Marketing for Tradies: How to Create a Strong Online Presence

(Image Source: Deposit Photos)

Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or any other type of tradesperson, you might be thinking about how to attract more business. In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial.

Don’t worry if you have no idea where to start—we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to getting your business noticed online.

Want to learn more about winning more clients as a tradie? Check out our complete guide to marketing for tradies!

Why You Need an Online Presence

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why it’s important. More and more Aussies are turning to the internet to find services. If you’re not online, you’re missing out on a heap of potential customers. A solid online presence can:

• Increase your visibility
• Build trust with potential clients
• Showcase your work
• Generate leads

Step 0: Establish Your Digital Branding

Before diving into creating your online presence, it’s essential to establish your digital branding. Start by designing a professional logo that represents your business. Your logo is the visual cornerstone of your brand and will be featured on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials.

Next, choose a colour scheme and font that reflect your brand's personality and values. Consistency in these visual elements will help build recognition and trust with potential clients.

If designing isn't your forte, consider hiring a graphic designer or using online tools like Canva to create a cohesive and professional look for your business.

Step 1: Set Up a Professional Website

(Image Source: Deposit Photos)

Your business website is your digital storefront. It’s where potential clients will go to learn more about you and your services.

Websites like WordPress and HubSpot are excellent tools for tradies looking to create a professional online presence without needing extensive technical skills. Both platforms offer a variety of simple, user-friendly templates that make it easy to build and customise your website.

With WordPress, you can choose from thousands of themes and plugins to tailor your site to your specific needs. HubSpot, on the other hand, provides integrated marketing tools and templates that help you manage and grow your business.

These platforms are designed to be intuitive, allowing you to focus on showcasing your services and engaging with potential clients.

Here’s what you need to include:

• Home Page: A welcoming page that summarises who you are and what you do.
• About Page: Share your story, your qualifications, and what sets you apart.
• Services Page: Detail the services you offer. Be clear and concise.
• Gallery/Portfolio: Show off your best work. High-quality photos can make a big difference.
• Contact Page: Make it easy for clients to get in touch with you. Include your phone number, email, and a contact form.

Pro tip: Make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Many people will be searching for tradies on their phones.

Step 2: Claim Your Google My Business Listing

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that helps you manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. Here’s how to get started:

• Go to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account.
• Enter your business name and address. If you operate from home, you can hide your address and specify the areas you serve.
• Verify your business. Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your address.
• Fill out your profile. Add your phone number, website, business hours, and a description of your services. Upload some photos of your work, too.

Pro tip: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB profile. Reviews are crucial for building credibility.

Step 3: Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with potential customers and showcasing your work. Here’s how to get started on the most popular platforms:

• Facebook: Create a business page. Post updates, announcements, and photos of your work, and engage with your followers. You can also run targeted ads to reach potential clients in your area.
• Instagram: Perfect for sharing photos and videos of your work. Use relevant hashtags like #tradie, #plumber, #electrician, etc., to reach a wider audience.
• LinkedIn: Great for networking with other professionals and finding commercial projects. Create a professional profile and connect with others in your industry.

Pro tip: Be consistent with your posts. Aim to share new content at least once a week.

Step 4: ServiceSeeking.com.au

Our platform is a marketplace that connects tradies with customers looking for their services. It’s a tried and tested way to find new clients and grow your business.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Create an Account: Sign up for a business profile on ServiceSeeking.com.au. Fill in your details, including your business name, contact information, and the types of services you offer.
2. Complete Your Profile: Make sure your profile is detailed and professional. Upload a profile picture and photos of your previous work. Write a compelling description of your services and what sets you apart from the competition.
3. Get Verified: Verified tradies tend to attract more customers. ServiceSeeking.com.au offers a verification process where you can prove your qualifications and credentials. This helps build trust with potential clients.
4. Browse Job Listings: Once your profile is set up, you can start browsing job listings posted by customers. ServiceSeeking.com.au allows you to filter jobs by location, service type, and budget, making it easy to find suitable projects.
5. Submit Quotes: When you find a job that interests you, submit a quote detailing your proposed price and any relevant information. Be clear and competitive with your pricing, but also ensure it reflects the quality of your work.
6. Communicate with Clients: Use the platform to communicate directly with potential clients. Answer their questions promptly and professionally to build a good rapport.
7. Collect Reviews: After completing a job, encourage your clients to leave a review on your profile. Positive reviews are crucial for attracting new customers and establishing a solid reputation on the platform.

Pro tip: Regularly update your profile and keep an eye on new job postings to stay competitive and maximise your opportunities on ServiceSeeking.com.au.

By maximising our platform, you can reach a wider audience, fill up your work schedule, and grow your tradie business effectively.

Step 5: Invest in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO helps your website rank higher on search engine results pages. Here are some basic tips:

• Keywords: Use relevant keywords on your website, such as “Sydney plumber” or “Melbourne electrician”.
• Content: Regularly update your website with fresh content. A blog can be a great way to share tips and industry news.
• Backlinks: Get other reputable websites to link to your site. This can improve your search ranking.

Step 6: Online Advertising

If you have the budget, online advertising can be very effective. Here are two popular options:

• Google Ads: Target specific keywords that potential clients might be searching for. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
• Instagram Ads and Facebook Ads: These ads target specific demographics, such as location, age, and interests. They can be very effective for local businesses.

Step 7: Track Your Progress

Use tools like Google Analytics to track the traffic to your website. This will help you understand what’s working and where you can improve. Pay attention to metrics like:

• Number of visitors
• Where your visitors are coming from
• Which pages are most popular

Conclusion

Creating a strong online presence takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. By following these steps, you can increase your visibility, attract more customers, and grow your business.

Get started on your digital journey today!