You don't need expensive software. These four free tools handle the writing-heavy parts of running a contracting business.
The foundation. Writes estimates, follow-up texts, review responses, job descriptions, safety briefings — anything with words. Free at chat.openai.com.
Time saved: 3–5 hours/week on written communications
Transcribes voice memos automatically. Record your site visit notes, Otter converts them to text, paste into ChatGPT for an instant estimate draft. Free at otter.ai.
Time saved: 1–2 hours per estimate
Turn job photos into professional before/after social posts. Door hanger flyers. Estimate cover pages. No design skills needed. Free at canva.com.
Time saved: 30–60 min/week on visual content
Connects your apps. Job completed in your CRM → review request text fires automatically. New form submission → response sent in 2 minutes. Free at zapier.com.
Time saved: Eliminates manual triggers entirely
How to Get Started in 30 Minutes
- Create free ChatGPT account at chat.openai.com
- Download Otter.ai on your phone
- Save 5 prompts from TrickTrade.ai to your notes app
- Use the estimate follow-up prompt on your next open estimate
That's it. The rest builds from there.
Get 30 Copy-Paste Prompts — $47
The Contractor's AI Playbook has 30 prompts for every situation — with instructions for using each tool.
Get the Playbook — $47