You're a tradie. You don't have time for copywriting.
You're up at sparrow's fart, smashing out jobs, dealing with suppliers, chasing payments, and trying to get home before the kids are in bed. The last thing you want to do is sit down and write a "professional email" or craft the perfect Instagram caption. Tradies using ChatGPT are saving hours every week on exactly this kind of admin rubbish — and you can too.
Here's the thing: ChatGPT for tradies isn't about replacing your skills or pretending to be something you're not. It's about getting the boring stuff done faster so you can focus on what actually makes you money. Whether you're a sparkie, a chippy, a plumber, or running an HVAC crew, these prompts will work for you.
No tech degree required. No fancy setup. Just copy, paste, tweak, and you're done.
Look, you've probably heard the hype about AI. Most of it's rubbish that doesn't apply to real businesses run by real people.
But here's what ChatGPT actually does well:
The trick is knowing what to ask for. That's where most people stuff it up — they type "write me something good" and get generic garbage back.
The prompts below are specific, tested, and ready to use. Just swap in your details.
You sent a quote three days ago. Radio silence. You need to follow up without sounding desperate or pushy.
The Prompt:
Write a friendly follow-up email for a tradie business. I sent a quote for [bathroom renovation] to [Sarah] 4 days ago and haven't heard back. Keep it casual and Australian. Don't be pushy. Around 80 words.
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Hi Sarah,
Just checking in on the quote I sent through for your bathroom reno. No pressure at all — I know these decisions take time.
If you've got any questions or want to chat through the options, I'm happy to jump on a quick call or pop back around.
Either way, let me know when you get a chance. Cheers!
[Your name]
[Your business]
That took 10 seconds instead of 10 minutes staring at a blank screen.
You just finished a cracker of a job. You want to post it on Facebook or Instagram but "we did a thing" isn't cutting it.
The Prompt:
Write a short social media post for my trade business. We just finished [a full kitchen renovation in Bondi]. Include a call to action for people to get in touch. Keep it casual and under 50 words. I'm a [builder].
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Another kitchen transformation wrapped up in Bondi! 🔨 From tired 90s cabinets to a modern entertainer's dream. Took 3 weeks and the owners are stoked.
Thinking about your own reno? Shoot us a message for a free quote.
Add your photos, hit post, done. No overthinking required.
Someone left you a ripper 5-star review. You want to reply but "thanks mate" feels a bit thin.
The Prompt:
Write a reply to a positive Google review for my [plumbing] business. The customer's name is [Dave] and they mentioned we fixed their [hot water system] quickly. Keep it warm, professional, and under 50 words.
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Thanks so much for the kind words, Dave! Really glad we could sort out your hot water quickly — no one wants cold showers in winter. Appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Give us a shout if you ever need a hand again. Cheers!
And for the inevitable negative review:
The Prompt:
Write a professional reply to a negative Google review. The customer [complained about mess left behind]. Apologise without admitting fault, offer to make it right, and keep it under 60 words. Don't be defensive.
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Hi [Name], thanks for the feedback. We always aim to leave sites clean, so I'm sorry this wasn't your experience. I'd love the chance to make it right — please reach out directly on [phone] so we can sort this out for you. Appreciate you letting us know.
Professional, calm, and shows other people reading the review that you handle complaints properly.
Good workers are hard to find. Your job ad needs to stand out from the hundred other "SEEKING QUALIFIED SPARKIE" posts on Seek.
The Prompt:
Write a job ad for a [2nd year electrical apprentice] for my business in [Western Sydney]. We're a small team that does [residential and light commercial work]. Mention good pay, training, and that we're not cowboys. Keep it real — no corporate HR speak. Around 150 words.
What ChatGPT Gives You:
2nd Year Electrical Apprentice — Western Sydney
Looking for an apprentice who actually wants to learn the trade properly.
We're a small crew doing residential and light commercial across Western Sydney. No dodgy shortcuts, no nightmare bosses, just solid work with blokes who know what they're doing.
What you'll get:What we need:
- Competitive apprentice wages (paid weekly)
- Proper training, not just fetching coffees
- Variety of work so you're not bored
- A team that has your back
No time wasters. If you want to become a proper sparkie, send your details through.
- Someone reliable who shows up on time
- Current 1st year or ready to start 2nd
- Own transport (we'll cover fuel between sites)
- Keen attitude — skills we can teach, attitude we can't
Way better than "APPRENTICE WANTED. MUST BE PUNCTUAL."
Business is pumping. You need to let people know you can't take on work right now without losing them forever.
The Prompt:
Write a polite message telling potential customers we're fully booked for the next [6 weeks]. Offer to put them on a waitlist. Keep the door open for future work. Under 60 words. I run a [painting] business.
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Thanks so much for getting in touch! We're fully booked for the next 6 weeks, but I'd hate for you to miss out.
Happy to pop you on our waitlist — jobs sometimes free up earlier than expected, and you'll be first to know.
Drop me your details and I'll be in touch. Cheers!
Keeps the relationship warm instead of just saying "nah, too busy."
Your website says "We do plumbing" and nothing else. Time to fix that.
The Prompt:
Write website copy for my [blocked drain] service page. I'm a [plumber in Brisbane]. Include what we do, why choose us, and a call to action. Keep it simple and around 150 words. No fluff.
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Blocked Drain Plumber Brisbane
Nothing ruins your day like a blocked drain. Whether it's a slow bathroom sink, a backed-up toilet, or that funky smell coming from the kitchen, we'll sort it out fast.
What we do:Why choose us:
- CCTV drain inspections to find the problem
- High-pressure jet blasting to clear blockages
- Tree root removal
- Drain repairs and relining
Get it sorted today
- Same-day service across Brisbane
- Upfront pricing, no surprises
- Licensed and insured (QBCC #12345678)
- We show up when we say we will
Don't put up with blocked drains. Call us on [number] or fill out the form below for a free quote.
That's a proper service page in under a minute.
You met someone at a networking thing or they filled out your website form months ago. Time to re-engage without being annoying.
The Prompt:
Write a short follow-up email to someone who enquired about [a deck build] 3 months ago but didn't proceed. Check if they're still interested. Don't be salesy. Under 70 words. I'm a [carpenter].
What ChatGPT Gives You:
Hi [Name],
Hope you've been well! Just checking in — we chatted a few months back about building a deck at yours.
Totally understand if plans changed or the timing wasn't right. But if it's still on your radar, I'm happy to revisit the quote or answer any questions.
No pressure either way. Cheers!
[Your name]
Simple, friendly, and doesn't make you look desperate.
Yep. The basic version is free at chat.openai.com. You just sign up with an email. There's a paid version (ChatGPT Plus) with fancier features, but free works fine for everything in this article.
It'll sound professional but generic at first. The more detail you give (your trade, your location, your vibe), the better it gets. You can also say things like "make it sound like a real person, not a robot."
Absolutely. Swap out the trade name and job details. A prompt that works for a plumber works for a tiler, a roofer, or a concreter — just change the specifics.
Mate, is it cheating to use a nail gun instead of a hammer? It's a tool. You're still running the business, doing the work, and making the decisions. ChatGPT just handles the bits you're not interested in.
These seven prompts are just the start. If you want 25 more prompts specifically designed for Australian tradies — including templates for handling complaints, asking for referrals, writing warranty info, and more — check out the Australian Small Business AI Toolkit.
It's built for busy business owners who want results without the learning curve.
Now get back to work. 🔧