A lot of tradespeople didn't get into the game to waste hours chasing leads. You went solo because you're good at what you do — not because you love chasing people for work.
But here's the thing: doing quality work won't fill your schedule on its own anymore. Referrals is still gold, but it comes in waves - especially when the market slows.
So what actually works? These are a few no-BS moves that shift the needle - no a fancy agency.
Get Your Web Profile
If a potential customer Googles "electrician around your area" - can they find you? Heaps of tradies still don't have even a basic website.
It doesn't need to be anything over the top. A simple site that shows photos of your work, covers your service area, and makes it dead easy to call or message - that's where you start.
Even a single-page site with your services, contact details, and a few photos already beats the tradies who have nothing.
Google Business Profile - Costs Nothing, Does a Lot
If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile, you're handing work to your competition. It costs nothing.
The map listings that appears first when someone searches for a trade - that's prime real estate. And getting there comes down to having a complete, active profile.
- Add pictures from actual jobs - real before-and-afters from site
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews - this is massive for trust
- Respond to reviews, good and bad - it makes a real
difference
- Update your info when anything changes
These small things builds up quietly. Tradies who stay on top of their profile end up above those who filled it out once and walked away.
Facebook and Instagram - Keep It Simple
Forget about being an influencer. The tradies who get results from social media is a lot more basic than you'd think.
Take a quick pic before you pack up and leave site. Transformation shots get the most engagement by far. A new deck or pergola - that tells the story on its own.
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 builds your credibility.
Homeowners respond to what they can see with their own eyes. Real work on display outperforms a professionally designed ad campaign - because it's real.
Google Ads - Worth It If Done Right
Paid advertising is effective for trades businesses - but you can't just throw money at it. The common mistake is running ads with no clear target.
If you're going to invest in ads: ensure there's a clear way for people to contact you when they click through. All the clicks in discover this the world won't help if people can't find your phone number.
Test with a modest spend. Measure results, not just impressions. Scale the campaigns that convert and cut what doesn't.
Customer Reviews - More Powerful Than Any Ad
One thing worth paying attention to: the majority of homeowners will read your reviews before they pick up the phone. Someone with a stack of real feedback gets the call over someone with zero social proof - even if their prices are higher.
Build it into your process to follow up with a review request. People generally don't mind - they just don't think of it. Send them a direct link and you'll be surprised how many follow through.
Respond to negative reviews professionally - how you handle criticism says more about your business than you'd think.
Wrapping It Up
Growing a trade business isn't a second full-time job. The busy ones aren't doing anything magical - they set up a few things properly and keep showing up.
Lock in your Google listing and a basic site. Let your jobs do the talking. Ask happy customers to back you up online. If you run ads, make sure the numbers add up before you scale.
Your skills aren't the problem - the marketing side is easier than most tradies think.