Most tradies didn't start out on their own to waste hours on the phone quoting. You went solo because you're good at what you do — not because you enjoy digital advertising.
But here's the thing: doing quality work doesn't guarantee a full calendar. Referrals still matters, but it's unpredictable - mostly when the market slows.
What are the busy tradies doing differently? Here are some practical things that get results - and none of them need thousands of dollars.
Sort Out Your Online Footprint
When someone Googles "plumber near me" - can they find you? Heaps of trades businesses still don't have any real web presence.
You don't need anything over the top. A straightforward site that shows photos of your work, lists where you work, and doesn't make people hunt for your number - that's where you start.
Even a single-page site with your services, contact details, and a few photos puts you ahead of most of your competition.
Google Business Profile - Costs Nothing, Does a Lot
If you've been sleeping on your GBP, you're missing the easiest free leads going. It costs nothing.
That map pack that shows up at the top when someone searches for a trade - those spots get the most calls. Showing up there starts with not leaving your profile half-empty.
- Put up photos of your work - real before-and-afters from site
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews - reviews are everything for local
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- Engage with what people write - it shows you're active and approachable
- Make sure your phone number and service area are correct
All of this adds up month after month. The ones who keep it updated end up above the ones who set and forget.
Posting Your Work Online - It's Not Rocket other info Science
Forget about being an influencer. The tradies who get results from social media keep it dead simple.
Snap a photo before you pack up and leave site. Side-by-side comparisons get the most engagement by far. A new deck or pergola - that tells the story on its own.
Write a line or two about the job and you're sorted. Even once or twice a week is plenty. Every photo you share builds your credibility.
Customers believe actual results over polished ads. An honest before-and-after beats paid ads nine times out of ten - because there's no faking it.
Online Advertising - Worth It If Done Right
Running Google Ads gets results when it's set up properly - but it needs to be done with a plan. Where most people waste their budget is running ads with no clear target.
If you're going to invest in ads: make sure your website actually converts. All the clicks in the world won't help if your site looks like it was built in 2005.
Test with a modest spend. Measure results, not just impressions. Double down on the winners and pull the plug on anything that's just burning cash.
Reviews and Reputation - More Powerful Than Any Ad
One thing a lot of tradies underestimate: most people checks reviews before making contact. A tradie with 50 genuine reviews beats the competition over a tradie with none - even if their prices are higher.
Build it into your process to follow up with a review request. Satisfied clients will do it - they just need a nudge. Text them the Google review link and most will do it on the spot.
Don't ignore or argue with bad feedback - your response to complaints says more about your business than you'd think.
What It All Comes Down To
Growing a trade business doesn't have to be complicated. Blokes with full schedules haven't cracked some secret code - they got the fundamentals right and stuck with it.
Get your online profile in order. Let your jobs do the talking. Ask happy customers to back you up online. And if you go the paid route, make sure the numbers add up before you scale.
Your skills aren't the problem - the marketing side is easier than most tradies think.