Topics Covered:
- How to get found locally on Google without spending money
- The easiest way to collect and use customer reviews
- Why social media works even if you don’t post every day
- Simple website fixes that can help bring in more leads
- How to make word of mouth work harder for you
Get More Work Without Paying for Ads
If you run your own trade business, whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, decorator, or any other trade business, it’s likely that most of your time is spent on the job. Marketing often gets pushed to the side until work slows down. When that happens, the question becomes: how do you bring in more leads quickly and reliably?
The good news is that you don’t need a huge marketing budget to make a difference. There are simple, practical ways to get noticed by potential customers, build trust, and encourage enquiries, without spending a penny on advertising.
This guide covers five key areas where you can take action today. These aren’t gimmicks or time-wasters — they’re proven methods that work for small and local trade businesses.
Start With Local Search (Google Business Profile)
Most people looking for a tradesperson will start with a quick Google search. If someone types “emergency plumber near me” or “roof repair in Sheffield,” Google often shows a map listing with local businesses before anything else. To appear in those results, you need a properly set up Google Business Profile.
Steps to take:
- Visit google.com/business and create or claim your listing
- Add accurate details including your business name, service areas, contact info, and working hours
- Upload photos of your work, your logo, and a profile image
- Select the right category for your trade
- Ask customers to leave reviews and respond to them professionally
- Post updates every few weeks to keep the profile active
Why this matters:
A well-maintained Google Business Profile helps you show up in local search results, including Google Maps. This can generate enquiries from people who are actively looking for your service in your area, without any advertising costs.
We help businesses set up and optimise their Google listings as part of our SEO support for trades.
Get More Reviews — And Make Them Visible
Online reviews are one of the most powerful tools for building trust. Many customers will read reviews before even clicking through to your website. A few recent, positive reviews can be the difference between someone choosing you or moving on to the next business in the list.
What to do:
- Ask every satisfied customer to leave a review on Google or Facebook
- Make it easy by sending them a direct link and thanking them in advance
- Take screenshots of your best reviews and use them on your website, in quotes, and on social media
- Display reviews prominently on your homepage and service pages
Why this matters:
People trust people. If a potential customer sees consistent, recent reviews praising your reliability, quality of work, or speed of response, they’re far more likely to get in touch. Reviews can also improve your visibility in search results, especially on Google.
Use Social Media to Stay Visible
Social media isn’t just for big brands or influencers. For trades, it’s a powerful tool to keep your business visible in your local area. You don’t need to post every day or have thousands of followers — what matters is consistency and relevance.
What to share:
- Photos of your completed jobs, especially before and after shots
- Quick videos or walkthroughs of a job in progress
- Testimonials from happy customers
- Seasonal reminders (such as “Time to service your boiler before winter”)
- Local updates, events, or community involvement
Why this matters:
Many tradespeople get work through word of mouth. Social media allows you to extend that word of mouth into the digital space. A friend of a previous customer may follow your page, see a job that’s relevant to them, and make an enquiry. Over time, regular posts help build familiarity and trust.
We offer done-for-you social media campaigns if you want to keep your profiles active without the time commitment.
Optimise Your Website for Local Enquiries
Even if most of your customers find you through word of mouth or social media, they are still likely to check your website before contacting you. If your site is outdated, confusing, or missing key information, you may be losing leads without realising.
Make sure your website:
- Clearly shows your location and service area in the headline and footer
- Has a mobile-friendly design and quick loading speed
- Features a click-to-call phone number at the top of the page
- Includes clear, simple pages for each service you offer
- Highlights real customer reviews or testimonials
- Has a short contact form that works well on mobile
Why this matters:
Your website is often the final step before someone calls or messages. A clean, professional-looking site can make your business appear more established and trustworthy. It should reassure customers that they’re in safe hands.
We build custom websites for trade businesses that are focused on converting visitors into leads.
Make Word of Mouth Work Even Harder
Most good tradespeople get a steady stream of jobs from word of mouth — but there are ways to encourage even more referrals without asking every customer directly.
Try the following:
- After finishing a job, send a short thank-you message and mention that referrals are appreciated
- Offer a small incentive for referrals, such as £20 off their next service or a small gift card
- Leave behind simple, professional-looking business cards or magnets that customers can pass on
- Include a referral link or mention in your emails and invoices
Why this matters:
People want to recommend good tradespeople, but they need a little reminder or prompt to do it. By making referrals easy and rewarding, you increase the chances of your name being passed on.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to rely on big advertising budgets to grow your trade business. With some smart, simple actions, you can start generating more leads, building trust with potential customers, and keeping your diary full — all without spending a penny on paid ads.
Focus on being visible where it matters: Google, your website, reviews, and local social media. Keep your online presence active, helpful, and trustworthy, and the enquiries will follow.
