Your skills are in your hands, not on a keyboard. You're on-site, on the tools, and the last thing you have time for at the end of a long day is "digital marketing."
For generations, a good reputation and word-of-mouth have been the lifeblood of skilled tradespeople. While that is still incredibly important, a new step has been added to the process. Today, when a pipe bursts, a fuse box trips, or someone decides their living room needs a refresh, the very first thing they do is pull out their phone and search.
If you’re not visible online when that search happens, you're missing out on your most valuable local leads.
You don't need to become a marketing guru. You just need a solid, professional online foundation that works for you in the background. This is a no-nonsense checklist of the five highest-impact things you can do to get found online and get more inquiries.
1. Master Your Google Business Profile (Your New Yellow Pages)
If you do only one thing from this list, make it this. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the information box that appears on Google Maps and in local search results. It is the most powerful free tool for attracting local customers.
Your Key Actions:
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Claim and Verify It: Search for your business name on Google Maps. If you see it, click "Own this business?". If not, you can create a new profile for free.
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Fill Out Everything: Don't skip any sections. List every single service you offer (e.g., "Emergency call-outs," "Boiler servicing," "Fuse box replacement").
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Set Your Service Area: This is crucial. Tell Google the specific towns and postcodes you cover, for example, "Market Harborough and all villages within a 15-mile radius."
2. Let Your Work Do the Talking with Photos
In a trade where quality is everything, photos are your ultimate sales tool. They provide instant, undeniable proof of your craftsmanship and professionalism. People want to see the quality of your work before they call.
Your Actionable Habit: Get into a simple routine: take a quick "before" photo on your phone, and a great "after" photo of the finished job. Once a week, spend ten minutes uploading the best images directly to your Google Business Profile and the gallery on your website. It’s the most effective way to build trust before you've even spoken to a potential customer.
3. Make Google Reviews Your Best Friend
Trust is the currency of the trades. Online, Google Reviews are the digital equivalent of a glowing recommendation from a neighbour. A strong collection of 5-star reviews will make you the obvious choice over a competitor with few or no reviews.
Your Actionable Habit: Don't be shy about asking. When a customer is delighted with a finished job, make it easy for them. As you're sending the final invoice via email or text, include a direct link to your Google review page and say something simple like, "If you're happy with the work, a quick review on Google would be a massive help to my business. You can leave one here: [Link]".
4. Get a Simple, Professional Website (Your Digital Business Card)
Your website doesn't need to be a 50-page masterpiece. Think of it as your professional online brochure or business card that's working for you 24/7.
The Must-Have Elements:
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A clean, mobile-friendly design: Most people will be searching for you on their phone, often in a hurry.
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A clear list of your services.
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A gallery showcasing your best work (see tip #2!).
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Your contact number, big, bold, and clickable.
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A simple contact form for non-urgent inquiries.
Pro Tip: Make sure the title of your homepage includes what you do and where you do it. For example: "J. Smith & Sons - Your Local Painter & Decorator in Market Harborough."
5. Be Consistent Everywhere Else
Google trusts businesses that have a consistent, professional presence across the web. This means making sure your core business information is the same everywhere it's listed.
Your Actionable Habit: Check that your Name, Address (or service area), and Phone number (NAP) are written exactly the same on your website, your Google Profile, your Facebook page, and any trade-specific directories you're on (like Checkatrade, TrustATrader, etc.). This consistency is a powerful trust signal to search engines.
This isn't about adding more work to your already busy schedule. It's about setting up a solid foundation that generates leads for you in the background, letting you focus on what you do best - delivering quality work for your customers.
We know you're busy running your business. If you're a local tradesperson in the Market Harborough area and want to get this digital foundation built properly without the hassle, Brand Canyon is here to help. We build simple, effective websites and set up Google profiles that get you seen. Get in touch for a straightforward, no-obligation chat.
