Tradie Digital Marketing: How To Do It Right In 2024 

Are you struggling to get work for your tradie business? We know how tough it can be to get new clients for businesses just starting out or ones who are looking to grow, so we created this article about marketing for tradies that will give you all the info you need!

Whether your an electrician or a concreter this guide will help you. We know you've got the talent, but did you know that getting the word out is way easier than it seems, especially for trades.

From getting your brand in people's minds to harnessing the power of the internet to connect with a wide audience, and even using some tried-and-true methods that still pack a punch, we've got it all covered in our tradie marketing guide. We're here to help you shine and let the world see the incredible work you do.

Does Traditional Advertising Still Work?

Firstly we will start with the question, does traditional marketing still work? Well, the landscape has shifted a bit. Achieving your marketing goals through traditional methods has become more challenging. The reason?

Traditional marketing lacks the precision of targeting that digital marketing provides. You can't create targeted campaigns to specific audiences, which lowers effectiveness. Measuring return on investment also gets tricky – it's hard to gauge if your efforts are paying off. Even with methods like ads in niche magazines or on the radio, the results are often better replicated through digital channels, like Google display ads.

And let's be real, traditional marketing tends to be costlier and less flexible. For example with google ads you can start a campaign with the budget you decide, with traditional advertising you are often restricted with a minimum amount. So, while it might still have a role, it's worth considering the flexibility and reach that digital platforms offer

Understand The Basics Of Branding

Let's delve into the essential aspects of branding that can shape your tradie business's identity and reputation. Building a robust and strong brand foundation is pivotal. Think of it as constructing a sturdy house – every element needs to align seamlessly.

Consistency is your steadfast ally. Ensure that your brand's colours remain consistent across all facets of your business, whether it's your website, social media, or other online marketing materials. This visual cohesion cultivates a sense of familiarity and trust among your audience.

Now, let's talk about tone. Picture your brand as a person – what kind of personality do you want it to have? Is it formal and professional, speaking with authority and gravitas? Or perhaps it's more relaxed and approachable, like a friendly neighbor?

An easy to get your tone right is to think about what your brand represents. If you offer a premium service then you might want to have a more formal serious tone, where as if you are a family owned business or sole trader you may want to have a more relaxed casual tone.

Regardless of your chosen tone, the key lies in maintaining consistency. This uniformity paints a clear picture of who you are and what you stand for in the minds of your customers.

Remember, your brand is more than just a logo or a color palette; it's the essence of your business. By grasping these basics of branding, you're laying down a strong foundation that positions you as memorable and impactful in the tradie industry.

Know What Makes You Better

Knowing what makes you better then your competitors, often called a unique selling point is vital for all businesses. It's what sets you apart from the sea of competitors and gives you a distinctive edge.

Your Unique selling point could be the exceptional quality of materials you use, your unbeatable affordability, or your lightning-fast responsiveness – whatever it is, it's what will make you stand out, and attract the right customers to you.

Once you've unearthed your unique selling point, show it proudly across every corner of your brand. Let it resonate in your social media posts, shine through in your website's content, and make an appearance on your business cards. Your unique selling point is the heart of your brand story, and sharing it consistently reinforces your identity in the minds of your customers.

So, what makes you better? Take a deep dive into what defines your business and turn that insight into every communication of your brand. Embracing your unique selling point doesn't just make you distinct; it makes you unforgettable.

Know Who You Want To Target

Knowing your target audience guides you in the right direction and helps you avoid getting the wrong prospects. One common pitfall is attempting to cast your net too wide and appealing to everyone. Instead, hone in on the specific types of people you want to reach.

For instance, identify and steer clear of those notorious "time-wasting clients." These are the folks who might not align with your services or values, and recognising them early can save you precious time and energy.

Whether you're offering a premium service or positioning yourself as the more budget-friendly choice, transparency is key. Make sure your branding and messaging clearly reflect the value you provide. If you're top-tier, let that shine to attract premium clients. If you're more budget-conscious, highlight the unique benefits you offer to attract the right audience.

