Marketing for Tradies 101
In today’s digital world, even tradespeople—whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, or painter—need a solid online presence to stay competitive. More and more Kiwis are turning to the internet to find trusted tradies, and if your business isn’t online, you’re missing out on valuable leads. At Market My Company, we specialize in helping tradespeople in New Zealand use digital marketing to grow their customer base and boost their business. Here’s how you can start generating more leads online.
1. Build a Professional Website
Your website is your digital business card. It should showcase your services, provide contact information, and highlight your experience. Ensure your website is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly, as many customers will be searching for tradies on their phones. Including testimonials, before-and-after photos, and customer reviews will also build trust with potential clients.
2. Get Found with Local SEO
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is key to getting your business noticed in local searches. Most people will type “plumber near me” or “electrician in Christchurch” when looking for services. To rank higher in these searches, make sure your business is listed on Google My Business and that your website is optimized for local keywords, such as your city or neighborhood. This will help you appear on Google Maps and in local search results.
3. Claim Your Google My Business Profile
A Google My Business profile allows you to show up in local search results and Google Maps, making it easier for customers to find you. Claim and optimize your listing with up-to-date contact information, operating hours, a description of your services, and photos of your work. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to build your online credibility.
4. Leverage Social Media
Social media isn’t just for influencers—it’s a powerful tool for tradies too. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to showcase your projects, share tips, and engage with potential customers. Posting regularly and using local hashtags can increase your visibility within your community. Running paid ads on these platforms can also target specific locations and demographics, bringing more leads straight to your inbox.
5. Use Online Advertising to Target Local Leads
Paid digital advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, can be a cost-effective way to generate leads for your business. With Google Ads, you can bid on keywords like “emergency plumber Wellington” to appear at the top of search results. Facebook Ads allow you to target specific geographic areas and interests, ensuring your ads are seen by the people most likely to need your services.
6. Offer a Lead Magnet on Your Website
A lead magnet is something valuable you offer for free in exchange for a customer’s contact details. For tradespeople, this could be a downloadable guide on “Top 5 Plumbing Tips to Avoid Emergencies” or “How to Choose the Right Builder for Your Home Renovation.” Once you have their contact information, you can follow up with an email or phone call to convert them into paying customers.
7. Collect and Display Customer Reviews
In the trades industry, word-of-mouth and reputation are everything. Online reviews act as digital word-of-mouth and can make a huge difference in whether someone decides to hire you. Make it a habit to ask your satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google or your social media pages. Positive reviews build trust and credibility, increasing the likelihood that someone will choose your services over a competitor.
8. Email Marketing for Follow-Ups and Promotions
Email marketing is an excellent way to stay connected with past and potential clients. Send follow-up emails after completing a job to ask for feedback or offer discounts for repeat services. You can also use email to send out seasonal promotions or tips, keeping your business top of mind for when someone needs a tradie in the future.
9. Showcase Your Work with Video and Photos
Visual content is incredibly powerful in the trades industry. Potential customers want to see the quality of your work before hiring you. Post high-quality photos of completed jobs on your website, social media, and Google My Business. Consider creating short videos that show behind-the-scenes footage of your projects or explain common problems and how you can solve them. This builds trust and shows potential clients your expertise.
10. Track Your Results
The key to successful digital marketing is tracking your efforts. Tools like Google Analytics and social media insights can help you understand what’s working and where improvements can be made. This data allows you to adjust your strategy, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your online marketing efforts.
Let Market My Company Help You Get More Leads
At Market My Company, we understand the unique challenges tradespeople face when it comes to marketing their business. We can help you build a website, improve your local SEO, run targeted online ads, and create engaging content that attracts more customers.
If you’re ready to grow your business and get more leads online, contact us today. We’ll work with you to develop a digital marketing strategy that gets results, so you can focus on what you do best—providing top-notch service to your customers.