‘I don’t need a website, I’m a tradesman!’
The truth is, it’s no reason to justify not getting your business out there on the web. Maybe you’re limited to your local area or getting plenty of customers through Facebook and other social profiles.
To set the record straight, every business, in every industry, needs a website. Today, you can’t afford to not use the internet for marketing your trade services. The days of Yellow Pages and newspaper ads are long gone.
We live in a digital world. And whilst your job might be physical and hands-on, Google has become the public’s trusted partner when searching for local businesses. That’s why you’ve probably listed your business in trusted online directories like Checkatrade and Rated People. Maybe you’ve got a Facebook page and post before and after photos of your work.
But you don’t have a website! Here’s what you’re missing out on:
A website gives you the perfect opportunity to tell your customers just how good you are at your work. It provides you with a professional base to show off your handiwork to your potential clients and provide them with the easiest ways to get in touch.
Of course, not having a website doesn’t mean you’re not a professional. But today’s customers trust tradespeople who have a web presence. Most customers are going to ignore a business that posts ads in the local paper but doesn’t have a website to check out.
The bottom line: Most people who visit your website won’t know a thing about your business. That’s why the first impression always counts.
Unlike you, your website is going to be available to customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that potential customers can easily locate your business at any time of the day or night, without interrupting your work, waking you up or getting in the way of your day off.
This means that you’re always there for your customers, even if you’re not present physically. A potential customer who’s browsing for tradespeople in the middle of the night can quickly bookmark your site and get in touch with you in the morning. Simple!
Tradespace websites are less than twenty quid a month. Compared to traditional methods of advertisement such as radio, TV and newspapers, that’s dirt cheap! And, traditional advertising can be a gamble – there’s no guarantee that they’re going to reach your target market.
On the flip side, your website can be accessed at any time by people who are looking for the services that you offer.
There’s no question that social media is great for engaging with your customers. But, although most people today are connected to the internet, you can’t rely on everybody having a social presence. These customers might miss out on crucial information about your business if you’re sticking to social media alone.
With your own website, your customers can easily access all the information that they need in one place by typing your web address into their browser. Keeping your customers updated about what you’re up to is a top way to keep them coming back.
As a tradesperson you’ll know that there’s a high demand for examples of your work. Nobody’s going to agree to hand their money over until they see just how good you are at what you do. That’s why a website is so important – it gives you a space to show off your best projects for customers to see before they even get in touch. You can show them photos and even videos. That way, they’ll already know what they’re getting and that they’re happy with it.
Don’t forget that you can also use your website to display testimonials and reviews from past customers who’ve been thrilled with your work.
A modern website that includes local SEO techniques will massively increase your online visibility. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, which helps businesses improve their rankings in Google. For example, if a potential customer searches for ‘plumbers in North Yorkshire’, you’ll want your website to be at the top of the list.
Tradespace websites have everything that you need to take your trade business to the top. They’re fast, secure, well-designed and include all relevant business information.
Don’t miss out. Give us a shout and we’ll get your website sorted.