Running a small business often feels like juggling twenty balls at once. From sales to customer service, marketing to bookkeeping, the to-do list never ends. The good news? Automation can take some of that weight off your shoulders and give you back precious time to focus on growth. 

At D32 Business Network, we see this every day. Our community of expert business owners knows that success isn’t just about systems and processes – it’s about having the right tools and knowledge in areas like sales, marketing, legal, customer service, operations, and team management. Automation is one of those game-changing tools. 

Here are some of the top automations every small business should consider:

1. Social Media Scheduling

Posting daily on social media can feel overwhelming. Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Meta’s own scheduler allow you to plan a month’s worth of content in just a couple of hours. 

• Batch-create posts weekly or monthly 
• Use a simple spreadsheet to map out topics 
• Let AI tools (like ChatGPT) help you brainstorm ideas 

With 70% of your content planned in advance, you’ll have more time for fresh, on-the-spot updates when they matter most.

2. Automated Invoices & Payments

Chasing unpaid invoices is one of the most draining tasks in business. Modern accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Stripe makes it easy to: 

• Send recurring invoices 
• Set up automated payment reminders 
• Track who’s paid and who hasn’t 

This means fewer awkward conversations about money and more reliable cash flow.

3. Email Marketing & Follow-Ups

If you’re not automating your follow-ups, you’re leaving money on the table. Platforms like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or HubSpot let you: 

• Welcome new leads with a professional email sequence 
• Nurture prospects over time without lifting a finger 
• Segment your audience for more personalised communication 

Even a simple “thank you for joining us” email series can make prospects feel valued and more likely to engage.

4. Lead Capture & CRM Automation

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is more than a fancy address book – it’s the backbone of your sales process. CRMs like Zoho, Salesforce, or Pipedrive can: 

• Automatically add new leads from forms or events 
• Tag and track where each prospect is in the journey 
• Trigger reminders for calls, meetings, or next steps 

With automation, no lead slips through the cracks—and your sales process feels effortless.

5. Task & Project Management

Automation isn’t just about external communication – it’s also about keeping your team aligned. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com allow you to: 

• Automatically assign tasks 
• Set recurring project checklists 
• Track deadlines and progress in real time 

This keeps everyone accountable without constant check-ins. 

 6. Customer Service Automations

From FAQs to first-line support, tools like Zendesk, Intercom, or chatbots help you serve clients 24/7 without draining your team. 

• Answer common questions automatically 
• Route enquiries to the right team member 
• Collect customer feedback seamlessly 

Happy customers = loyal customers. 

Why Automation Matters More Than Ever 

The biggest challenge small business owners face? Time. We hear it again and again at D32: “I don’t have time for social media, I don’t have time for follow-ups, I don’t have time for strategy.” 

Automation helps you reclaim hours each week, so you can focus on the work that truly moves the needle. 

And remember, automation isn’t about replacing human connection – it’s about freeing you up to focus on the parts of your business that matter most. 

Learn from the Best at D32 Business Network 

At D32 Business Network, our members don’t just talk about automation – they share real-world strategies and tools that are making a difference. Whether it’s systems, sales, marketing, legal, operations, team leadership, or customer service, our community of expert business owners is here to help you grow smarter. 

Want to see how other local business owners are automating for success? Join one of our business networking events in Perth and beyond. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, powerful connections, and strategies you can put into action right away.