A solo contractor can save 10-15 hours a week with the right 5 automations — and none of them require paying for a full admin. Here's exactly which ones, and why they matter.
The bad news: running a contracting business solo is a full-time job on top of field work. The good news: 5 automations save more time than a first-hire admin, for zero cost. 1) Appointment reminders (day-before + morning-of texts) — saves ~2 hrs/week + reduces no-shows. 2) Quote follow-up sequence (24hr, day 4, day 8, day 15) — lifts close rate 15-20 points. 3) Post-job review request 4 hours after completion — response rate is 3-5x what you get a week later. 4) Past-due invoice chase (day 1 text, day 7 email, day 14 phone task) — drops receivables from 60 to 30 days. 5) Weekly Sunday digest — 30-60 min saved reconstructing the week. Enable in order: reminders, review requests, quote follow-ups, invoice chase, weekly digest. All 5 ship on FieldKrew Free.