Let’s get blunt. Tradie marketing isn’t about flashy ads or fancy brochures. It’s the engine that fills your job pipeline while your hands are busy working. It’s how you stop scrambling for the next gig and start choosing the best jobs at the right price.
If you’re relying solely on word-of-mouth or hoping customers magically find your number in the Yellow Pages (yikes!), you’re leaving serious money – and great clients – on the table. Smart tradie marketing is practical, measurable, and gets tools in hands.
Why “just doing good work” isn’t enough anymore
Sure, quality work is your foundation. But in today’s world, it’s your marketing that gets you in the door to show that quality.
Here’s the reality:
1. Customers find tradies online first: Burst pipe? Faulty wiring? Rotten deck? Their first move is Google or Facebook. If they can’t find YOU easily, they’ll find your competitor.
2. Trust is built before the quote: Before anyone lets you into their home, they check you out. A strong online presence (reviews, photos, professional look) builds instant credibility. No presence = instant suspicion.
3. Word-of-mouth is slow & unreliable: Relying only on mates or past clients referring you means feast-or-famine. Consistent tradie marketing creates a steady flow of leads.
4. You can command better prices: When you effectively showcase your expertise, unique skills, and premium results (through marketing!), clients understand your value and are willing to pay for it.
The tradie marketing toolkit: What actually works (No fluff)
Forget complicated theories. Focus on these core tradie marketing activities that deliver real leads:
1. Your website: Your 24/7 sales rep (Non-negotiable!)
- Why: This is your marketing HQ. Every other tactic drives people HERE.
- Must-haves: Stunning project gallery, crystal-clear service areas, easy contact (BIG phone number!), genuine testimonials, simple “Get a Quote” form.
- Tradie marketing link: Your website IS your core marketing asset. All other efforts support it.
2. Google My Business (GMB): Your local lifeline (Free!)
- Why: This is how you show up in “electrician near me” searches and Google Maps.
- Must-do: Claim & VERIFY your listing. Fill out EVERY section: Services, Photos (LOTS!), Hours, Questions & Answers. Add your website link.
- Tradie marketing power: This is THE most powerful free tool for local visibility. Neglecting GMB is marketing suicide.
3. Customer reviews: Your digital word-of-mouth (Gold!)
- Why: 90%+ of customers read reviews before hiring. More (& better) reviews = more trust & higher search rankings.
- Must-do: SYSTEMATICALLY ask happy clients for Google reviews right after job completion (make it EASY for them – send a link!). Politely ask if you can feature their testimonial (with photo) on your website.
- Tradie marketing essential: Positive reviews are your strongest social proof. Actively manage them.
4. Targeted social media (Less posting, more results)
- Why: Showcase your work and connect locally.
- Must-do (Focus!):
- Facebook: Post your BEST project photos/videos (link back to your website gallery!). Run targeted local ads (e.g., “Kitchen Renovations in [Your Suburb]” to people interested in home improvement).
- Instagram: A visual portfolio. Great for before/afters, “behind the scenes” skill shots. Use local hashtags (#brisbaneelectrician, #sydneyplumber).
- Tradie marketing tip: Don’t try every platform. Master ONE or TWO where your ideal clients hang out. QUALITY photos/videos are mandatory.
5. Simple email/sms marketing (For repeat business & referrals)
- Why: Your past clients are your BEST source of repeat work and referrals.
- Must-do: Collect emails/numbers (with permission!). Send a short, valuable email/SMS 2-4 times a year:
- Seasonal reminders (e.g., “Pre-Winter Electrical Safety Check?”)
- Showcase a new service
- Offer a small “Refer a Friend” discount
- Tradie marketing efficiency: Low effort, high potential return from warm leads.
6. Strategic paid ads (When done right)
- Why: Get instant visibility for specific services or in specific areas.
- Must-do (Carefully!): Start SMALL and TARGETED:
- Google ads: Bid on keywords like “emergency plumber [Suburb]” or “bathroom renovation quotes [Area]”.
- Facebook/Instagram Ads: Target people in your suburbs who have interests like “home renovation,” “property investment,” or specific brands (Reece, Trademaster).
- Tradie marketing caution: Track results closely! Know your cost per lead. Don’t just throw money at it.
Ditch these tradie marketing money pits
- Generic flyers in letterboxes: Low response, high waste. Better to target ONLINE where people are actively searching.
- Expensive local paper ads: Often reaches the wrong audience, hard to track, expensive.
- Fancy brochures gathering dust: If they aren’t actively handed to warm leads at a quote, they’re usually useless.
- Trying to be everywhere online: Spreading yourself too thin across 10 platforms is ineffective. Focus on 2-3 core channels.
How to track what’s working (No guesswork!)
Good tradie marketing is measurable. Ask every single new lead: “How did you hear about us?” Track this religiously (simple spreadsheet works!).
- “Google Search” / “Google Maps”: Your website & GMB are working!
- “Saw your Van”: Vehicle signage is paying off!
- “Facebook/Instagram”: Your social efforts are landing.
- “A friend recommended you”: Your referral/repeat client strategy is strong.
- Found you on [Directory Site]”: Shows if those listings are worth it.
This simple question tells you EXACTLY where to invest your marketing time and money. Double down on what works, ditch what doesn’t.
Tradie marketing in action: A quick example
The Problem: “Dave the Sparky” gets sporadic work, mostly word-of-mouth. Wants more re-wiring and switchboard upgrade jobs.
The tradie marketing plan:
Fixed his website: Added a killer gallery of re-wire jobs, clear page on “Switchboard Upgrades,” big “Emergency Electrician” button.
Optimized GMB: Added photos of re-wires/switchboards, set service areas, encouraged reviews mentioning those services.
Ran targeted FB ads: Small budget targeting homeowners 25+ in his suburbs interested in “home renovation” or “electrical safety,” linking to his switchboard page.
Asked for reviews: Systematically asked re-wire/switchboard clients for Google reviews.
Tracked leads: Started asking “How did you hear about us?”
The Result: Within 3 months, Dave saw a 40% increase in re-wire/switchboard inquiries, mostly from Google Search and his FB ads. He could finally start choosing higher-value jobs.
Keep your marketing engine tuned
Tradie marketing isn’t a one-off. It needs regular attention:
- Weekly: Post new project photos on social media (link to website!). Respond to reviews & online messages FAST.
- Monthly: Review your lead source tracking. Check ad performance (if running any). Add new testimonials to your website.
- Quarterly: Review your GMB listing – update photos, check info. Review your service pages – anything new to add?
- Annually: Review your overall plan – what worked best? Adjust budget/time accordingly.
Invest in your pipeline, not just your tools
Tradie marketing is the smartest investment you can make in your business’s future. It’s not about being the loudest tradie; it’s about being the easiest, most trustworthy tradie to find when a customer needs you.
Stop hoping for work and start generating it consistently. Implement these practical tradie marketing strategies, track your results, and watch your calendar fill with quality jobs that let you charge what you’re worth. Your phone will start ringing. Get to work!
