically.
My rules for small business bots
- Start with tools you already pay for.
- Draft, don't publish: keep a human check on anything customers see.
- Never let a bot delete, pay or promise.
- Every bot has an owner and a 30-day review.
New guides by email
An occasional email when I publish something new.
Common questions
What do you mean by a 'bot'?
Any automation that does a repetitive job for you: sorting email, replying to messages, sending reminders, posting to social. Some use AI, many don't need it.
Do I need to code?
No. Every guide uses tools with point-and-click setup.
Will bots replace my staff?
That's not the goal. They take the boring, repetitive bits so people can do the work that needs a human.
What should I set up first?
Usually lead follow-up or invoice reminders. They're easy and directly affect money coming in.
Want ready-made prompts for the AI steps? Try AI Use Cases for Small Business.