If you’re a tradesperson, you know how hard it is to get your name out there and attract new customers. You’ve probably tried everything from flyers to social media, but you’re still not getting the results you want. The truth is, having a good website is crucial for any trades business in the UK. It’s often the first thing potential customers see, and it can make or break their decision to get in touch.
What Makes a Good Tradesman Website?
A good tradesman website should be easy to navigate, look professional, and clearly show what services you offer. It’s not just about slapping up some contact details and a few photos, though. You need to think about what your customers are looking for and make sure your site gives it to them. For example, if you’re a plumber, your customers might be looking for emergency contact details, prices, and information about the areas you cover.
Let’s take a look at a real-life example. Suppose you’re a electrician based in Liverpool, and you want to attract more customers from the local area. Your website should include keywords like ‘electrician in Liverpool’ and ’emergency electrician Liverpool’ to help you show up in search results. You could also include a page about the areas you cover, such as Wirral, Chester, and other surrounding towns.
Essential Feature 1: Clear Contact Details
One of the most important things your website needs is clear contact details. This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many trades websites make it hard for customers to get in touch. You should have a dedicated contact page with your phone number, email address, and physical address. Make sure your contact details are easy to find and consistent across your site.
For instance, if you have a ‘Get a Quote’ form on your site, make sure it’s easy to use and doesn’t ask for too much information. You should also have a clear call-to-action, such as ‘Contact us today for a free quote’ or ‘Call us now for emergency repairs’. This will help encourage customers to get in touch and make it easy for them to do so.
Why Contact Details Matter
Having clear contact details is crucial because it helps build trust with your customers. If someone is looking for a tradesperson and they can’t easily find your contact details, they’re likely to go elsewhere. You should also make sure your contact details are consistent across all your online platforms, including social media and directories like Yell.
Essential Feature 2: Mobile-Friendliness
Most people now search for tradespeople on their mobile phones, so your website needs to be mobile-friendly. This means it should be easy to navigate and look good on smaller screens. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’ll be losing out on potential customers. Google also takes mobile-friendliness into account when ranking websites, so it’s essential for your search engine optimisation (SEO).
According to Google’s guidelines, a mobile-friendly site should have large enough text, easy-to-click links, and no horizontal scrolling. You can test your site’s mobile-friendliness using Google’s testing tool. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s worth considering a redesign or talking to a web designer who can help you make the necessary changes.
How to Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly
Making your site mobile-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start by checking your site on different devices and browsers to see how it looks. You should also consider using a responsive design, which means your site will automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes. This will make it easy for customers to navigate your site and find what they’re looking for, regardless of the device they’re using.
Essential Feature 3: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
SEO is crucial for any trades website because it helps you show up in search results. You should include relevant keywords in your page titles, descriptions, and headings, as well as throughout your content. However, don’t overdo it – Google can penalise you for keyword stuffing. You should also make sure your site is fast and secure, as this will also improve your SEO.
For example, if you’re a builder in Wirral, you might include keywords like ‘builder in Wirral’ and ‘construction services Wirral’ on your site. You should also make sure your site is listed in local directories like Wirral Council’s business directory. This will help you show up in local search results and attract more customers from the area.
Why SEO Matters
SEO matters because it helps you reach more customers and grow your business. By including relevant keywords and making sure your site is fast and secure, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic. You should also consider using online directories like Checkatrade to reach more customers and build your reputation.
If you’re weighing up your options, it’s worth reading our breakdown of WordPress websites and Shopify websites — both cover what each platform actually gets right for small UK businesses.
Essential Feature 4: Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer reviews and testimonials are essential for building trust with potential customers. You should encourage your customers to leave reviews on your site or on social media, and make sure you respond to all feedback – both positive and negative. This will show that you value your customers’ opinions and are committed to providing a good service.
For instance, if you’re a plumber, you might include a page on your site for customer reviews and testimonials. You could also use social media to ask customers for feedback and share their reviews with your followers. This will help build trust and attract more customers to your business.
How to Get More Customer Reviews
Getting more customer reviews can be as simple as asking your customers for feedback. You could send them an email after a job is completed, asking them to leave a review on your site or on social media. You should also make it easy for customers to leave reviews by including a clear call-to-action on your site.
Essential Feature 5: Clear Services and Pricing
Finally, your website should clearly show what services you offer and how much they cost. This will help customers make an informed decision about whether to use your services, and will also help you attract the right kind of customers for your business. You should include detailed descriptions of your services, as well as pricing information and any special offers you have available.
For example, if you’re an electrician, you might include a page on your site that outlines your services, including emergency repairs, installations, and maintenance. You could also include a pricing page that outlines your rates and any discounts you offer for long-term customers or referrals.
As a tradesperson, you know how important it is to have a good website. By including these essential features, you can attract more customers, build trust, and grow your business. Don’t forget to check out web design for tradespeople for more information on how to create a website that works for your business. You can also visit the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for more general advice on running a small business. And if you’re looking for more specific guidance, check out our guide for tradespeople.
Thinking about a new website or a stronger online presence? Xeon Creative works with businesses across the UK to make it happen properly. Start a conversation with the team — or explore our recent work to get a feel for what’s possible.