Digital Marketing Guide for UK Tradespeople

Your complete no-nonsense guide to growing your trades business online. Skip the fluff - let's get straight to what works.

Google Business Profile
Your Digital Shopfront

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your most powerful free marketing tool. 84% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Set up your profile today with accurate business hours, service areas, and high-quality images of your work.

Learn how we can optimize your Google Business Profile

Key actions:

  • Respond to every review within 24 hours
  • Post weekly updates
  • Add new photos monthly
  • Highlight certifications in your description

Local Service Ads
Get Seen When It Matters

Local Service Ads (LSAs) put you at the top of Google searches, and you only pay when potential customers contact you. These ads show your verified business status, giving instant credibility to potential customers.

Benefits of LSAs:

  • Google screens your leads
  • Appear above traditional ads
  • Control your budget and service areas
  • Show reviews and Google Guaranteed badge

Social Media That Sells

Focus on platforms where your customers actually spend time. For trades, that's Facebook and Instagram. Quality beats quantity - post one excellent piece of content weekly rather than daily fluff.

Content that converts:

  • Before/after photos of your best work
  • Quick video walkthroughs of completed projects
  • Customer testimonial screenshots
  • Tips that show your expertise

Local SEO
Own Your Area

Build Citations

Get listed on key directories like Checkatrade, Rated People, and Yell.

Location Pages

Create service pages for each area you cover to boost local relevance.

Local Backlinks

Partner with local businesses and suppliers for valuable backlinks.

Your Website
Make It Work Harder

Your website needs to convert visitors into leads. Strip away everything that doesn't serve this purpose.

Clear contact information
Emergency call button
Work gallery
Service areas
Trust signals

Reputation Management

Monitor and manage your online reputation across all platforms. One negative review handled well shows more professionalism than a hundred perfect ones.

Action items:

  • Set up Google Alerts for your business name
  • Create a process for collecting reviews
  • Build a bank of customer testimonials
  • Address negative feedback promptly

Email Marketing: Stay Top of Mind

Build an email list of past customers. Send quarterly maintenance reminders and special offers for repeat business. Keep it relevant and valuable.

Quick wins:

  • Seasonal maintenance checklists
  • Early booking discounts
  • Referral rewards
  • Emergency preparation tips

Pro Tip:

Segment your email list based on past services. This allows you to send targeted, relevant content that's more likely to convert.

Measure What Matters

Track these key metrics monthly:

  • 1.Number of new enquiries
  • 2.Cost per lead
  • 3.Conversion rate from enquiry to job
  • 4.Average job value
  • 5.Customer acquisition cost

Remember: The best marketing strategy is outstanding service. Word of mouth remains powerful - digital marketing amplifies it.