Small Changes = Less Email Stress. Here’s Where To Start
Inbox overwhelm is a classic small business problem.
But before you hire a VA to take it off your hands (hi, I’m available!), here are a few simple fixes that can help you breathe easier and make it even smoother when you do bring someone in.
✂️ Step 1: Ruthless Unsubscribe
Let’s be real you are not going to read 90% of those newsletters.
Tools like Unroll.me or Clean Email can help you mass unsubscribe or roll non-urgent emails into one tidy daily digest.
This one change alone can cut your daily inbox volume in half. Magic.
🔍 Step 2: Create “Focus” Folders
No need for a full-on colour-coded filing cabinet (unless you like that sort of thing). Just start with:
To Read
To Reply
To Do
Drag and drop. Mentally offload. Repeat as needed.
Bonus: This makes it much easier to delegate inbox support later — because you’ve already grouped the chaos.
🧠 Step 3: Use Email Templates (Yes, You Can Copy & Paste)
If you keep writing the same phrases — “Thanks for your enquiry”, “Please see attached invoice”, “Sorry for the delay” — it’s time to template them.
Apps like Text Blaze (or even a Google Doc of go-to replies) can save you serious time.
Future You will be very grateful.
⏱️ Step 4: Check Less Often (Really)
Try checking emails at set times instead of living in them:
📥 10am
📥 1pm
📥 4pm
This is wildly effective and very hard to do at first. But training yourself (and your clients) that you’re not always on tap is a productivity game-changer.
👋 Step 5: When You're Still Swamped, Call In Backup
If your inbox still gives you the ick even after these changes? It’s time to get support.
A virtual assistant can:
Set up filters, rules, and folders
Reply to routine messages
Flag the things that actually need you
Delete the 27th email saying “Sale ends tonight!”
We don’t just “check” your inbox. We clean it, sort it, and help you never fear the red dot again.
Inbox Peace Is Possible — Even Before You Hire a VA
But if these fixes aren’t enough or if you’re already drowning, I’m here.
I offer no-fuss inbox management for small UK business owners.
You stay in your zone of genius. I’ll handle the admin avalanche.
📥 Ready to breathe again? Let’s chat.