“AI Tools for Beginners Who Still Use Pen and Paper (And Swear at Printers)”
Let’s be honest. If you’re anything like me, your idea of “organisational tech” is a chewed-up biro, a notebook from the 80s, and half a dozen post-its stuck to the kettle.
Now everyone’s banging on about AI this, AI that. “Use AI to automate your business!” they shout. Meanwhile, you’re still trying to remember which password has a capital letter and a bloody symbol in it.
So, for the normal folk—the ones who call their laptop “the bloody thing”—here’s a no-nonsense list of AI tools that won’t make your brain melt or your bank account cry.
🤖 1. ChatGPT – Your Digital Mate Who Doesn’t Judge
What it does:
You type in a question. It gives you an answer. That’s it. You can ask it to write an email, give you ideas for blog posts, or explain TikTok like you’re 82.
Why it’s useful:
It won’t laugh when you ask, “How do I make a PDF?” It just tells you.
Real use:
I asked it to write a product description for a photo scanner. It came back with:
“Capture timeless memories with precision and emotion.”
Bit cheesy, but better than what I had:
“Scans your old photos so they don’t get mouldy in a shoebox.”
🖼 2. Canva – Because We’re Not All Designers, Are We?
What it does:
Makes anything look like it was made by someone with taste. Social media posts, eBooks, flyers, you name it.
Why it’s useful:
Templates. Glorious, ready-made, idiot-proof templates.
Real use:
I made my first lead magnet in Canva. Took 40 minutes, looked like it came from an ad agency. If they had a working kettle and a Greggs obsession.
📩 3. Systeme.io – Website Builder for People Who Think “Funnels” Are Plumbing
What it does:
Lets you build a basic website, sales page, or email list without hiring some hoodie-wearing web designer who drinks oat milk and talks in acronyms.
Why it’s useful:
Because your cousin’s mate who “does websites” has been promising to help since 2021.
Real use:
Built a one-page sales site in one afternoon. Cost nowt. Took longer to write the copy than to build the thing.
📝 4. Notion AI – The Smart Notebook You Can’t Lose Down the Back of the Sofa
What it does:
Organises your thoughts, makes to-do lists, and helps you actually find them again.
Why it’s useful:
Let’s face it—you’ve probably got passwords written on the back of a takeaway menu. Notion keeps everything in one place. No garlic sauce stains.
Real use:
I asked it to turn my scruffy notes into a content plan for my blog. It did it in under a minute, didn’t sigh once.
🧰 Final Tip: Don’t Try Them All at Once
Pick one. Use it. Get comfortable. Then try another. AI won’t fix your life in a week, but it can stop you from spending six hours trying to find that email you definitely remember writing.
The trick is to treat AI like a helpful apprentice—not the boss, and not the enemy. It’s not going to nick your job. But it might help you finish early for once.
And if in doubt, turn it off and go make a brew. That still works.