NRTAUK

Running a successful trade business isn’t just about being great at your job—you also need to attract customers. Many tradespeople rely on word-of-mouth, but in today’s digital world, you need a solid marketing strategy to stay ahead of the competition. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget to promote your business effectively. In this blog, we’ll cover simple, cost-effective ways to market your trade business and win more work.

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (Free & Essential!)

One of the easiest and most powerful marketing tools for tradespeople is Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It’s free, and when set up correctly, it can help you appear in local searches when people look for services like yours.

How to Set It Up & Optimise It:

• Claim your business listing on Google Business Profile.

• Add your business name, contact details, service areas, and opening hours.

• Upload high-quality photos of your work.

• Collect and respond to customer reviews—positive reviews help boost your ranking.

• Post regular updates, such as offers or completed projects.

Tip: If a homeowner searches “plumber near me” or “kitchen cabinet spraying in Worthing,” a well-optimised Google Business Profile can help your business show up first!

2. Leverage Social Media for Free Marketing

Social media is a great way to showcase your work, connect with potential customers, and build a reputation. You don’t need to be on every platform—just focus on where your customers are.

Best Platforms for Tradespeople:

• Facebook: Great for local community groups and customer engagement.

• Instagram: Ideal for sharing before-and-after project photos.

• TikTok: If you’re comfortable on video, short clips of your work can reach a massive audience.

• LinkedIn: Good for networking with other businesses and securing commercial work.

What to Post?

• Before-and-after photos of your work.

• Customer testimonials and reviews.

• Tips and advice related to your trade (e.g., “How to Maintain Your Wooden Worktops”).

• Behind-the-scenes content—show yourself working on projects.

Tip: Engaging with local community Facebook groups can be a goldmine for finding new customers.

3. Encourage & Use Customer Reviews

People trust reviews. In fact, 9 out of 10 consumers read reviews before hiring a tradesperson.

How to Get More Reviews:

• Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google or Facebook.

• Make it easy by sending them a direct link.

• Offer a small incentive (e.g., entry into a prize draw for leaving a review).

• Respond to all reviews—thank positive ones and professionally address any negative ones.

Tip: If someone compliments your work, ask them on the spot, “Would you mind leaving me a quick Google review?”

4. Join Local Business Directories & Trade Accreditation Schemes

Getting listed in online directories can help people find your business. Some key places to list your trade business include:

• NRTAUK (National Registered Trade Accreditation UK)

• Checkatrade

• TrustMark

• Yell.com

• Facebook Marketplace

5. Use Simple, Affordable Flyers & Business Cards

Not all marketing is digital! A well-designed flyer or business card can still be highly effective.

Best Places to Distribute Flyers & Cards:

• Local cafes, post offices, and community centres.

• Letterboxes in areas where you want to work.

• Trade counters at hardware stores.

• Given directly to happy customers to pass on to friends.

Tip: A QR code on your flyer that links to your website or Google reviews can boost credibility!

6. Offer Referral Incentives

Word-of-mouth is powerful, so why not encourage it? Offer a small incentive for past customers to refer you to friends and family.

Example Referral Offer:

• “Recommend me to a friend, and if they book, you’ll receive a £20 Amazon voucher!”

• “Refer 3 people, and I’ll give you £50 off your next service!”

7. Network with Other Local Businesses

Building relationships with complementary businesses can help you get more work. For example:

• A carpenter could partner with a kitchen fitter.

• A painter could collaborate with an interior designer.

• A plumber could connect with an estate agent to service rental properties.

8. Run Simple Facebook or Google Ads (Even £5 a Day Can Work!)

If you have a small budget, targeted online ads can be a great way to reach more customers.

Tips for Running Ads on a Budget:

• Target local areas only—don’t waste money advertising to people too far away.

• Use high-quality photos of your work.

• Keep the ad text simple and direct (e.g., “Professional Kitchen Cabinet Spraying – Get a Free Quote Today!”).

• Set a small daily budget (£5–£10 per day to start).

Conclusion

You don’t need a massive budget to market your trade business effectively. By using free tools like Google Business Profile, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals, you can attract new customers without spending a fortune. Try out some of these strategies, track what works best, and watch your business grow!

Are you a skilled tradesperson looking to stand out? Join NRTAUK today and get recognised as a trusted, accredited professional.