Marketing for tradesmen can be the difference between you building a successful business and struggling for customers. A successful marketing strategy allows you to scale your business and grow in your area.

Tradespeople who know the value of marketing and use it effectively often become the dominant business in their area. Those who don’t can struggle to grow and find themselves scraping by in the industry.

If you’ve thought about marketing for tradies but don’t know where to start, this article lays everything out for you.

Digital Marketing for Tradesmen

With digital marketing, tradesmen don’t need to make a massive investment to see a return. The right digital marketing strategy can help tradies generate leads.

If you’re doing it yourself, it takes more time than money. Here are four things you need to prioritise.

1. Your Website

You should have an up-to-date website for potential customers to browse. Also, it needs to be mobile-friendly because most people search on their phones.

If you don’t already have a website, it’s time to get one sorted. Not having your business online leaves you at a severe disadvantage.

A website tells people who you are and what you do. It’s a link between your business and customers that builds trust.

When people hear about your business, they can check you out online. A good website legitimises your business in the eyes of potential customers; it looks professional.

Also, a website makes it easy for people to get in touch with you. It has your contact information and allows you to insert specific calls to action.

The image below shows this in action.

This website makes it simple for people to contact the business.

2. Google Search

Appearing on Google Search gets eyes on your business. Firstly, you should set up a Google My Business profile to help you show up in the featured results of Google Search and in Google Maps.

Secondly, you need to optimise your website to get found easily found on Google. This process is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – more on that later.

3. Social Media

Social media is an excellent way for tradies to market their businesses. Setting up many social media accounts is free, and you can spread the word about your business.

However, you must be strategic with social media for digital marketing. Being consistent is the key.

And don’t make the #1 marketing mistake. Never try to sell right out of the gate to an audience that doesn’t even know you.

You should consider three things when planning social media marketing for tradesmen.

• The Platform – pick the platform that allows you to connect with your target audience. The platform all the teenagers are using likely won’t b the best for your business.

• Your Goals – outline your goals before you start. You can check your strategy against your goals to ensure you get the best results from social media marketing.

• Content – decide what content you want to publish on social media. To avoid the #1 marketing mistake, it’s a good idea to focus on content that gives value to your audience. That helps them and builds trust, increasing the chances of people connecting with your business.

4. Reviews

Customer reviews are the final thing you should prioritise when it comes to digital marketing for tradies. With 90% of consumers reading online reviews before visiting a business, you can see why.

Also, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. So, they’re essential for building trust in your business.

It’s a good idea to ask customers before you start work about leaving a review on Google. Then, they can leave an honest review once the work is completed.

You can show reviews on your website. It makes it easier for people to see them.

The image below shows an example.

Best Advertising for Tradesmen

Tradesmen need to generate leads. The best advertising for tradies can help them do that.

Calls and emails potentially lead to quote requests, which hopefully turn into sales. The best advertising for tradesmen helps to initiate contact with people.

1. Search Engine Optimisation – SEO

Search Engine Optimisation is arguably the best avenue for tradies to advertise. With SEO, you can increase your visibility online and appear in more Google Searches.

SEO gives you an advantage over your competitors online. When you appear at the top of Google Search, it gives your business authority over others.

Also, people search for your services on Google when they’re ready to buy. That puts you in a position to cash in on your place at the top.

These are organic customers who find you themselves. They’re more likely to use your services, and SEO is an excellent way to attract them.

Your website and reviews further help you convert these potential customers.

Website

• A professional website signals a lot about your business. If it looks good, it sends a message that you care about your work.
• People can find information quickly when your website is easy to navigate. It bodes well for you if you can offer it, and fast.
• Makes it easy for people to contact you once they decide. All your contact information should be prominently displayed.

Reviews

• Reviews send trust signals to people who find you through SEO.
• They show your business has performed well and you take pride in that work.
• People can see your experience through reviews.

2. Facebook Business Page

Most people use Facebook. So, why not take advantage of free advertising for tradies and create a Facebook Business Page?

You can share images of your work and connect with people. They can contact you for prices or quotes directly on your page.

Facebook marketing for tradesmen can work wonders for your business. However, it takes time and effort to get it right.

3. Facebook and Instagram Ads

Facebook and Instagram Ads are paid advertising options that tradesmen can use on Facebook and Instagram. You can connect with potential customers and target them directly.

Facebook and Instagram Ads have three main benefits:

• Reach – Facebook has almost 3 billion active monthly users, so the reach is phenomenal.

• Targeting – you can target your audience based on several factors, including age, gender and location.

• Tracking – allows you to track how well your ads are doing and control your campaigns.

4. Google Ads

Advertising with Google Ads allows tradies to create custom advertisements to reach audiences interested in their businesses. 

Similarly to SEO, Google Ads reaches people when they’re ready to buy. However, Google Ads work much faster than SEO, getting you to the top of Google Search in less time.

With Google Ads, tradies can:

• Create custom campaigns – customise campaigns based on your goals.

• Targeting – you can target audiences based on location and demographics.

• Set goals – goals allow you to measure results against expectations.

• Manage ad performance – results help you manage ad performance and tweak ads if necessary.

5. Email Marketing

Email marketing allows tradies to reach their target market directly via electronic mail. With email marketing, tradesmen can target those interested in their products, services, or business knowledge.

Email marketing is outstanding for tradies to connect with people. Also, it can offer an excellent return on investment.

You can direct people to your website using email marketing. So, it’s a great way to generate leads and convert sales.

Legitimately building an email list is your first step in email marketing. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of the Spam Act 2003.

6. Twitter

Twitter is another form of social media marketing for tradesmen. With limited characters for a Tweet, it’s not as effective as Facebook.

However, some tradies may find success with this social media marketing channel. So, it’s worth mentioning here, although we don’t necessarily recommend it.

7. Local Directories

Local directories are a good way for tradesmen to advertise their businesses. It won’t have the impact of other advertising avenues on the list.

However, it can get your business in front of people looking for your service. So, you can get some leads through local directories.

Also, being listed on the best local directories can boost your local SEO.

8. Signs and Signage

Getting company signs done is an excellent way to advertise as a tradie. We bet you’ve seen signs at the side of the road or attached to fences in your area.

It’s a great way to get eyes on your business. The trick is to find an area with heavy traffic.

Also, vehicle signage helps you advertise your business. You can kit your work vehicle out with your company logo and colours.

9. Business Card and Leaflet Distribution

Distributing business cards and leaflets is another way tradesmen can advertise. You can hire someone to post them door-to-door or do it yourself.

Certain tradies will get a better return on investment with this method than others. For instance, landscapers and kitchen fitters can do well.

On the other hand, electricians and roofers may not do the best with this form of advertising. People often contact these tradies when something goes wrong.

Unless they keep the business card or leaflet in a prominent place, it’s unlikely they’ll contact you from it.

Conclusion

Marketing for tradesmen is a proven way to grow your business. The correct strategy can make you the dominant tradie in your local area for your market.

It’s a good idea to prioritise your website, Google Search, social media, and reviews. That sets you up to get the best from marketing for tradies.

The best advertising for tradesmen gives you avenues to get eyes on your business. Some of these methods are free, like creating a Facebook Business Page.

Other forms of social media marketing are paid. You need to pay for Facebook and Instagram Ads and Google Ads. However, they offer many benefits that help grow your business.