If you’re running a creative business, you already know the truth:
you’re not just doing “the work.”
You’re doing sales, client onboarding, creating proposals, sending invoices, answering the same emails, managing files, following up, and trying to keep the whole machine running without losing your mind.
After building systems for creative entrepreneurs, coaches, and service providers for years, I’ve noticed something consistent:
Most people are drowning in repetitive tasks they shouldn’t be doing.
Not because they’re lazy — but because no one ever showed them simple automations that save 20+ hours every single month.
In this article, I’ll break down the exact automations I use for clients (and inside GetPerfectWebsite) that remove busywork and free you up for the work that actually grows your business.
Let’s make your business smoother, lighter, and a whole lot smarter.
Why Automation Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs
Here’s my honest take after working with dozens of founders:
You don’t need “fancy systems.”
You need simple automations that work consistently, even on your busiest days.
Automation isn’t about replacing the personal parts of your business — it’s about eliminating the stuff that steals your time and mental energy.
Think of it like digital delegation.
If a task can be automated, it should be.
The 7 Automations That Save My Clients 20+ Hours/Month
1. Automatic Lead Capture + Instant Follow-Up
The problem:
People inquire… and then life happens. You reply late, they lose interest, and the sale disappears.
The automation:
- Website form → CRM
- CRM → Instant “Thanks for reaching out!” email
- Auto-create deal/pipeline stage
- Optional: send a link to book a discovery call
Hours saved: 3–4/month
Bonus: Your brand looks organized and premium.
Tools that work: Dubsado, HoneyBook, ClickUp, Notion + Zapier
2. Proposal → Contract → Invoice… All In One Flow
This is my favorite.
If your workflow still looks like:
- Send proposal
- Wait
- Send contract
- Wait
- Send invoice
…you’re wasting hours.
The automation:
One link sends everything. Once the client signs, the invoice triggers automatically.
No back-and-forth. Zero manual steps.
Real client example:
A brand designer I worked with went from 4-day onboarding to 45 minutes.
Hours saved: 5–6/month
3. Automated Onboarding with a Personal Touch
This one removes so. much. chaos.
Automation flow:
- After payment → send welcome email
- Deliver onboarding guide + questionnaire
- Auto-create client folder
- Auto-create project tasks or timeline
- Optional: send client portal link
Why it works:
You set expectations early and eliminate “What’s next?” messages.
Hours saved: 3–5/month
4. Calendar + Reminder Automation
Missed calls? Double bookings? Endless follow-up messages?
Gone.
Your system should:
✔ Sync your availability
✔ Send reminders
✔ Auto-reschedule
✔ Trigger tasks based on meeting type
Example:
When someone books a brand strategy session, my system automatically adds meeting notes sections inside my Notion project.
Hours saved: 1–2/month
5. Content Repurposing Automation
This is a game changer for creatives and coaches.
Most people create content once and let it die.
Automation lets it work harder for you.
Flow example:
- Post a long-form blog → auto-send summary to email list
- Upload one video → AI generates social captions
- Scheduled weekly posting without manual uploads
Hours saved: 4–6/month
Bonus: More content consistency = better SEO and brand authority.
6. File Management + Backup Automation
You don’t realize how much time you waste hunting down files until you fix it.
Automation:
- Client folder auto-created
- Standard subfolders auto-generated
- Weekly auto-backup to cloud storage
- Auto-tag completed deliverables
Hours saved: 1–2/month
Also saves: sanity.
7. Automated Review + Offboarding Sequence
At the end of a project, you should automatically ask for:
✔ Testimonials
✔ Referrals
✔ Google reviews
✔ Feedback
✔ A gentle reminder of your retainer or support plan
I’ve seen clients get 50% more testimonials just from this.
Hours saved: 2–3/month
Revenue gained: often more than hours saved.
The 20+ Hours Saved Every Month — Recap
Here’s where your time savings usually come from:
| Automation | Hours Saved |
| Lead follow-up | 3–4 hrs |
| Proposal → Invoice | 5–6 hrs |
| Onboarding | 3–5 hrs |
| Calendar automation | 1–2 hrs |
| Content repurposing | 4–6 hrs |
| File management | 1–2 hrs |
| Offboarding | 2–3 hrs |
| Total | 19–28 hrs |
And this doesn’t even include the mental load you free up.
How to Start Automating (The Simple Way)
Step 1 — Identify your “highest annoyance” task
What’s the one thing you’re sick of doing?
Start with that.
Not the “most important” task — the biggest annoyance.
Step 2 — Map your workflow
List what happens from:
- Lead → Client
- Project start → Project end
You’ll see gaps instantly.
Step 3 — Automate one workflow at a time
Most creative entrepreneurs try to automate everything at once and burn out.
Start tiny. Build momentum.
Step 4 — Use tools that fit your brain
Don’t force yourself into tools you hate.
My rule:
The best tool is the one you’ll actually use.
Quick Checklist: 7 Automations You Should Set Up
- Automated lead capture + follow-up
- Proposal → Contract → Invoice flow
- Seamless onboarding
- Calendar reminders + call pipeline
- Content repurposing system
- Automatic file organization
- Offboarding & review request sequence
If you set these up, your business will run smoother — guaranteed.
Ready to automate your business and reclaim your time?
If you want help setting up stress-free systems, automations, and a website that actually converts…
👉 Book a strategy call and let’s build the backend of your business the right way.
I’ll help you implement the exact systems that save my clients 20+ hours every month — without overcomplicating anything.