Marketing For Tradies
The Tradie. Australia’s unsung heroes. Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, plumber, bricklayer or a jack of all trades, we call upon you when us non-tradie’s need saving.
So how do you get potential clients to choose you? The answer: marketing.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just a small startup business or have an established team of guys working for you. More potential clients is always good news.
Of course, your trade is your livelihood. Time spent on marketing means time away from completing jobs – which is how you get paid, right? However, I would argue that without solid marketing you won’t be gaining those all-important leads in the first place.
So, you’ve agreed that yes marketing is needed for any successful sole trader. But where to start?
Here are a few tradie marketing tips to get you started! Need some more tips? Check out our post on how you can boost your small business marketing.
Not A Tradie?
We’ve written a number of these guides check them out:
What Is Your Message?
From the client’s first contact with you – whether that’s through your website, social media channels or over the phone – what impression are you leaving? Is that the impression you want to leave?
Some examples from reading the vast range of advertising from electricians, plumbers, bricklayers and carpenters around Perth, some of the messages are:
- I’m affordable
- I’m highly skilled/professionally qualified
- I’m experienced
- I’m fast
- I’m reliable/trust-worthy
- I’m convenient/available
- I’m on-time
Try not to merge every single tag line into your messaging – it will confuse your potential customers. Choose two most important qualities and create one clear message. Then push that message through all marketing platforms (website, social media, brochures etc.). One strong, concise message gives your clients clues as to what to expect from you!
Build Trust Through Photos & Videos
Are you familiar with the phrase, “A Picture Paints 1,000 Words”? Show, not tell.
So, you’ve chosen your message. There are only so many ways you can say, “I’m professionally qualified!”
A photo of you in your most polished uniform completing a job can communicate this instantly. It not only builds trust, but it informs your customer of what to expect from your service.
We are living in a world that is so digitally focused, as millennial’s become home owners and renters going online is the pathway to reach this new demographic.
The best places for these images is on your website and social media channels.
This has become even more important over time with tradies generating an abundance of jobs from things like Instagram stories using video.
Ask for Referrals
Let’s say you’ve just completed the perfect job. The customer needed someone fast, reliable and professional. You’ve ticked all the boxes and solved all their problems. You can see they’re happy. Do you just drive off into the sunset?
NO! You ask them for an online review.
It doesn’t have to be a formal request. It can be as casual as, “mate, how about you give us a review on Google?”
It may feel unnatural especially if you’re not used to it but it really is helping your business. If you are doing a good job, your customers will be happy to do this for you. And if you’re not, you can be made aware of where you can improve.
Online referrals can also be a strong tool to raise your profile and gain new leads. According to Forbes, studies show that 88% people trust online reviews. That is truly amazing considering how many are searching online for services now days.
Which would you prefer to deal with – a company with zero online reviews or a company with loads of (mostly positive) comments about them? I know which I’d prefer…
Summing Up Marketing For Tradies
I get it. Marketing is not the business you signed up for – your trade is. However, in this current climate, just plodding along in your bubble isn’t going to cut it anymore. Sure, if you’re so lucky to be operating in area with limited competition and easy leads, more power to you! Keep in mind that with the mining boom no longer ‘booming’ and tradespeople moving back into the city, there will be more competition than ever to get those jobs.
Start off with the above, easy to implement tips, raise your online profile and watch the leads roll in. Oh – and make sure you deliver on your message – but that’s an article for a whole other time…
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About 3am Ideas
We are Australia’s digital marketing agency for small businesses and startups. We provide an ROI driven service to our clients. We are especially dedicated to our Business Startup, Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation packages.
We always aim to work intimately with our clients because collaboration guarantees best results. From startups with big ideas or established small & medium sized businesses wanting to take the next step. Gain control over your online presence.