When I first started my cookie business, I was glued to my phone 24/7—checking DMs, writing emails, responding to class questions, following up on invoices… the list went on forever. I thought that kind of hustle was just part of being a small business owner.

But let me tell you: there’s a better way.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the busy work—the kind that keeps you up late and makes you dread opening your inbox—it’s time to automate. Setting up just a few simple systems completely changed the way I run my business. Now, I have more time to do what I actually love: decorating cookies, teaching classes, and dreaming up new ideas.

Let’s talk about 6 automations I use regularly—and how they can save you time, reduce stress, and make your business feel a whole lot lighter.

1. Welcome Email Sequences

Your email list is gold—but writing every welcome email manually? No thanks. I use automations to send new subscribers a pre-written sequence that introduces them to my business. They learn who I am, what I offer, and how I can help. Once it’s set up, it runs in the background while I get back to cookies and class prep.

2. Launch Reminder Emails

Every time I open up cookie pre-orders or class registration, I’ve already scheduled a series of emails to go out to my list. I map it all out on a calendar—when to announce, when to send reminders, and when to close the cart. I write the emails once, schedule them, and I’m done. No scrambling or forgetting to send a last-minute push.

3. Abandoned Cart Follow-Ups

Ever have someone add cookies to their cart… and then disappear? Automated cart reminders bring them back. It’s a small nudge—“Hey, don’t forget your cookies!”—and it makes a big difference in sales. I saw way more conversions when I started using this for pre-sales and classes.

4. Class Sign-Ups & Payments

Let your website do the heavy lifting. I use platforms like Wix or Square to handle class registrations and payments. Students reserve their spot, pay up front, and automatically get a confirmation email with all the details. No manual invoicing, no chasing payments, no last-minute confusion.

5. Confirmation Emails

You know what’s better than a customer asking “Did my payment go through?” Getting an automated email that says: “You’re in! Here are the details.” Setting up a simple confirmation email for orders and class sign-ups builds trust and reduces questions—plus, it makes your business feel polished and professional.

6. Social Media Scheduling

Posting on the fly is a fast track to burnout. I batch a week’s worth of content at a time and schedule it using Meta’s built-in tools for Facebook and Instagram. Hooks, captions, pinned comments—it’s all done ahead of time so I’m not tied to my phone all day (or accidentally doom-scrolling when I meant to post!).

Don’t Do It All at Once

If this list feels overwhelming, take a deep breath. You don’t have to implement everything today. Just pick one automation—whether it’s email, payment processing, or social media—and start there. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter your workload feels with just one system in place.

You deserve a business that doesn’t drain you.

And these small behind-the-scenes tweaks? They make a huge difference in how smoothly (and sustainably!) things run.

Want to make the most of your time?

Grab my free guide: How to Make a Full-Time Income with Your Cookies

It’s packed with practical ways to simplify, streamline, and grow your cookie business without the constant hustle.