Finding a steady stream of work is one of the biggest challenges for any tradesperson. Whether you’re a carpenter, plumber, decorator, or electrician, you need to stand out from the competition and ensure a consistent flow of customers.
In this blog, we’ll cover practical strategies to help you win more work, attract better clients, and grow your trade business.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
Why It Matters:
Most customers search for tradespeople online first—if they can’t find you, they’ll go to someone else.
How to Do It:
✔ Create a Google Business Profile – This is free and helps you appear in local searches.
✔ Build a simple website – Even a one-page website with your services, contact details, and photos of your work makes a huge difference.
✔ Be active on social media – Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok help showcase your work and attract customers.
Tip: If you’re not online, you’re invisible to potential customers. Even basic online visibility can help you win more work.
2. Get More Customer Reviews
Why It Matters:
90% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely customers will choose you.
How to Do It:
✔ Ask happy customers to leave a Google review.
✔ Send a follow-up message after a job, thanking them and asking for feedback.
✔ Offer a small discount or incentive for reviews (e.g., “Leave a review and get £10 off your next service!”).
Tip: Respond to every review—good or bad. Thanking customers shows professionalism, and handling negative reviews well can actually improve your reputation.
3. Use High-Quality Photos and Videos
Why It Matters:
Customers want to see examples of your work before hiring you. Good photos and videos help prove your skills and make your business look more professional.
How to Do It:
✔ Take before-and-after photos of your work.
✔ Post videos showing your process—it builds trust with potential clients.
✔ Use your best photos on your website, social media, and Google Business Profile.
Tip: A picture speaks a thousand words. Make sure every job you finish is an opportunity for great marketing content.
4. Network and Build Relationships
Why It Matters:
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to win work. Building relationships with other trades, estate agents, landlords, and suppliers can lead to ongoing referrals.
How to Do It:
✔ Attend local business networking events.
✔ Partner with other tradespeople who can refer work to you (e.g., an electrician referring a trusted plumber).
✔ Work with estate agents, property managers, or landlords—they always need reliable tradespeople.
Tip: The more connections you have, the more work opportunities you’ll come across.
5. Get Accredited
Why It Matters:
Accreditation sets you apart from the competition and reassures customers that you’re a professional they can trust.
How to Do It:
✔ Join NRTAUK (National Registered Trade Accreditation UK) to show you’re a certified professional.
✔ Display accreditation logos on your website, van, business cards, and quotes.
✔ Mention your accreditation in your marketing to build instant trust with potential clients.
Tip: Customers are more likely to choose an accredited tradesperson over someone without credentials.
6. Improve Your Customer Service
Why It Matters:
Tradespeople with great customer service get more repeat business and referrals.
How to Do It:
✔ Answer phone calls and messages quickly—many customers hire the first person who replies.
✔ Be polite, tidy, and professional—first impressions matter.
✔ Keep customers updated if there are delays or changes to a job.
Tip: A tradesperson who provides reliable and friendly service will always get more work than one who doesn’t.
7. Offer a Guarantee or Warranty
Why It Matters:
Customers feel more comfortable hiring a tradesperson who offers a guarantee on their work. It shows confidence in your quality.
How to Do It:
✔ Offer a 6 or 12-month guarantee on your work.
✔ Clearly state your warranty on your website, quotes, and invoices.
✔ If a customer has an issue, fix it promptly—it helps your reputation.
Tip: Even a basic guarantee can make customers choose you over a competitor.
8. Run Special Offers and Promotions
Why It Matters:
People love a good deal. Running limited-time promotions can help attract new customers and encourage repeat business.
How to Do It:
✔ Offer seasonal discounts (e.g., winter boiler check-ups, summer exterior painting deals).
✔ Provide a “Refer a Friend” discount for customers who recommend you.
✔ Give a small discount to new customers to encourage them to try your service.
Tip: A well-timed promotion can boost work during slow periods.
9. Advertise Smartly
Why It Matters:
A small marketing budget can lead to big results if spent wisely.
How to Do It:
✔ Use local Facebook groups and ads to target potential customers.
✔ List your business on trusted trade directories (e.g., NRTAUK, Checkatrade, MyBuilder).
✔ Print flyers and business cards and drop them off at local shops, cafes, and community centres.
Tip: Spending even a little on marketing can bring in high-paying jobs.
10. Follow Up with Past Customers
Why It Matters:
It’s easier to win repeat business than to find new customers.
How to Do It:
✔ Send a follow-up message a few months after a job to check if they need more work done.
✔ Offer maintenance services to previous clients (e.g., annual boiler checks, worktop re-oiling).
✔ Keep a database of past customers and send them seasonal reminders or promotions.
Tip: A simple follow-up text or email can bring in repeat business without much effort.
Conclusion
Winning more work as a tradesperson isn’t just about being good at your job—it’s about marketing yourself, building trust, and staying ahead of the competition.
By improving your online presence, getting accredited, networking, and delivering great customer service, you can attract more clients, charge higher rates, and build a thriving trade business.
Take Action Today:
✔ Join NRTAUK to stand out and gain credibility.
✔ Update your online profiles and start asking for reviews.
✔ Network with other tradespeople and property professionals to get more referrals.
Want to boost your trade business? Sign up with NRTAUK today and get recognised as a trusted, accredited professional!
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