Most tradies didn't get into the game to waste hours doing marketing. You got into it because you're good at what you do — not because you enjoy chasing people for work.
But here's the thing: top-shelf workmanship won't fill your schedule on its own anymore. Word of mouth is still gold, but it's unpredictable - mostly when work drops off after a busy run.
How do the blokes who are always booked solid pull it off? These are a few no-BS strategies that shift the needle - without thousands of dollars.
Sort Out Your Digital Profile
If a potential customer Googles "plumber near me" - are you anywhere to be seen? A surprising number of tradies are running without even a basic website.
It doesn't need to be anything over the top. A straightforward page that has real job photos, covers your service area, and has a clear way to get in touch - that's where you start.
A one-page setup showing your work and how to reach you already beats the blokes relying on Facebook alone.
Google Business Profile - Still the Easiest Win
If you're not on your Google Business Profile, you're handing work to your competition. It's completely free.
The map listings that pops up before everything else when someone searches for a trade - that's where you want to be. Ranking in the map pack starts with having a complete, active profile.
- Upload real photos - not stock images
- Get your happy clients to leave a review - reviews are everything for local
search
- Engage with what people write - it shows you're active and approachable
- Update your info when anything changes
All of this builds up quietly. Tradies who stay on top of their profile beat out the ones who set and forget.
Facebook and Instagram - Keep It Simple
You don't need to become an influencer. What works for trades businesses online aren't doing anything fancy.
Take a quick pic before you pack up and leave site. Before and afters get the most engagement by far. A fresh switchboard - that's all you need.
Write a line or two about the job and move on with your day. Even once or twice a week is plenty. Every photo you share is another piece of proof.
Homeowners respond to actual results over polished ads. Real work on display outperforms any amount of fancy marketing - because there's no faking it.
Paid Ads - Worth It If Done Right
Spending money on online ads gets results when it's set up properly - but it needs to be done with a plan. The common mistake is paying for clicks that go to a dodgy website with no clear call to action.
Before putting budget behind anything: ensure there's a clear way for people to contact you when they click through. Paying for eyeballs is pointless if people can't find your phone number.
Start with a small budget. Measure results, not just impressions. Put more behind what works and kill the duds quickly.
Customer Reviews - The Stuff That Actually Sells
One thing a lot of tradies underestimate: most people looks at what other people have said about you first. A tradie with 50 genuine reviews will win the job over the bloke with no online presence - regardless of price.
Make it a habit to send a quick message asking for feedback. People generally don't mind - they just don't think of it. Make it as easy as possible and the reviews will stack up faster than you'd expect.
If you get a bad review, reply calmly and factually - how you handle criticism is just as important as the positive ones.
What It All Comes Down To
Marketing your trades business isn't a second full-time job. The tradies who stay booked aren't doing anything magical - they set up a few things properly and keep showing up.
Sort out your web presence. Let your jobs do the talking. Collect reviews. If you run ads, do it with a plan, not a prayer.
The quality of view details your work speaks for itself - the growth stuff is easier than most tradies think.