Getting started as a tradesperson—whether you’re a plumber, electrician, or builder—is one thing; being found by customers is another. If you want reliable local jobs landing on your phone, you need a smart marketing plan. Here’s your focused, actionable to‑do list:
1. Do Your Market & Competitor Research
Know your turf and who you’re up against:
- Identify where your customers search (e.g., Bournemouth, Poole)
- See how competitors position themselves—services, pricing, wording
- Use tools like Google Trends and local listings for insights
2. Set Up a Professional Email Address
First impressions count—get email right:
- Use a domain-based email (e.g.,you@yourbusiness.co.uk) to look credible and professional
- Avoid generic addresses like Gmail or Hotmail if you want to inspire trust in new customers.
3. Build a Straightforward, Effective Website
Your site is your online shopfront:
- Include Home, Services, About, Contact, Project Gallery, and Testimonials
- Add click-to-call, local keywords (e.g., “roofer in Southampton”), and fast-loading mobile views
- Make your services clear and easy to find
JNB Marketing can do this for you! Need a website?
4. Optimise Your Google Business Profile Weekly
This is often the first thing local customers see—keep it sharp:
- Update weekly with new photos, posts, and customer reviews to boost local visibility
- Keep NAP (Name, Address, Phone) accurate and clear.
We can set one of these up for you! Get in touch!
5. Be Listed Consistently in Local Directories
Consistency builds trust—and SEO juice:
- Ensure your NAP details match across directories like Yell, FreeIndex, and local trade sites.
- Accurate listings help you show up reliably in local searches.
FREE listings only to start with, DONT get upsold. Contact us if you need some help.
6. Post on Social Media at Least 3 Times a Week
Visibility keeps you relevant:
- Share job updates, behind-the-scenes content, and testimonials at least 3 times weekly for steady growth.
- Use a mix of posts—photos, short videos, and updates from your working day.
Want help with this? JNB Marketing can manage your social media (no contracts). Check out our marketing support packages!
Build Local Referrals & Community Presence
Word of mouth still rules:
- Engage in local Facebook community groups
- Sponsor small local events or charities
- Offer incentives for referrals from neighbours or existing clients
8. Focus on Google Ads or Local SEO—not Facebook Ads
Capture demand, don’t chase it:
- Google Ads and Local Services Ads attract people already searching for your service
- Local SEO builds long-term visibility without ad spending—Google searches lead to real enquiries
9. Track Your Progress & Keep Improving
Know what’s working:
- Use GBP Insights, Google Analytics, and social platform stats
- Set goals (like number of enquiries per week)
- Adjust your plan based on what posts or listings deliver results
If you’re just starting out, this marketing to-do list will help you launch with confidence:
| Focus Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Research & Brand | Understand your market and shape your message |
| Professional Identity | Build credibility with email and website |
| Local Visibility | Maintain visibility through GBP, directories, and posting |
| Lead Capture | Use search intent over interruption marketing |
| Measurement | Tweak your spending and effort based on real data |
Start here, stay active, and build your trade business the right way.
