Lemme ask you something; what would your life look like if you didn’t start every day with the same, boring to-do list?

You know the one I’m talking about:

✅ Getting back to each and every one of your leads

✅ Following up to schedule meetings

✅ Posting your latest video on IG

✅ Sending your clients project updates, galleries and/or brand guides

What if, instead of dedicating an hour of most, if not ALL your days to those repetitive responsibilities, you got to cut to the good part. You know, doing your craft with passion and excitement without the nagging fear that you’re forgetting something.

I keep talking about the power of ✨automation✨ because I want to empower you with the support you need to make that daydream a reality.

Instead of investing so much time in keeping up with your creative business, you could be putting your system to work for you. That means more time working with dream clients, plotting your next biz glow up and doing the things you love that aren’t work related guilt-free.

Let’s break down how to turn your manual processes into automated flows:

✈️ Explore Integrations

Start by checking out your current platforms. You’d be surprised at how many integrations between platforms can be set up super easily in the settings. These hidden gems can amp up your capacity without you having to create a new account or even have a second thought. Think of it as leveling up your game effortlessly.

Adjust Your Settings

Go into the settings of your most-loved organization software and find the “Integrations” tab. You’ll see a whole new world of ways to simplify your processes and save time.

Here are some of my all-time fave integrations I think you’ll love, too:

Zoom x Google Calendar

This integration is a no-brainer if you use Google Calendar. This allows you to seamlessly turn calendar events into Zoom calls with a single click, saving you tons of time creating separate Zoom events in another window.

HoneyBook x PicTime

This one is a game changer for my photographers out there. The PicTime integration in HoneyBook allows you to automatically create new galleries automatically when clients book, link galleries to projects and more.

Trello x Gmail

This one comes in clutch if emailing clients during projects is your main form of communicating with them. Gmail by Cardbox allows you to keep track of all email correspondence right in your Trello project management space. You can also send emails right there in the card to truly keep your project updates all in one place!

Check Platform Compatibility

This one is most relevant when you’re adding a new platform to your system’s arsenal. Something that should help you decide on a platform is how well it works with the ones you already have. You also want to make sure that you aren’t adding something to your toolkit that has a lot of feature overlap with a platform you already have. That said, if you know it’s worth it and makes up for duplicate functionality with powerful and novel features you plan to use, go for it!

💆🏿Automate for More You-Time

Automation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your ticket to having more time for yourself and moving your biz forward instead of just keeping up. By automating those repetitive tasks, you’ll have the freedom to take on more clients, brainstorm, and strategize like a boss. More clients, less stress – sounds good, right?

Explore Your Project Management Tools

To make the most of what you have, you want to make sure you’re using the right tools for the job. Take a look at project management platforms you’re currently using and approach them with your project priorities in mind. Look for features that match your needs, like task assignments, deadlines, and easy file sharing.

Platforms such as Asana, Trello, or Notion are great places to start. New to project management platforms? Experiment with a few to find the one that fits your workflow best and helps you stay productive.

Try Workflow Automation Software

A good automation is like a personal assistant for your projects and day to day tasks. Explore tools like Zapier to automate repetitive tasks and cut down on manual work. Automation software allows you to automate workflows without having to code or have a specific set of hardware skills.

Schedule some time on your calendar to try out different automation scenarios to see where you can save time and make your creative process smoother.

Set Up Email Automations

Emails can come in clutch when it comes to staying connected with clients but who has time for all that manual emailing? Email automations allow you to share and request important info from clients and leads at the perfect moment in your project.

The best way to get started is to identify common email scenarios in your workflow, like sending updates or requesting feedback. Then, use the email workflow feature in your client management platform to create automated sequences.

Infuse your messaging with your brand personality and voice, and schedule them to send based on project milestones. Once these automations are in place, you’ll spend a lot less time in your inbox and more time bringing your creative ideas to life.

🤯 Don’t Overthink It

Sure, automation might seem overwhelming and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Small and simple changes can make a big difference and are wayyyy easier than doing things manually. Whether it’s automating emails, setting up social media posts, or managing leads, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Start Small

As you dip your toes into automating your processes, remember to start small. It’s tempting to want to automate everything at once, but taking on too much can feel overwhelming.

Instead, identify one or two tasks that you find yourself doing repeatedly and consider how automation could streamline them. Maybe it’s setting up automatic email responses for inquiries or scheduling social media posts ahead of time. By starting with manageable tasks, you can get familiar with the process and confidently build more automated support into your creative business over time.

Use the Tools You Have

Chances are, you already have some tools in your arsenal with automation features you aren’t using yet. Take a closer look at the platforms you’re already using for automation and integration features. For example, lots of email marketing platforms include built-in automation features for sending targeted campaigns or nurturing leads. By making the most of the tools you already have, you can start automating with platforms you’re familiar with and do it without breaking the bank.

Believe me when I say automation’s the shortcut to simplifying your life and making your business run smoother. Embrace it!

Automations are one of the many things I build into my client’s systems during a Custom Project. Wanna get started? Here’s where you can get more info and apply!