Plenty of trades business owners didn't get into the game to spend half the day on the phone quoting. You started your business because you're good at what you do — not because you love marketing yourself online.
But here's the thing: being great at your trade isn't enough to keep the phone ringing. Mates recommending you still matters, but it's unpredictable - especially when things get quiet.
What are the busy tradies doing differently? These are some no-BS strategies that get results - no thousands of dollars.
Set Up a Proper Digital Footprint
If a homeowner Googles "electrician in your area" - are you anywhere to be seen? Heaps of trades businesses haven't set up even a basic website.
You don't need a $10k custom site. A straightforward website that has real job photos, mentions the suburbs you operate in, and has a clear way to get in touch - that's where you start.
A one-page setup that covers the essentials puts you ahead of like this most of your competition.
Google Maps - Still the Easiest Win
If you're not on your Google Maps listing, you're handing work to your competition. Zero dollars to set up.
Those three local results that shows up at the top when someone searches for a trade - that's where you want to be. And getting there comes down to filling out your listing properly.
- Add pictures from actual jobs - not stock images
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews - this is massive for trust
- Engage with what people write - it shows you're active and approachable
- Make sure your phone number and service area are correct
These small things builds up quietly. Tradies who stay on top of their profile beat out the competition that ignores it.
Posting Your Work Online - It's Not Rocket Science
Nobody's asking you to be some social media expert. The tradies who get results from social media keep it dead simple.
Take a quick pic when you finish a job. Before and afters are absolute gold. A fresh switchboard - that's all you need.
Write a line or two about the job and that's it, done. Even once or twice a week is plenty. Every photo you share is another piece of proof.
Customers believe actual results over polished ads. Real work on display does more for your business than a professionally designed ad campaign - because there's no faking it.
Online Advertising - When They Make Sense
Spending money on online ads gets results when it's set up properly - but it needs to be done with a plan. The tradies who get burnt is boosting random Facebook posts.
Before putting budget behind anything: have a landing page that works. All the clicks in the world won't help if people can't find your phone number.
Don't go all-in on day one. Track which ads bring actual calls. Put more behind what works and cut what doesn't.
Customer Reviews - More Powerful Than Any Ad
A fact that doesn't get talked about enough: most people looks at what other people have said about you first. Someone with a stack of real feedback beats the competition over someone with zero social proof - regardless of price.
Build it into your process to follow up with a review request. People generally don't mind - you just have to ask. Text them the Google review link and you'll be surprised how many follow through.
If you get a bad review, reply calmly and factually - your response to complaints tells potential customers as much about you as the good reviews do.
What It All Comes Down To
Marketing your trades business isn't overwhelming. The busy ones aren't marketing geniuses - they set up a few things properly and keep showing up.
Get your online profile in order. Let your jobs do the talking. Ask happy customers to back you up online. If you run ads, be strategic about where the budget goes.
Your skills aren't the problem - the growth stuff doesn't take as much as you'd expect once you get the ball rolling.