Marketing Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
You became a tradie because you're good with your hands, not because you wanted to become a social media manager. Here are 12 marketing ideas that work without requiring you to dance on TikTok.
1. The "Google My Business" Goldmine
If you only do ONE marketing activity, make it this: optimise your Google My Business profile.
- Add 10+ photos of your work (before/after shots perform best)
- Respond to every review within 24 hours
- Post a "update" once a week (even just a project photo)
- Add your service areas accurately
Why it works: When someone Googles "plumber near me," this is what shows up. A complete profile with recent photos and reviews beats a blank one every time.
2. Ask for Reviews (The Right Way)
The best time to ask for a review is immediately after completing a job well. Send a simple text:
"G'day [Name], thanks for having us today! If you were happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Here's the link: [link]. Cheers, [Your name]"
Why it works: 72% of customers will leave a review if asked. Most tradies never ask.
3. The Neighbour Drop
When you finish a job, drop a simple flyer to the 5 houses on either side:
"We just completed work at your neighbour's place. If you need [your trade], here's 10% off your first job. Call [number]."
Why it works: Social proof + proximity + offer = high conversion rate.
4. The Fridge Magnet Strategy
Old school? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. Quality fridge magnets with your name and number stay visible for years.
Order 500 magnets for ~$150. Give one to every customer. Emergency happens, they look at the fridge, they call you.
5. Local Facebook Groups (Not Ads)
Join local community Facebook groups. Don't spam them. Instead:
- Answer questions helpfully when people ask about your trade
- Share genuinely useful tips (e.g., "how to stop a dripping tap temporarily")
- When someone asks for recommendations, others will tag you
Why it works: Trust is built before the sale. You become "the helpful sparky from the Facebook group."
6. Ute Signage That Works
Your ute is a mobile billboard. Make sure it includes:
- Your trade (big and clear)
- Phone number (huge, readable from 20 metres)
- "Emergency Callouts" if you offer them
- One benefit: "Same Day Service" or "No Call-Out Fee"
Skip the clipart flames and fancy logos. Clarity beats creativity.
7. The Customer Referral Bonus
Tell existing customers: "If you refer a friend who books a job, I'll give you $50 off your next service."
Keep track in a simple spreadsheet. When someone mentions a referral, honour it immediately.
8. Partner with Complementary Trades
Electrician? Partner with a plumber. Builder? Partner with a painter. Refer work to each other.
Formalise it: "I'll send you my overflow plumbing leads if you send me your electrical referrals."
9. "Done Today" Social Proof
Take a photo of completed work (with permission). Post it to your Google My Business and/or Facebook with:
"Just finished this hot water install in [suburb]. Customer called at 9am, we had it sorted by 2pm."
Why it works: Shows you're active, capable, and fast.
10. Answer Your Damn Phone
Seriously. The tradies who answer calls (or have someone answer for them) get the job. Those who send callers to voicemail lose to competitors who pick up.
If you can't answer, set up call forwarding or an answering solution.
11. Follow Up on Quotes
Gave a quote 3 days ago and heard nothing? Send a simple message:
"G'day, just checking if you had any questions about the quote I sent through? Happy to chat if anything's unclear. Cheers, [Name]"
50% of quotes that go quiet can be recovered with a single follow-up.
12. The "While You're Here" Upsell
When finishing a job, ask: "While I'm here, is there anything else you've been meaning to get looked at?"
You're already on-site. The customer already trusts you. An extra 30-minute job is easy money for both of you.
Pick Two and Start
You don't need to do all 12. Pick the two that seem easiest and do those first. Build momentum. Add more over time.
The best marketing strategy is the one you'll actually do.