Remember, knowing who you want to target is like having a secret weapon – it helps you connect with the right people and build lasting relationships that benefit both sides.

Referals Are Your Best Friend

Even in our digital age, referrals remain a force to reckon with. Believe it or not, a riduculous 88% of consumers trust word of mouth – that's nearly 9 out of 10 people! The trick? Offer a top-notch service and go that extra mile to keep your customers happy.

It's no secret that numerous tradies thrive solely on word of mouth for their business. So, when it comes to getting work, never underestimate the incredible power of a satisfied customer spreading the good word about you.

Be Wary Of Marketing Agencies

When it comes to dealing with marketing agencies, it's important to tread carefully. The truth is, the quality of these agencies can vary widely, and the term "marketer" can be thrown around pretty loosely.

Some platforms that promise long-term strategies might attract their fair share of scammers and less-than-competent workers. But don't stress, I've got some practical advice to help you navigate this.

Firstly, make sure you understand the basics of what they're offering and that they're clear about what you'll be getting in return. If their promises sound too good to be true or they guarantee results, it's a bit of a red flag.

Checking reviews is a solid move – not just on Google, but also on other reputable review platforms. And hey, asking around in your network of business owners about marketing agencies can be a great method. If someone you trust has had a positive experience and results, that's a good sign. So, take your time, do your research, and don't fall for any flashy guarantees from agencies that might not have your best interests at heart.

Follow The Digital Marketing Basics

It's amazes me that even in 2023, numerous businesses, particularly tradie ones, are missing out on the digital marketing essentials. Basic stuff, like having a solid website following basic web design practices and a well-curated Google My Business profile, can make a world of difference.

Oh, and don't forget to toss in a user-friendly contact form for those who prefer typing over dialing. Setting up basic social media channels won't hurt either – just a few posts showcasing your work can do wonders.

And let's be real, who doesn't glance at Google reviews? I know I do. High star ratings and a decent bunch of reviews can definitely tip the scales in your favour. It's all about those little things that can take you a long way.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, might sound a bit fancy, but it's not as intimidating as it sounds. It is pretty much the search results that pop up first when someone searches for services you offer on google or other search engines. It's like pay per click advertising, but without the price tag – it's free! One thing to keep in mind is that Tradie SEO can take time.

This can create more traffic for your website and you can generate leads from these site visitors for targeted traffic terms on your website.

Quick results aren't its strong suit; you're looking at around 3 months minimum to start seeing changes, and sometimes it might take up to a year. This is all dependent on your industry and trade. concreter SEO usually has less competition then other trades like Plumber SEO But trust me, the patience pays off. It's a strategy that's often overlooked but holds a lot of power.

Beware Of Scammers

When it comes to choosing SEO services, be careful. Because SEO takes time to show its magic and holds significant value, it's become a playground for both scammers and the less skilled disguising as a tradie marketing agency. But don't worry, there are ways to spot them.

Ask for their track record – a portfolio that proudly showcases their victories. Don't be shy about checking their references either. And most importantly, have a straight-up chat about their game plan to get more traffic.

Will they redesign your website? Give you backlinks? Maybe even write some blogs? The key is to grill them with questions until you're confident they're the real deal. Your business deserves nothing less.

Want To Check The Value Of SEO?

Wondering about the impact of SEO on your business in getting more traffic? We've got a helpful SEO calculator to help you gauge its potential benefits. Start by logging into Google Keyword Planner and searching for a relevant keyword that matches your services.

For instance, if you're an electrician serving Sydney clients, try searching 'Sydney electrician.' Once you have the keyword, turn to our calculator. Input the specific page number you'd like to evaluate for clicks – if it's the third page to show up, simply enter '3' into our calculator. Click here to check out our calculator.

In our example, if we use the low end search volume of 1000 searches, and want to know the first position and input this in out calculator is estimated to secure an impressive 279 clicks per month. Just imagine the potential when you hold that top spot! To provide context, using Google Ads with their lower bid could cost you nearly $2,000 ($6.93 x 279) every month for just one keyword. And remember, this is only for a single keyword – think of the possibilities when you use multiple keywords.

