Running a trade business isn’t easy. You spend your days on-site, quoting, dealing with suppliers, and keeping customers happy. Marketing often slips to the bottom of the list. The problem is, without a steady flow of new enquiries, your diary will dry up.
That’s where online marketing comes in. Done right, it keeps the phone ringing. Done wrong, it wastes your time and money.
Here are the top five mistakes we see tradespeople making with their online marketing. And how you can avoid them.
1. Ignoring Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing potential customers see. If it’s half-empty, out of date, or not verified, you’re handing work to your competitors.
Why it matters: Most people now search “plumber near me” or “electrician in [town].” Google Maps listings appear above websites. If your profile isn’t optimised, you won’t show up.
Fix it: Fill in every detail, add photos of your work, and keep posting updates. Reviews are key, the more you have, the higher you should rank.
2. Having a Website That Doesn’t Work
A lot of tradespeople either don’t have a website, or they have one built years ago that doesn’t show up on mobile.
Why it matters: Even if someone finds you on Google Maps, they’ll often click through to your website to check you out. If it looks unprofessional or loads slowly, they’ll move on.
Fix it: Keep it simple. A clean, mobile-friendly site with your services, photos, and clear contact details is enough. Don’t overcomplicate it. You can also use the domain for your email address. No more “@hotmail.com” business email addresses!
3. Not Collecting Reviews
Too many trades rely on word of mouth but forget that reviews are today’s word of mouth. If you’re not actively asking for them, customers will forget once you’ve left site.
Why it matters: Reviews build trust instantly. A profile with 50+ reviews will always win more work than one with three.
Fix it: Make it simple for customers to leave a review. Tools like NFC review cards mean they just tap and leave feedback on the spot.
4. Wasting Time on the Wrong Social Media
We get it — you see other trades posting on TikTok or Instagram and think you should be doing the same. But unless you have the time and skill to make content regularly, you’ll struggle to see results.
Why it matters: Social media is useful for brand awareness, but for local trades, Google search brings in more enquiries.
Fix it: If you want to use social media, focus on one platform and post consistently. Otherwise, put your energy into Google. Where people are already searching for your services.
5. Doing It All Yourself
The biggest mistake is trying to juggle everything on your own. You’re brilliant at your trade, but online marketing is a different skill set.
Why it matters: Poorly set up ads, half-done SEO, or a neglected Google profile waste opportunities. You wouldn’t want a customer bodging their plumbing to save a few quid — the same applies here.
Fix it: Decide where your time is best spent. If marketing isn’t it, get help. Even small improvements to your Google presence can bring in more jobs than hours spent guessing at SEO.
Final Thoughts
Marketing for trades doesn’t need to be complicated. Avoid these five mistakes and focus on the basics: a strong Google profile, steady reviews, and a simple website. Do that, and you’ll stay ahead of 90% of your competition.
If you’d rather get on with the job while someone else handles the online side, that’s where we come in. At Trade Found, we specialise in SEO for tradespeople. Get found on Google and win more local work.