Eric Ebbert VP, Marketing SaverSystemsPosted on
Marketing Series

Use AI Tools To Grow Your Business

Use AI Tools To Grow Your Business

Let’s be real: chimney sweeping isn’t exactly known for being high-tech. Most days you're wrestling with soot, weather, and homeowners who “forgot” you were coming (even though you texted them twice). But here’s the good news — Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for Silicon Valley types who build robot dogs. It can actually help you grow your business, save time, and maybe even get home before dark.

Here’s how you can use AI today to make your business smarter, faster, and easier to manage.

1. Automate Scheduling, Invoicing and Reminders
You know what’s more frustrating than a third-story chase cover with wasps under it? Chasing down payments and no-shows.

With tools like Housecall Pro, Jobber, or even a simple AI-powered Google Calendar + text reminder system, you can:

  • Let customers book appointments online
  • Automatically send “we’re coming tomorrow” texts
  • Follow up with invoices or receipts without lifting a finger

Got a client who always forgets their dryer vent cleaning every spring? Set up an automated text reminder with their name on it: “Hey Barb, it’s that time again — lint waits for no one!”

2. Get AI to Write Your Blog, Emails and Social Posts
Staring at a blank screen trying to write a Facebook post about chimney caps? AI’s can help.

With tools like ChatGPT or Jasper, you can:

  • Whip up blog articles like “5 Signs Your Chimney Needs Cleaning”
  • Create monthly newsletters reminding customers about spring maintenance
  • Post quick social content like:“Creosote: Flammable, sneaky, and living rent-free in your flue. Let’s fix that.”

You don’t need to be Shakespeare. Just feed the AI a few bullet points and let it do the heavy lifting.

3. Chatbots: Your New 24/7 Office Assistant
Customers expect instant answers, even if you’re currently crawling under a prefab fireplace insert. Tools like Tidio or Intercom can put a chatbot on your website that answers FAQs like:

  • “Do you service gas fireplaces?”
  • “How much is a chimney inspection?”
  • “Can I book online?”

It’ll collect customer info and shoot you a summary while you’re on another job. No more missed leads because you couldn’t answer the phone on a ladder.

4. Smarter SEO, More Google Love
You want to show up when someone Googles, “chimney sweep near me.” AI tools like Surfer SEO or even a little help from ChatGPT can:

  • Optimize your Google Business profile
  • Suggest better keywords to incorporate on your site
  • Help you respond to reviews without sounding like a robot

Example: Instead of replying “Thanks!” to a 5-star review, have AI help you write:
“Appreciate the kind words, Jason! Glad we could get your wood stove cleaned up before winter hit.”

5. Make Data Work for You (Without Needing a Spreadsheet Degree)
You’re probably already collecting job info — types of cleanings, areas serviced, upsells made. But are you using it?

AI + Google Sheets can help you analyze trends like:

  • Which neighborhoods call you most often (hint: target them with postcards or ads)
  • What services tend to get bundled together (chimney cleaning + cap replacement = easy upsell)
  • When your slow season hits hardest (great time for promos)

AI Won’t Sweep the Chimney — But It’ll Help You Do More of It
Look, you’re still going to need brushes, ladders, and a solid spine. AI’s not climbing a roof anytime soon. But it can:

  • Write better marketing
  • Automate the boring stuff
  • Help you stay top of mind with your customers

Bottom line? If it saves you time, books you more jobs, and helps you look more professional, it’s worth a shot.

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