3 Automation Tools Every Aussie Tradie Should Know
A recent survey by MYOB found that 42% of small businesses in Australia spend more than 5 hours a month on financial admin. That's time you could be spending on the tools, not stuck behind a desk wrestling with paperwork. The good news is that automation tools can slash your admin time while boosting your bottom line.
Job Management Software
Fergus is a powerful job management software designed to help tradies run their business smarter, simpler, and more profitably. Built specifically for trade businesses, Fergus streamlines day-to-day operations by simplifying quoting, scheduling, reporting, and payments – all in one powerful platform. With Fergus, collecting payments is easier than ever. Clients can pay directly through the platform, reducing admin time and improving cash flow. Similar platforms like ServiceM8 and Ascora offer comparable features, with prices typically starting around $45-89 per month.
Automated Accounting and Invoicing
Thriday: This newcomer to the scene is making waves with its focus on automation and ease of use. Thriday offers features specifically designed for tradies, like job costing and mobile app functionalities that make managing finances on the go a breeze. Xero is online accounting software for your building company which makes it super easy to automate your admin. Plus, you can work from anywhere, even your ute! These tools automatically sync with your bank accounts and generate invoices, saving hours of manual data entry each week.
Customer Communication Automation
Jarryd was already in the Google Ads game, but we ventured into enhancing his organic SEO with some blogging and pumping up his Google Reviews through automation. Shortly after launching his SEO strategy, we integrated him with Trade Magnet for Google Review Automation. Automate routine communication with clients, provide better service and generate more work. Tools like Trade Magnet and automated SMS services can send appointment reminders, follow-up messages, and review requests without you lifting a finger, keeping customers happy and generating repeat business.
Getting Started
Start with one tool and master it before adding others to your tech stack. The key here is automation: if you're able to reduce your business admin by an hour or two each week, the cost of these solutions is quickly paid off by benefits to productivity. Most platforms offer free trials, so you can test them risk-free. At Coastal Programs, we help local businesses implement these automation tools to reduce admin time and increase profitability, so you can focus on what you do best.