Although investing in search engines optimisation might involve expenses, as demonstrated, the rewards can be substantial with the right professional guiding you. So, as you contemplate digital marketing services for your tradie business keep in mind: a well-executed SEO strategy can be a real game-changer

Google Ads

If you're all about making sure the right people find your business, Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords) is your secret weapon. This paid advertising gets you out their to people who are already on the hunt for what you offer.

Imagine you're an electrician in North Sydney – with Google Ads, you can aim your spotlight exactly there. Picture this: when someone types in "electrician North Sydney" on Google, your name comes into view. Your business pops up right when they're searching for it – talk about being at the right place, right time!

Google Ads Is a Long Term Strategy

Let's talk strategy – Google Ads paid advertising is a long-term game that's all about playing it smart. Now, here's the scoop: patience is key. Google's got some serious machine learning up its sleeve, and it takes a bit of time for your campaign to hit its stride.

But fear not, with a skilled Google Ads paid advertising specialist managing your campaign, things should start working just fine. These specialists can use data to fine-tune and refine your campaign as time goes on. Remember, good things come to those who wait, and Google Ads is still a profitable form of digital marketing, especially for small businesses.

Email Marketing Strategy

Something overlooked for marketing for tradies is email marketing. Crafting a successful email marketing strategy involves various tactics. Encouraging customers to leave reviews by offering incentives like gift cards can boost your online reputation, getting you more customers.

Additionally, implementing a referral program within your emails can tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Remarketing through email be very effective, especially for services that have an ongoing nature, allowing you to stay engaged with your audience and drive conversions over time.

Social Media

In today's digital marketing landscape, having a strong social media presence can work wonders for tradies looking to expand their customer base. The potential is undeniable—I've witnessed firsthand how fellow tradies achieved remarkable success through well-executed paid social media marketing campaigns, and even with organic social media marketing. But it doesn't stop there.

Embracing the latest communication trends, such as reels, shorts, and Tik Toks, can be a game-changer for boosting brand visibility and reaching a wider audience. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, or builder, the strategic use of social media opens up a world of possibilities to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients in ways you never thought possible.

It's a dynamic platform that can truly set your tradie business apart from the rest, especially considering how easy it is to use.

Don't underestimate short form videos

Something you don't want to underestimate in your tradie marketing efforts is short form video content. TikTok isn't just for the younger generation. Surprisingly, one out of every two TikTok users is over 30, and this is on the rise. This highlights the platform's growing appeal to a growing older audience, making it full of untapped potential for tradies to get more customers.

As you embark on video creation, prioritise the visual aspect of your content – a visually captivating video is your golden ticket.

Remember, you're not just showcasing your skills; you're crafting an experience that resonates. Now, don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd. In a sea of content, uniqueness is your lifeboat – it's what keeps viewers engaged and intrigued.

Now, picture this: unlike traditional social media, where your posts might get lost in the shuffle, short-form content gives you an advantage. Users are more receptive to fresh, new content on these platforms, meaning your videos have a higher chance of reaching eyes that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

So, unleash your creativity, put your tradie jobs on display, and seize the opportunity to connect with potential clients like never before. Your journey into the world of short-form video content might just be the game-changer your business needs.

Hire a Professional

Are you looking for a tradie SEO agency? In the ever-evolving world of marketing, one truth remains constant: hiring a professional can make all the difference. That's where Jible comes into play. Our expertise spans far and wide, with a deep understanding of the complications of digital marketing, particularly in the realm of tradie marketing we can help achieve your business goals.

Affordability is our foundation, and we take pride in crafting strategies that align with your budget without compromising quality. Whether you're seeking a comprehensive tailored plan or specific digital marketing services, we've got you covered. With Coleman Marketing by your side, you'll gain access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a passion for helping tradies like you thrive in the online marketing landscape.

Ready to take the leap into the world of successful online marketing? Reach out to us today and let's embark on this journey together. Your success story starts here.