Most tradies didn't pick up a tool to spend half the day doing marketing. You got into it because you're good at what you do — not because you love marketing yourself online.
The reality is: top-shelf workmanship isn't enough to keep the phone ringing. Referrals hasn't died, but it comes in waves - particularly when things get quiet.
So what actually works? Below are the practical things that get results - and none of them need thousands of dollars.
Set Up a Proper Web Profile
If a potential customer Googles "local carpenter" - discover more are you anywhere to be seen? Too many tradies haven't set up even a basic website.
You don't need anything over the top. A straightforward page that shows photos of your work, lists where you work, and has a clear way to get in touch - that's where you start.
Even a single-page site that covers the essentials outperforms most of your competition.
Google Business Profile - Free and Underrated
If you've been sleeping on your Google Maps listing, you're missing the easiest free leads going. Zero dollars to set up.
That map pack that appears first when someone searches for a trade - that's prime real estate. Showing up there is mostly about having a complete, active profile.
- Add pictures from actual jobs - not some generic handshake pic
- 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
- Keep your hours and contact details up to date
These small things builds up quietly. Blokes who put 20 minutes a month into this beat out the ones who set and forget.
Social Media - Don't Overthink It
Nobody's asking you to be an influencer. The ones actually winning work from Facebook and Insta keep it dead simple.
Grab a shot when you finish a job. Before and afters perform better than anything. A freshly painted room - that's content.
Write a line or two about the job and move on with your day. Even once or twice a week is plenty. Each post shows potential customers you're the real deal.
Customers believe photos of real work. Real work on display does more for your business than a professionally designed ad campaign - because it's real.
Google Ads - When They Make Sense
Spending money on online ads gets results when it's set up properly - but you can't just throw money at it. The common mistake is running ads with no clear target.
Before putting budget behind anything: ensure there's a clear way for people to contact you when they click through. There's no point driving traffic if people can't find your phone number.
Start with a small budget. Track which ads bring actual calls. Put more behind what works and pull the plug on anything that's just burning cash.
Reviews and Reputation - The Stuff That Actually Sells
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: nearly every potential customer checks reviews before making contact. A tradie with 50 genuine reviews will win the job over a tradie with none - regardless of price.
Get into the routine to ask for a review after every job. Most customers are happy to help - 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 tells potential customers as much about you as the good reviews do.
Wrapping It Up
Growing a trade business shouldn't be overwhelming. Blokes with full schedules aren't marketing geniuses - they've just covered the basics and stayed consistent.
Sort out your web presence. Let your jobs do the talking. Ask happy customers to back you up online. And if you go the paid route, do it with a plan, not a prayer.
The quality of your work speaks for itself - the growth stuff is easier than most tradies think.