8 AI prompts every Aussie tradie should be using

Free guide from Plain Talk AI · 4 minute read

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can write your quotes, follow-ups and customer messages in seconds, and the free versions are plenty. The trick is knowing what to type in. Here are eight prompts you can copy, paste and use today.

How to use them: copy a prompt, replace the bits in [square brackets] with your details, paste it into the AI app and hit send. If the result isn't quite right, just tell it what to change: "shorter", "less formal" or "mention I'm free Thursday".

1. Make the AI sound like you

Paste this at the start of a chat (or save it in ChatGPT's Custom instructions) so everything sounds like a local tradie, not an American corporation.

You are my office assistant for my [trade] business in [area], Australia. Use Australian English. Write like a friendly, reliable local tradie: short sentences, no jargon, no corporate waffle. Never make up prices or dates. Sign off as [name], [business name].

2. Reply to a new enquiry

Write a reply to this customer enquiry, under 100 words: [paste their message]. I want to [book a site visit / ask for photos]. I'm available [days]. End with one clear next step.

3. Follow up a quote

Most won quotes are won on the follow-up. This gets you three ready to go.

Write three follow-up messages for a quote I sent [customer first name] for [job] on [date]: a friendly text after 2 days, a short email after 7 days, and a polite last check-in after 14 days. Never pushy.

4. Explain a quote in plain English

Turn these quote items into a plain-English explanation for a homeowner. One sentence per item on what it is and why it's needed. Don't change prices: [paste quote items]

5. Ask for a Google review

Write a text under 45 words asking [first name] for a Google review after we [job]. Mention [something specific]. Include my link: [review link]. Warm, not pushy.

6. Chase an overdue invoice

Write a friendly text reminding [name] that invoice [number] for $[amount] was due on [date]. Assume they forgot. Under 40 words.

7. Turn a job into a social media post

Write a Facebook post about this job in [suburb]: the problem was [problem], we [what you did]. Start with a hook, keep it under 90 words, end with "call or message for a quote", and add 4 local hashtags.

8. Tidy up any message

The one you'll use most. Type it however it comes out.

Tidy up this message so it's clear and professional but still sounds like me. Keep it about the same length: [paste your rough message]

Three rules for using AI safely

• Always read it before you send it. AI can get prices, dates and technical details wrong.
• Keep private details out. Use first names and suburbs, and add addresses or bank details yourself.
• It doesn't know the rules. For contracts, variations or safety, check with your licensing body or industry association.