Plenty of trades business owners didn't get into the game to waste hours chasing leads. You started your business because you're good at what you do — not because you wanted a career in chasing people for work.
But here's the thing: doing quality work doesn't guarantee a full calendar. Word of mouth is still gold, but it dries up - mostly when things get quiet.
So what actually works? Below are some no-BS things that actually make a difference - without massive budgets or marketing degrees.
Set Up a Proper Web Profile
If a homeowner searches for "local builder" - can they find you? A surprising number of trades businesses are running without even a basic website.
You don't need something complicated. A simple website that displays what you actually do, mentions the suburbs you operate in, and has a clear way to get in touch - that's your minimum.
Even a single-page site that covers the essentials puts you ahead of the tradies who have nothing.
Google Maps - Still the Easiest Win
If you're not on your GBP, you're handing work to your competition. It's completely free.
The map listings that appears first when people look for local
services - those spots get the most calls. Ranking in the map pack comes down to not leaving your profile half-empty.
- Add pictures from actual jobs - real before-and-afters from site
- Build up your review count with genuine feedback - reviews are everything for local
search
- Reply to every review - it shows you're active and approachable
- Update your info when anything changes
This stuff builds up quietly. The ones who keep it updated beat out the competition that ignores it.
Posting Your see this 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 is a lot more basic than you'd think.
Take a quick pic when you finish a job. Side-by-side comparisons get the most engagement by far. A freshly painted room - that's all you need.
Add where the job was and what you did and you're sorted. Consistency helps but don't stress about a schedule. All of it is another piece of proof.
Customers believe what they can see with their own eyes. A genuine job photo outperforms any amount of fancy marketing - because it's real.
Online Advertising - When They Make Sense
Running Google Ads can absolutely work for tradies - but it's not a set-and-forget situation. Where most people waste their budget is paying for clicks that go to a dodgy website with no clear call to action.
Before you spend a dollar: ensure there's a clear way for people to contact you when they click through. There's no point driving traffic if your site looks like it was built in 2005.
Start with a small budget. Measure results, not just impressions. Double down on the winners and cut what doesn't.
Customer Reviews - What People Check Before They Call
One thing a lot of tradies underestimate: the majority of homeowners will read your reviews before they pick up the phone. A tradie with 50 genuine reviews beats the competition over someone with zero social proof - every single time.
Get into the routine to send a quick message asking for feedback. Satisfied clients will do it - you just have to ask. Send them a direct link and the reviews will stack up faster than you'd expect.
Don't ignore or argue with bad feedback - how you handle criticism is just as important as the positive ones.
Wrapping It Up
Growing a trade business doesn't have to be overwhelming. Blokes with full schedules aren't doing anything magical - they got the fundamentals right and stuck with it.
Get your online profile in order. Let your jobs do the talking. Build your reputation with real feedback. If you run ads, make sure the numbers add up before you scale.
Your skills aren't the problem - getting found online just needs a bit of attention to start working for you.