5 Ways I’ve Used ChatGPT to Start My Mobile Bookstore
When I set out to build my mobile bookstore, I expected to spend hours researching, planning and writing — but I didn’t expect that ChatGPT would become one of my most valuable tools along the way. From creating a business plan to designing social media content, this AI assistant has helped me bring my mobile bookstore dream to life faster and with a lot less stress.
In this post, I’m sharing 5 ways I’ve used ChatGPT to start my mobile bookstore — and how it can help other small business owners, creatives, and DIY entrepreneurs, too. Whether you’re planning a book trailer renovation or looking for fresh marketing ideas for your shop, you might be surprised at what this tool can do.
1️⃣Business Planning & Brainstorming
One of the first ways I used ChatGPT was for business planning and brainstorming. When I decided to start my mobile bookstore, I had many ideas but no clue how to pull them together. Chat helped me come up with a checklist of tasks I needed to complete and sort through all the random thoughts in my head. I put the checklist into an Excel file and got to work checking off tasks.
2️⃣DIY Support for Trailer Renovations
When it came to the DIY side of things, ChatGPT was very helpful during my book trailer renovation. I used it to figure out what kind of flooring would work best in a small space that needs to handle dirt, moisture, and lots of movement. It helped me weigh the pros and cons of different materials, come up with ideas for shelving and displays, and plan out the layout so the space would feel cozy but functional. Any time I wasn’t sure how to tackle something, I could ask Chat and get quick solutions that kept the project moving. Early in the brainstorming process, Chat even gave me some AI mockups that I could use as a template to help me envision my finished product.
3️⃣Administrative Support
Behind all the fun creative stuff, there was also a ton of boring-but-important admin work I had to figure out — like how to form an LLC, register my business name, and set up sales tax in my state. ChatGPT helped break it all down step by step. I could ask questions like, “How do I form an LLC in Kentucky?” or “Do I need a sales tax permit to sell books at pop-ups?” and get quick, easy-to-understand answers. It saved me hours of Googling.
4️⃣Marketing Help
Marketing was another area where ChatGPT came through for me. Here are a few areas I received AI help:
- Writing social media captions
- Helping me plan my soft opening
- Helping me write my email sequence
- Brainstorming catchy taglines for my blog
- Helping with SEO-optimization for this site
Anytime I needed a fresh idea Chat made it easier to keep my marketing on track.
5️⃣Staying Organized and Inspired
ChatGPT has also helped me stay organized and on track throughout the process of starting my mobile bookstore. I’ve used it to create checklists, to-do lists, timelines, and even basic business plans to keep everything moving forward. When I wasn’t sure what to focus on next, I could ask Chat for help prioritizing tasks. And whenever I hit a creative block, it was easy to get inspiration for displays or social posts. It’s been a simple, reliable tool to help me stay focused and keep the momentum going.
If you’re thinking about launching your own small business or creative project, I highly recommend giving ChatGPT a try. Feel free to share your experiences or questions in the comments. I’d love to hear how AI is helping you on your journey!
Until next time,
Happy reading & happy wandering —
𝓛𝓾𝓬𝓲
Owner & Book Curator of Wanderlust Wandering Book Bazaar
