Most tradies didn't pick up a tool to sit around doing marketing. You got into it because you're bloody good at your trade — not because you love marketing yourself online.
But here's the thing: top-shelf workmanship isn't enough to keep the phone ringing. Mates recommending you hasn't died, but it dries up - particularly when work drops off after a busy run.
So what actually works? Below are the no-BS strategies that get results - no a fancy agency.
Sort Out Your Web Profile
When someone searches for "electrician in your area" - can they find you? Too many owner-operators still don't have even a basic website.
You don't need something complicated. A straightforward website that shows photos of your work, lists where you work, and doesn't make people hunt for your number - that's the baseline.
A basic landing page with your services, contact details, and a few photos outperforms the blokes relying on Facebook alone.
Your Google Listing - Still the Easiest Win
If you're not on your GBP, you're invisible to local searchers. It costs nothing.
The map listings that pops up before everything else when people look for local
services - that's prime real estate. Ranking in the map pack comes down to not leaving your profile half-empty.
- Add pictures from actual jobs - not some generic handshake pic
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews - reviews are everything for local
search
- Engage with what people write - Google notices and so do customers
- Make sure your phone number and service area are correct
This stuff builds up quietly. Tradies who stay on top of their profile consistently outrank the ones who set and forget.
Posting Your Work Online - Don't Overthink It
You don't need to become an influencer. The tradies who get results from social media keep it dead simple.
Grab a shot before you pack up and leave site. Before and afters perform better than anything. A new deck or pergola - that tells the story on its own.
Post it with a short caption and you're sorted. You don't need to post every day. Each post shows potential customers you're the real deal.
Homeowners respond to actual results over polished ads. Real work on display does more for your business than any amount of fancy marketing - because it's real.
Paid Ads - Worth It If Done Right
Running Google Ads can absolutely work for tradies - but you can't just throw money at it. The tradies who get burnt is boosting random Facebook posts.
Before putting budget behind anything: ensure there's a clear way for people to contact you when they click through. There's no point more info driving traffic if your site looks like it was built in 2005.
Test with a modest spend. Measure results, not just impressions. Put more behind what works and cut what doesn't.
Reviews and Reputation - The Stuff That Actually Sells
A fact worth paying attention to: nearly every potential customer looks at what other people have said about you first. Someone with a stack of real feedback will win the job over the bloke with no online presence - even if their prices are higher.
Build it into your process to send a quick message asking for feedback. Satisfied clients will do it - you just have to ask. Send them a direct link and most will do it on the spot.
If you get a bad review, reply calmly and factually - the way you deal with a negative review says more about your business than you'd think.
Wrapping It Up
Getting more work as a tradie doesn't have to be a second full-time job. Blokes with full schedules 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. Post your work. Ask happy customers to back you up online. And if you go the paid route, be strategic about where the budget goes.
You're already great at what you do - the marketing side just needs a bit of attention to start working for you.