3 Automations Every Small Business Should Set Up First
When you’re running a small business, time is your most valuable resource. The good news? A few simple automations can save you HOURS every week and keep your business running smoothly while you sleep. Here are the top 3 automations every small business should start with: 1. Lead Capture → CRM / Email List Stop copying and pasting leads from forms into spreadsheets. - Example: New lead fills in a website form → info automatically goes into Airtable/HubSpot → welcome email sent instantly. - Impact: You never miss a lead, and they feel valued from second one. 2. Appointment Scheduling + Reminders Chasing people to confirm meetings is a huge time drain. - Example: Client books a call via Calendly → appointment auto-syncs to Google Calendar → reminder SMS/email goes out 24 hours before. - Impact: Reduces no-shows and keeps your calendar under control. 3. Invoices + Payment Follow-Ups Cash flow is king. Automate the boring stuff. - Example: Finish a project → invoice auto-generated in Xero/QuickBooks → payment link sent → if unpaid, polite reminder emails go out at 7/14 days. - Impact: You get paid faster, with less awkward chasing. 👉 These are low-effort, high-impact automations that create immediate wins for any small business. Question for you: Which of these do you already have set up? Or which one would help you most right now? Or would you like some help