Most tradies don't need more marketing. They need the right marketing, in the right order. Flyers, Facebook posts and a dozen directory listings won't help much if customers can't find you on Google or can't get hold of you when they do. Here's a simple plan, starting with what pays off fastest.
- Start with the free things that bring the most work: your Google Business Profile and reviews.
- A fast, clear website turns those searches into calls and enquiries.
- Answering quickly and following up quotes wins more jobs than any ad.
- Only spend on ads once the basics are working, and track where every job comes from.
1. Get your Google Business Profile right
When someone searches "electrician near me" or "plumber Modbury", the map results usually appear first. Your Google Business Profile is what shows up there, and it's free. Make sure it has:
- The right primary category (for example "Electrician", not "Contractor")
- Real service areas, not the whole state
- Your services, with short descriptions
- Photos of real jobs, your van and your team
- Accurate hours and a phone number you actually answer
Not sure how yours stacks up? Our free Google Business Profile checker compares your profile with the top competitors in your area.
2. Collect reviews every week
Reviews are the biggest trust signal for a tradie, and they help you rank in the map results. The trick is asking every customer, every time, with a direct link. Send a text when you finish the job or send the invoice. Our free Google review link generator gives you the link, a QR code and message templates.
For the full system, read how to get more Google reviews.
3. Have a website that turns searches into calls
Your website doesn't need to be fancy. It needs to load fast on a phone, show what you do and where, prove you're trustworthy, and make it dead easy to call or send an enquiry. A page for each main service helps you show up in Google for those jobs.
Our guide to what should be on a tradie website covers what to include, and SEO for tradies explains how to get found.
4. Answer fast and follow up
This is the cheapest marketing there is. A customer who rings three tradies often goes with the first one who answers or calls back. Practical fixes:
- Missed-call text-back, so callers know you'll ring them back
- Instant enquiry alerts on your phone for website enquiries
- Quote follow-ups two or three days after sending
Read why the fastest reply wins the job for the numbers behind it.
5. Turn happy customers into referrals
Word of mouth still brings in most tradies' best work. Make it easier:
- Leave a business card or fridge magnet after each job
- Ask happy customers directly: "If you know anyone who needs an electrician, I'd appreciate the referral"
- Build relationships with builders, real estate property managers and other trades who can pass work your way
6. Use your van and uniforms
A clean, signwritten van with your phone number and website is a moving billboard in the suburbs you work in. Keep it simple: business name, trade, phone number, website. Add a QR code to your Google reviews on the back.
Lead sites like hipages can fill gaps, but you pay for leads and compete with other tradies for them. Read is hipages worth it for tradies? before you sign up.
7. Paid ads, once the basics work
Google Ads and Local Services Ads can bring in work quickly, but they cost money every click or lead. They work best when your Google profile, reviews and website are already strong, because more of those clicks turn into jobs. Start small, target your best suburbs and services, and track every job that comes from ads.
Write it down on the job. After a few months you'll know exactly which marketing is worth paying for and which you can drop.
What about social media?
Facebook and Instagram are good for showing finished work and staying top of mind with past customers, but they rarely bring in a steady flow of new jobs on their own. Post job photos when you can, and don't stress about posting every day. Your Google profile is a better place for your effort.
A simple monthly marketing routine
- Add 3 to 5 job photos to your Google Business Profile
- Ask every customer for a review, and reply to every review
- Follow up every quote that hasn't been accepted
- Check your website enquiries and calls are getting through
- Review where your jobs came from this month
Marketing that runs while you're on the tools
We build and manage tradie websites with instant enquiry alerts, review requests and monthly reports on where your jobs come from.
Frequently asked questions
For most tradies, a complete Google Business Profile, a steady flow of reviews and a fast website bring in the most work for the least money. Answering quickly and following up quotes matters just as much.
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Rhys builds and looks after every Reactive Web website himself, from Redwood Park in Adelaide, for local service businesses that want more calls, bookings and enquiries.
