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Congratulations on signing up to ServiceSeeking.com.au! You’ve taken a major step toward growing your tradie business and connecting with more clients.
The early days on any platform can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success and start landing jobs in no time.
Here are some key strategies to help you make the most of your new account and build momentum quickly.
Don't miss out on our full guide on how to succeed on ServiceSeeking!
Optimise Your Profile
First impressions matter, especially online, where potential clients are scrolling through profiles looking for someone who stands out. A well-optimised profile is your chance to showcase your skills and services in the best possible light.
Complete Your Profile with Relevant Information
Make sure all sections of your profile are filled out. Include your business name, contact details, qualifications, and any relevant licences.
If you have an ABN (Australian Business Number), make sure it's visible. Clients prefer working with verified businesses, so having your ABN listed can immediately boost your credibility.
Use High-Quality Photos
(Image source: Deposit Photos)
Images speak louder than words, and good-quality photos of your past projects or your work setup can give clients confidence in your abilities.
If you're a carpenter, for example, showcase the kitchens, decks, or furniture you've built. If you’re a painter, post before-and-after shots of your work. Avoid blurry or poorly lit photos—they can make your work look less professional.
Craft a Clear, Compelling Description
When writing your profile description, focus on what sets you apart. Be specific about the services you offer, the areas you cover, and the types of jobs you're looking for.
Are you a specialist in kitchen renovations, or do you offer a wide range of handyman services? Potential clients want to know exactly what you do, so use this space to explain it clearly.
Build a Reputation Without Reviews
As a new tradie on ServiceSeeking.com.au, you might not have any customer reviews yet. That’s okay! There are still ways to build trust and attract clients without reviews.
Offer Competitive Quotes
One effective way to gain traction in the early days is to offer competitive quotes for your first few jobs. This doesn’t mean you have to drastically undercut yourself, but offering a slightly lower rate can make your services more appealing to potential clients who are hesitant about hiring someone without reviews.
Once you’ve built a solid base of completed jobs and positive feedback, you can adjust your pricing accordingly.
Deliver Top-Notch Service
Since you don’t have reviews to lean on yet, your service delivery becomes even more critical. Go above and beyond for your first few clients—arrive on time, communicate clearly, and make sure you leave the job site clean and tidy.
By giving every client your best effort, you increase your chances of receiving positive reviews down the line. These early reviews will help build your reputation and attract more clients.
Ask for Reviews
Once you’ve completed a few jobs, don’t be shy about asking your customers to leave a review. Many satisfied clients are happy to help, but they might not think to leave feedback unless you prompt them.
Send a polite message after the job is done, thanking them for their business and asking if they could spare a moment to leave a review on your profile. Positive reviews are crucial for gaining credibility on the platform, so make this part of your routine.
Use Discounts to Gain Traction
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Offering discounts on your first few jobs is a smart way to build a base of happy clients quickly. While it might seem counterintuitive to lower your prices when you’re trying to grow, think of it as an investment in your future success.
Offer a Small Discount to Attract Clients
In a competitive marketplace like ServiceSeeking, clients often compare quotes from several tradies before making a decision. Offering a small discount—perhaps 10% off your usual rate—can be the deciding factor that gets you the job.
This is especially useful when you’re just starting out and don’t yet have the reviews or reputation to set you apart from the competition.
Focus on Delivering Excellent Value
Remember, a discount doesn’t mean you should cut corners. In fact, it’s even more important to deliver exceptional service when you’re offering a discounted rate.
Clients who feel like they’ve received great value for their money are more likely to recommend you to others or leave a glowing review, which can lead to more work down the track.
Be Active and Responsive
In the early days, it’s important to be active and responsive on the platform. Clients often reach out to several tradies when posting a job, so being quick to respond can give you an edge over others.
Set Up Alerts
Make sure you’re receiving notifications for new job postings in your area. The quicker you respond to a potential lead, the better your chances of securing the job. ServiceSeeking allows you to customise your settings so you can receive alerts via email or push notifications. This ensures you never miss an opportunity.
Follow Up
If you’ve submitted a quote and haven’t heard back from the client, don’t be afraid to follow up. A polite message reminding them of your availability can help keep you top-of-mind. Sometimes clients get busy or overwhelmed with quotes, and a friendly nudge can be all it takes to win the job.
Build Relationships and Get Referrals
Finally, remember that relationships matter. Every satisfied customer is a potential source of future work, whether through repeat business or referrals.
Go the Extra Mile
Small gestures like cleaning up after yourself or offering a bit of extra advice can leave a lasting impression on clients. Happy customers are more likely to recommend you to their friends, neighbours, or family members, helping you build a network of potential clients over time.
Ask for Referrals
Don’t hesitate to ask satisfied clients to pass your name along to anyone they know who might need your services. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools for tradies, and it costs nothing to ask.
Conclusion
Success on ServiceSeeking.com.au doesn’t happen overnight, but by optimising your profile, offering competitive quotes, and delivering excellent service, you can set yourself up for long-term success.
By using discounts strategically and building a reputation with early reviews, you’ll attract more clients and create a strong foundation for future growth.