Let’s be honest, tradespeople are the backbone of society. You fix the leaks, lay the foundations, and wire up the lights so the rest of us can live comfortably. But when it comes to digital marketing, some of you are about as handy as a hammer in a sponge factory.

Don’t worry, though—we’ve all been there. The good news is, with a few tweaks, your digital marketing can work as smoothly as a well-oiled toolbox. Let’s dive into the top 5 digital marketing mistakes tradespeople make and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Neglecting Your Website (or Not Having One at All)

Mistake: Not having a website is like a plumber showing up without a wrench—it just doesn’t make sense. If you do have a website but it looks like it was made in 2005, that’s equally bad. A poorly designed, outdated site can drive potential customers straight to your competitors.

Solution: Invest in a simple, professional website that showcases your services, contact details, and examples of your work. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly—most of your potential customers will be searching on their phones. Include clear calls-to-action like “Get a Free Quote” or “Call Now” to make it easy for visitors to reach you.

Funny Tip: Don’t let your website look like it was built during your lunch break at the greasy spoon. Think of it as your digital shopfront—would you want cracks in the walls there?

2. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Mistake: You might think SEO is just for tech geeks, but it’s crucial for tradespeople. Without SEO, your website is like a van without signage—no one knows who you are or what you do.

Solution: Optimise your website with the right keywords. For example, if you’re a block paver in Essex, make sure phrases like “block paving in Essex” and “local patio installer” are sprinkled naturally throughout your website.

Don’t forget local SEO. Claim your Google My Business profile and ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews—Google loves those!

Funny Tip: Think of SEO as your apprentice. Put in the effort to train it, and it’ll work hard to bring you leads—without asking for tea every five minutes.

3. Posting on Social Media Without a Plan

Mistake: We get it—you’ve posted a picture of a beautifully paved driveway or a fixed boiler and thought, “Job done!” But then… nothing. Weeks go by without a post, and your social media profile looks like a ghost town.

Solution: Consistency is key. Create a posting schedule and stick to it. Aim for 3–4 posts a week, mixing up content types:

• Before-and-after photos of your work.
• Tips for homeowners (e.g., “How to Maintain Your Block Paving”).
• Testimonials from happy customers.
• Promotions or seasonal offers.

Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages. And if you’re really not into social media, hire someone to manage it for you—it’s worth the investment.

Funny Tip: Think of your social media as a mate down the pub. If you only talk to them once a month, they’ll probably forget about you.

4. Not Using Google Ads or PPC (Pay-Per-Click)

Mistake: Many tradespeople shy away from paid ads, thinking they’re too expensive or complicated. But avoiding PPC is like refusing to use power tools because you’re still attached to your hand saw—it’s effective, but it takes forever.

Solution: Google Ads are a game-changer for tradespeople. You can target specific areas, keywords, and even times of day. For example, an emergency plumber can run ads targeting “emergency plumber near me” at 2 a.m., catching those late-night crises.

Set a budget that works for you, start small, and scale up as you see results. And if it still feels daunting, hire a professional to set it up and manage it for you.

Funny Tip: PPC is like a drill. Use it right, and it’ll make your life easier. Use it wrong, and you’ll be drilling holes in the wrong walls (and wasting money).

5. Skipping Customer Reviews

Mistake: Not asking for reviews is a massive missed opportunity. Think about it—when was the last time you booked anything without reading reviews first? Potential customers want to see proof that you’re reliable, skilled, and won’t disappear halfway through the job.

Solution: Make collecting reviews part of your process. After finishing a job, politely ask the customer to leave a review on Google or Facebook. Send them a link to make it easy.

Positive reviews improve your online reputation and boost your visibility in search results. Respond to every review, even the negative ones—this shows potential customers that you care about feedback.

Funny Tip: Reviews are like having mates vouch for you in the pub. The more people saying, “He’s a legend with patios,” the better.

Bonus Mistake: Not Tracking Your Results

Mistake: You’ve invested time (and maybe money) into digital marketing but have no idea if it’s working. That’s like finishing a job and not checking if the tap actually works.

Solution: Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website traffic and conversions. Monitor your social media insights to see which posts perform best. Adjust your strategy based on what’s working and what’s not.

Funny Tip: Think of tracking as your digital spirit level—without it, how do you know if everything’s straight and level?

Final Thoughts: Get Your Digital Tools in Order

Digital marketing might not come naturally to tradespeople, but it’s a vital part of running a successful business in today’s world. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll have more leads, more customers, and less stress.

Remember: Your website is your van, your SEO is your signage, and your social media is your word-of-mouth. Use these tools effectively, and your business will stand out like a perfectly laid patio on a sunny day.

Need help? At SEO For The Trade, we specialise in helping UK tradespeople master digital marketing. Contact us today, and let’s build your online presence together!