How to Build an AI Email Assistant with CustomGPT That Writes and Replies to Emails for You (Step-by-Step Guide for Freelancers & Solopreneurs)

Let’s be honest—how many hours a week do you spend just writing or replying to emails? If you’re a freelancer, solopreneur, or small business owner, chances are the answer is “way too many.”

You sit down to work on your core projects, and next thing you know, your inbox pulls you into a vortex of client updates, pitches, follow-ups, and endless back-and-forth. It kills your productivity and drains your creative energy.

Well, you can. And in this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to build your own AI email assistant with CustomGPT that writes and replies to emails for you.


In 2025, we’re not just using AI for fancy chatbots or blog content. The real power lies in personal automation.

Here’s why freelancers and solopreneurs are racing to adopt AI email assistants:


What is CustomGPT? (Plain & Simple)

CustomGPT is a no-code platform that lets you build your own personalized AI assistant trained on your content, writing style, documents, and instructions.

It’s like having a super-smart virtual assistant that knows you, your business, and how you communicate.

What makes CustomGPT special?


Step-by-Step: Build Your AI Email Assistant with CustomGPT

1. Sign Up for CustomGPT

2. Create a New Assistant

From your dashboard, click “Create New Assistant.” Give it a friendly name like “Inbox Ninja” or “Email Buddy.”

3. Upload Your Training Materials

CustomGPT allows you to upload:

These help your AI understand your tone, typical replies, and workflow.

4. Customize Instructions

Tell your assistant what you expect. For example:

You are my virtual email assistant. You reply to client inquiries, send follow-ups, schedule meetings, and write emails in a friendly but professional tone. Always keep the messages short, actionable, and polite.

5. Train and Test It

Ask it to perform tasks like:

  • Write a cold outreach email
  • Reply to a late payment reminder
  • Send a project update

Example:

Prompt: “Reply to a client asking about a project delivery delay.”
AI Output:
Hi Sarah, thank you for checking in! The project is progressing well, and we’re currently resolving a minor technical issue. I expect to deliver the final version by Thursday. I appreciate your patience and will keep you updated.
Best, Alex

6. (Optional) Integrate with Gmail/Outlook

Use Zapier or Make.com to auto-tag emails, generate drafts, and even auto-send replies with human approval.


Use Case Examples

✔ Freelancers

  • Respond to client briefs
  • Send project updates and invoices
  • Follow-up on cold emails

✔ Coaches & Consultants

  • Book sessions
  • Send follow-ups and summaries
  • Answer inquiries

✔ Agencies

  • Send reports
  • Manage onboarding emails
  • Respond to client requests

✔ Virtual Assistants

  • White-label inbox support
  • AI assistant for your clients

Pros and Cons of Using CustomGPT for Email

Pros:

  • Save 5–10 hours/week on email
  • Consistent tone and voice
  • No technical skills needed
  • 24/7 inbox help

Cons:

  • Takes a bit of time to set up initially
  • May require tweaks for complex emails
  • Email automation requires Zapier for integration

Real Email Examples (Generated by AI)

1. Client Follow-Up

Hi Jason, just checking in to see if you had a chance to review the proposal I sent last week. Happy to hop on a call if you have any questions!

2. Project Update

Hello Maria, just a quick update: We’re about 80% through the website redesign. I’ll share the first draft on Friday. Let me know if you’d like to preview the homepage early.

3. Late Payment Reminder

Hey Mike, just a friendly reminder that Invoice #203 is still pending. Let me know if you need the link resent or have any issues with payment. Thanks!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can an AI really write and reply to my emails like me?

Yes! With your tone, templates, and examples uploaded, your AI can sound just like you.

Is my data secure with CustomGPT?

Yes. You have full control over what is uploaded and how it’s used.

Do I need coding or tech skills?

No coding needed. CustomGPT is 100% beginner-friendly.

Can I connect this to Gmail or Outlook?

Yes, using Zapier or Make.com for seamless automation.

How do I get the discount?


Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Let AI Handle Your Inbox

If you’re spending too much time on repetitive emails and inbox chaos, this is your solution.

Build your AI assistant today and reclaim your time with CustomGPT.


This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this blog!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *