You’re flat out on the tools all day. Then, when you finally knock off, you’ve got quotes to send, emails to reply to, and maybe a Facebook post to write. That’s where ChatGPT comes in it’s like having a digital apprentice who never needs smoko. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to use ChatGPT prompts to save time, write better messages, and even bring in more jobs.
What ChatGPT Actually Is (in Plain English)
ChatGPT is an AI tool that writes things for you. You give it instructions called prompts and it turns them into content. It can write emails, ads, quotes, blog posts, and even safety checklists.
Think of it like your mate who’s good with words. You tell it what you want to say, and it does the typing.
If you’re new to AI, check out the AI Terms for Tradies Glossary it explains all the buzzwords in plain English so you can understand what’s really going on behind the scenes.
The Secret to Good Prompts (and Why Most People Get It Wrong)
A prompt is just the instruction you give ChatGPT. Most people type something quick like “Write a post about plumbing” and wonder why it sounds boring or robotic. The trick is to be specific.
Here’s the difference:
Bad Prompt:
“Write a post about plumbing.”
Good Prompt:
“Write a short Facebook post for a plumber in Sydney promoting 24/7 emergency callouts. Keep the tone friendly and local. Mention reliability and quick response time.”
The more context you give, the better the result. Include your trade, location, audience, and the style you want. Treat it like briefing a new apprentice clear instructions get better work.
Real ChatGPT Prompts Tradies Can Copy and Paste
Here are some ready-to-go prompt examples you can try right now.
For Plumbers
- “Write a follow-up text message for a plumbing quote sent two days ago. Keep it polite and friendly.”
- “Write a Google review reply thanking a customer from Parramatta who mentioned fast service.”
- “Create a short Facebook post about fixing hot water systems in Sydney. Keep it casual and upbeat.”
For Sparkies
- “Write a Google Business post for an electrician in Brisbane offering free safety checks before summer.”
- “Write an ad promoting same-day power restoration for emergency electrical jobs. Keep it confident but not salesy.”
- “Write a simple safety checklist for homeowners before calling an electrician.”
For Builders and Landscapers
- “Write a job quote email for a deck build in Newcastle. Keep it professional but friendly.”
- “Write an update message for a client about weather delays on their project.”
- “Write a social post showing before and after photos of a landscaping job in Toowoomba. Mention attention to detail and quality.”
Copy these into ChatGPT, tweak them to suit your business, and you’ll have polished, ready-to-send messages in seconds.
How to Train ChatGPT to Sound Like You
You can teach ChatGPT to match your tone by giving it a bit of background about your business. Start your prompt with context like this:
“Pretend you’re writing as Joe’s Plumbing in Brisbane. We’re a friendly, local plumbing team that prides itself on fast, reliable service. Keep the language simple and Australian.”
This sets the tone. ChatGPT will write more naturally and match your style. The more you use it, the better it learns how you like things worded. You can even paste examples of your old posts or emails and tell it to “write in this style.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though ChatGPT is powerful, it’s not perfect. Here are the main things to watch out for:
- Being too vague: Don’t assume it knows what you mean. Always include your trade, location, and tone.
- Not checking the output: Always proofread before sending or posting.
- Forgetting examples: If you want a certain format, show it one. Paste an example of your past work and say “follow this format.”
Treat ChatGPT like an apprentice. It can do a great job, but only if you give it clear direction and check its work before it goes out to the customer.
Turning Prompts Into Real Results
When used properly, ChatGPT can take hours off your weekly workload. It can help with admin, marketing, quotes, and customer communication.
Imagine spending less time writing emails and more time on the tools. Or having your next Facebook post ready in minutes instead of staring at a blank screen. That’s the real benefit of using AI.
At Trade Up Digital, we help tradies use AI and SEO to get more leads and build stronger online visibility. We’ve seen firsthand how AI tools can make marketing simpler, faster, and more effective for Aussie businesses.
If you want to start using AI without wasting time on trial and error, talk to our team at Trade Up Digital. We’ll show you how to use tools like ChatGPT to work smarter, not harder.
Wrap-Up: Let AI Take Some Weight Off Your Shoulders
AI won’t swing a hammer or fix a pipe, but it can make your admin and marketing easier. A few well-written prompts can save you hours and help you stay ahead of the competition.
Start small pick one prompt from this list and try it today. You’ll be surprised how much time you can save once ChatGPT starts doing the hard yards for you.
Ready to Get Found?
At Trade Up Digital, we help tradies like you show up on Google, get found in AI search, and turn clicks into real jobs.
👉 Ready to start booking bigger jobs?
What’s the best way for tradies to use ChatGPT?
Tradies can use ChatGPT for writing quotes, emails, reviews, job posts, and social media updates. The key is to be specific with your prompts so the results sound natural and relevant to your business.
Can ChatGPT help with SEO for tradies?
Yes. ChatGPT can help write blog drafts, website content, and Google Business posts using the right keywords. It won’t replace an SEO expert, but it’s a great starting point when guided by professionals like Trade Up Digital.
Is ChatGPT hard to use?
Not at all. If you can text a mate, you can use ChatGPT. You type what you want, and it writes it for you. Start simple, then refine your prompts as you go.
Bachelor Science – Major: Computer Science. Melbourne University.
Diploma Nutrition. Australian College of Natural Therapies
JILLIAN BRANDON
About the Author
With over three decades of experience in technology, programming, and digital marketing, Jillian Brandon has built a reputation as a leader in the evolution of intelligent online systems. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science, her early career included roles with major organisations such as the Australian Stock Exchange, Merrill Lynch, Fujitsu, and Liquid Air in the UK. This global experience established her deep technical expertise and strategic understanding of how digital systems and data shape business performance.
As the founder of Manifest Website Design and its specialist divisions Trade Up Digital and Rank for Care, Jillian now applies her extensive knowledge to the fields of SEO, automation, and AI development. She specialises in creating high-performing digital systems that combine search optimisation and AI-driven automation to deliver measurable growth. Her work positions her at the forefront of Australia’s emerging AI business landscape, helping companies leverage technology to gain a competitive advantage.