That AI Blog
10 copy-paste prompts for tradies
Why I wrote these
Most tradies I know don't mind the work. It's the paperwork after knock-off that does their head in. Chasing quotes, chasing invoices, answering reviews, writing the same text for the tenth time.
These are ten prompts for that stuff. They work in ChatGPT, Claude or any free AI tool. Nothing fancy, just the jobs I'd hand off first.
How to use these
- Copy the prompt.
- Fill in everything in [square brackets] with your own details.
- Paste it into your AI tool.
- Read what comes back and tweak it so it sounds like you.
The more detail you put in the brackets, the better the answer. And if you want it closer to your style, add this on the end: "Before you start, ask me 3 questions so you get this right."
1. Quote follow-up text
Write a short, friendly text to a customer who hasn't replied to my quote. The job was [type of job] and I sent the quote [number] days ago. Keep it under 50 words, no pressure, and ask if they have any questions. My name is [name] from [business name].
2. Polite overdue invoice chaser
Write a polite but clear email to a customer whose invoice is [number] days overdue. The job was [type of job]. I've [not chased / chased once already] before. Keep it under 100 words, firm but friendly, and ask them to let me know when payment is coming. Don't threaten anything.
3. Reply to a bad Google review
Write a calm, professional reply to this negative Google review: [paste review]. I'm the owner of [business name]. Acknowledge their concern, don't argue or blame them, and invite them to contact me on [phone or email] so I can sort it out. Keep it under 80 words.
4. Job ad for a casual
Write a job ad for a casual [role, e.g. labourer, cleaner, apprentice-level helper] at my small [type of business] in [suburb or area]. The work is [days and hours]. Plain language, friendly tone, under 150 words. Leave out pay rates because I'll add those myself. The person needs [licences or experience].
5. Text to confirm a booking
Write a short text confirming a booking with a customer. Job: [type of job]. Day and time: [day and time]. Address: [address]. Ask them to reply to confirm, and mention they should [clear access / move the car / secure pets]. Under 50 words, friendly.
6. Scope of work summary for a customer
Turn these rough notes into a clear scope of work summary for a customer, written in plain English: [paste your notes]. List what's included, what's not included, and anything the customer needs to organise before we start. Use short bullet points and don't add anything I haven't told you.
7. Simple toolbox talk outline
Write a 5 minute toolbox talk outline on [topic, e.g. working at heights, manual handling, heat]. Use plain language for a small crew of [number] people. Include 3 key points, 2 questions to ask the crew, and a short wrap-up. This is a starting point only and I'll check it against our own safety procedures.
8. Before and after photo caption
Write a short social media caption for a before and after photo of a finished job. Job: [type of job]. Suburb: [suburb]. Keep it casual, under 60 words, and mention [one thing I'm proud of, e.g. the clean lines, the tight deadline]. Don't use hashtags or exaggerate.
9. How-we-work FAQ for the website
Write a simple FAQ for my website about how [business name] works. I'm a [type of tradie] in [area]. Cover these questions: [list 5 questions you get asked a lot, e.g. how do quotes work, do you clean up after, how do I book]. Here are my answers: [paste your answers]. Plain English, short answers.
10. Polite "sorry, we're booked out" reply
Write a polite reply to a customer enquiring about [type of job]. I'm booked out until about [timeframe]. Thank them for getting in touch, be honest that I can't start sooner, and offer to [put them on a waiting list / recommend they try someone else]. Under 60 words, friendly.
Check the output before you trust it
AI can sound sure of itself and still be wrong. Before anything goes to a customer, read it properly.
Check the names, dates, amounts and addresses. Make sure it hasn't added a promise you can't keep, like a start date or a guarantee. For safety content like the toolbox talk, compare it to your own procedures and the rules for your trade. You're still the one responsible, not the AI.
A few tips
- Save the prompts you like in a note on your phone so you can reuse them.
- Fill in the brackets with real detail. Vague in, vague out.
- If the first answer is off, tell the AI what to fix, like "shorter" or "less formal".
- Don't paste in anything private, like a customer's full details, if you don't have to.