A lot of tradespeople didn't pick up a tool to spend half the day on the phone quoting. You started your business because you're bloody good at your trade — not because you wanted a career in chasing people for work.
The reality is: being great at your trade isn't enough to keep the phone ringing. Mates recommending you hasn't died, but it dries up - mostly when things get quiet.
What are the busy tradies doing differently? These are some practical things that actually make a difference - and none of them need a fancy agency.
Set Up a Proper Web Footprint
If a homeowner searches for "plumber near me" - are you anywhere to be seen? Heaps of owner-operators still don't have a proper online profile.
You don't need something complicated. A simple page that has real job photos, covers your service area, and doesn't make people hunt for your number - that's the baseline.
A one-page setup with your services, contact details, and a few photos already beats most of your competition.
Google Maps - Still the Easiest Win
If you've been sleeping on your Google Maps listing, discover this you're missing the easiest free leads going. Zero dollars to set up.
Those three local results that pops up before everything else when a homeowner needs a tradie - that's where you want to be. Ranking in the map pack comes down to having a complete, active profile.
- Put up photos of your work - not some generic handshake pic
- Get your happy clients to leave a review - people read these before they call
- Respond to reviews, good and bad - it makes a real
difference
- Make sure your phone number and service area are correct
All of this compounds over time. Blokes who put 20 minutes a month into this end up above the ones who set and forget.
Facebook and Instagram - Keep It Simple
Forget about being some social media expert. What works for trades businesses online aren't doing anything fancy.
Grab a shot of a completed project. Side-by-side comparisons get the most engagement by far. A finished bathroom reno - that's all you need.
Post it with a short caption and you're sorted. Consistency helps but don't stress about a schedule. Each post builds your credibility.
People trust actual results over polished ads. An honest before-and-after beats a professionally designed ad campaign - because there's no faking it.
Google Ads - When They Make Sense
Running Google Ads can absolutely work for tradies - but you can't just throw money at it. The tradies who get burnt is boosting random Facebook posts.
Before you spend a dollar: make sure your website actually converts. Paying for eyeballs is pointless if people can't find your phone number.
Start with a small budget. Measure results, not just impressions. Double down on the winners and pull the plug on anything that's just burning cash.
Reviews and Reputation - What People Check Before They Call
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: nearly every potential customer will read your reviews before they pick up the phone. Someone with a stack of real feedback will win the job over the bloke with no online presence - even if their prices are higher.
Build it into your process to ask for a review after every job. Satisfied clients will do it - you just have to ask. Make it as easy as possible and most will do it on the spot.
Respond to negative reviews professionally - your response to complaints is just as important as the positive ones.
Wrapping It Up
Growing a trade business doesn't have to be complicated. Blokes with full schedules aren't marketing geniuses - they set up a few things properly and keep showing up.
Sort out your web presence. Share what you do. Build your reputation with real feedback. And if you go the paid route, do it with a plan, not a prayer.
Your skills aren't the problem - getting found online doesn't take as much as you'd expect once you get the ball rolling.