AI & Automation Tips

AI & Automation Tips

7 Free AI Tools Every Tradesperson Should Know About

Time-saving, easy-to-use AI tools to help you run your business better.

James Harding

1. ChatGPT (Free Plan)

Best for: Writing quotes, replying to messages, or planning your week.

You can use ChatGPT to write professional-sounding customer replies, explain things in simple terms, or help structure documents like T&Cs or job quotes. Think of it like having a smart assistant you can ask for help — with no fluff.

Try it: chat.openai.com

2. Canva Magic Design

Best for: Creating flyers, logos, or social media posts.

Canva has a built-in AI design assistant that can create clean, professional marketing materials in seconds. Just type what you need (like “plumbing flyer”) and it gives you a full layout — no design skills needed.

Try it: canva.com

3. Google Lens

Best for: Identifying parts, tools, or materials.

Snap a photo of something you’re unsure about — a pipe fitting, a material, or a broken part — and Google Lens will tell you what it is, what it does, and where to buy it.

Try it: Available via the Google app on iOS/Android.

4. Otter.ai (Free Plan)

Best for: Transcribing voice notes or customer calls.

If you prefer talking over typing, Otter.ai converts speech into text — great for documenting job details, creating quick notes, or keeping a record of important calls.

Try it: otter.ai

5. Grammarly

Best for: Polishing emails or job quotes.

Grammarly checks your writing for spelling, grammar, and tone. It’s like having a proofreader, helping you look more professional in every message or quote you send.

Try it: grammarly.com

6. Trello + AI Add-Ons

Best for: Organising jobs and staying on top of your schedule.

Trello is a simple task board — and with AI plugins (like AI-powered card summaries or reminders), it becomes a powerful way to stay organised, track job status, and never forget a follow-up.

Try it: trello.com

7. TradePro 360 (Bonus Mention)

Best for: Calling leads, answering missed calls, and booking jobs.

While not completely free, we had to include this. TradePro 360 uses custom AI voice agents to answer your calls and follow up with leads instantly — so you never miss a job opportunity again. It pays for itself by turning lost leads into booked jobs — all while you stay focused on the work.

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just for big companies or tech experts anymore. These tools are easy to use, often free, and designed to help you save time, look more professional, and grow your business — even if you’ve never used AI before.

Start with just one or two tools that feel useful. You’ll be surprised how much time and stress they can save you.

1. ChatGPT (Free Plan)

Best for: Writing quotes, replying to messages, or planning your week.

You can use ChatGPT to write professional-sounding customer replies, explain things in simple terms, or help structure documents like T&Cs or job quotes. Think of it like having a smart assistant you can ask for help — with no fluff.

Try it: chat.openai.com

2. Canva Magic Design

Best for: Creating flyers, logos, or social media posts.

Canva has a built-in AI design assistant that can create clean, professional marketing materials in seconds. Just type what you need (like “plumbing flyer”) and it gives you a full layout — no design skills needed.

Try it: canva.com

3. Google Lens

Best for: Identifying parts, tools, or materials.

Snap a photo of something you’re unsure about — a pipe fitting, a material, or a broken part — and Google Lens will tell you what it is, what it does, and where to buy it.

Try it: Available via the Google app on iOS/Android.

4. Otter.ai (Free Plan)

Best for: Transcribing voice notes or customer calls.

If you prefer talking over typing, Otter.ai converts speech into text — great for documenting job details, creating quick notes, or keeping a record of important calls.

Try it: otter.ai

5. Grammarly

Best for: Polishing emails or job quotes.

Grammarly checks your writing for spelling, grammar, and tone. It’s like having a proofreader, helping you look more professional in every message or quote you send.

Try it: grammarly.com

6. Trello + AI Add-Ons

Best for: Organising jobs and staying on top of your schedule.

Trello is a simple task board — and with AI plugins (like AI-powered card summaries or reminders), it becomes a powerful way to stay organised, track job status, and never forget a follow-up.

Try it: trello.com

7. TradePro 360 (Bonus Mention)

Best for: Calling leads, answering missed calls, and booking jobs.

While not completely free, we had to include this. TradePro 360 uses custom AI voice agents to answer your calls and follow up with leads instantly — so you never miss a job opportunity again. It pays for itself by turning lost leads into booked jobs — all while you stay focused on the work.

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just for big companies or tech experts anymore. These tools are easy to use, often free, and designed to help you save time, look more professional, and grow your business — even if you’ve never used AI before.

Start with just one or two tools that feel useful. You’ll be surprised how much time and stress they can save you.

1. ChatGPT (Free Plan)

Best for: Writing quotes, replying to messages, or planning your week.

You can use ChatGPT to write professional-sounding customer replies, explain things in simple terms, or help structure documents like T&Cs or job quotes. Think of it like having a smart assistant you can ask for help — with no fluff.

Try it: chat.openai.com

2. Canva Magic Design

Best for: Creating flyers, logos, or social media posts.

Canva has a built-in AI design assistant that can create clean, professional marketing materials in seconds. Just type what you need (like “plumbing flyer”) and it gives you a full layout — no design skills needed.

Try it: canva.com

3. Google Lens

Best for: Identifying parts, tools, or materials.

Snap a photo of something you’re unsure about — a pipe fitting, a material, or a broken part — and Google Lens will tell you what it is, what it does, and where to buy it.

Try it: Available via the Google app on iOS/Android.

4. Otter.ai (Free Plan)

Best for: Transcribing voice notes or customer calls.

If you prefer talking over typing, Otter.ai converts speech into text — great for documenting job details, creating quick notes, or keeping a record of important calls.

Try it: otter.ai

5. Grammarly

Best for: Polishing emails or job quotes.

Grammarly checks your writing for spelling, grammar, and tone. It’s like having a proofreader, helping you look more professional in every message or quote you send.

Try it: grammarly.com

6. Trello + AI Add-Ons

Best for: Organising jobs and staying on top of your schedule.

Trello is a simple task board — and with AI plugins (like AI-powered card summaries or reminders), it becomes a powerful way to stay organised, track job status, and never forget a follow-up.

Try it: trello.com

7. TradePro 360 (Bonus Mention)

Best for: Calling leads, answering missed calls, and booking jobs.

While not completely free, we had to include this. TradePro 360 uses custom AI voice agents to answer your calls and follow up with leads instantly — so you never miss a job opportunity again. It pays for itself by turning lost leads into booked jobs — all while you stay focused on the work.

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t just for big companies or tech experts anymore. These tools are easy to use, often free, and designed to help you save time, look more professional, and grow your business — even if you’ve never used AI before.

Start with just one or two tools that feel useful. You’ll be surprised how much time and stress they can save you.

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