Starting out as a tradesperson—whether you’re a plumber, electrician, or builder—is one thing; getting steady local jobs through the door is another. If you want your phone ringing with real leads, you need a clear marketing game plan. Here’s your step-by-step checklist to make that happen:
1. Research Your Market & Competitors
Before diving in, understand your patch and who’s already serving it.
- Find out where your ideal customers search (e.g., Southampton, Bournemouth)
- Study how other trades advertise—what services, pricing, and tone they use
- Use free tools like Google Trends and local listings for insights
2. Get a Professional Email Address
Your contact details say a lot about you.
- Use a domain-based address (e.g., you@yourbusiness.co.uk) to look trustworthy and established
- Skip the free Gmail or Hotmail accounts—they don’t inspire much confidence in new customers
3. Create a Clean, Simple Website
Your website is your digital shop window—make it work for you.
- Include key pages: Home, Services, About, Contact, Gallery, Testimonials
- Add features like click-to-call, local keywords (e.g., “roofer in Southampton”), and fast mobile performance
- Keep your services clear, with strong calls to action
💡 Brimble Marketing can handle this for you—need a new site?
4. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Weekly
Your GBP is usually the first thing customers see—keep it active.
- Post weekly updates, photos, and customer reviews
- Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are accurate
📍 We can set up or optimise your GBP for you—just get in touch with Brimble Marketing!
5. Get Listed in Local Directories
Consistency = trust + better SEO.
- Check your NAP info is identical across Yell, FreeIndex, and local trade sites
- Stick to free listings at first—avoid paid “upgrades” until you’re established
Need a hand setting these up? Brimble Marketing can help!
6. Post on Social Media (At Least 3 Times a Week)
Stay visible and build your reputation.
- Share job updates, before-and-after shots, and happy-customer posts
- Mix it up with short videos, photos, and quick daily updates
📱 Want someone to manage it for you? Brimble Marketing offers flexible, no-contract social media packages.
7. Build Local Referrals & Community Presence
Word of mouth still wins in trades.
- Join local Facebook groups and share your work
- Support community events or charities
- Offer referral rewards to customers who spread the word
8. Focus on Google Ads or Local SEO (Skip Facebook Ads)
Go where people are actively looking.
- Google Ads and Local Service Ads reach people searching for your trade
- Local SEO builds long-term traffic and organic enquiries
- Avoid Facebook ads early on—they’re better for brand awareness than leads
9. Track What’s Working
Measure, review, improve.
- Use Google Analytics, GBP Insights, and social stats
- Set small, realistic goals—like enquiries per week
- Double down on what performs best and drop what doesn’t
| Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|
| Research & Branding | Understand your market and shape your offer |
| Professional Identity | Build trust with a strong online presence |
| Local Visibility | Keep active on Google and directories |
| Lead Generation | Target search intent, not random scrolls |
| Measurement | Improve through real data |
Start here, stay consistent, and you’ll build a steady flow of local work and a trusted reputation in your area.
💬 Ready to grow your trade business? Brimble Marketing can help you get found online and keep the leads coming in.
