Breaking into steady work with property developers and large building contractors can be a game-changer for any tradie. Instead of constantly chasing one-off jobs, you’re building long-term relationships that keep your pipeline full and your schedule consistent.

But how do you actually get your foot in the door — and become the subbie they call first every time?

Here’s how to make it happen.

🧱 1. Build a Brand Developers Can Trust

Developers and project managers aren’t just looking for good workmanship — they want dependable professionals.

Make sure your business looks the part:

• Have a clean, professional website that lists your services, photos of past work, and clear contact details.
  
• Keep your socials active — show up on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn with regular job updates and team photos.
  
• Keep your branding consistent across everything from your signage and business cards to your ute.
  

First impressions matter. A strong, professional presence gives developers confidence that you’ll represent them well on site.

🧰 2. Network Where Developers Hang Out

You won’t often find big opportunities on job boards — you’ll find them through people.

• Attend local builder association events, trade expos, or even supplier BBQs.
  
• Connect on LinkedIn with construction managers, site supervisors, and project coordinators.
  
• Build relationships with building suppliers — they’re often the ones recommending good tradies to developers.
  

The more visible and connected you are, the more likely you’ll be on their radar when a new project kicks off.

🗣 3. Ask for Introductions — and Follow Up Professionally

If you’ve worked with a builder or tradie who does commercial or developer work, ask if they can introduce you.

When reaching out:

• Keep it short, polite, and confident.
  
• Include a simple capability statement — a one-page summary of what you do, the type of work you specialise in, your licenses, and insurance cover.
  
• Follow up after a week or two if you don’t hear back. Developers are busy, so persistence (done politely) pays off.
  
  
  
  

🔨 4. Be the Easiest Subbie They Work With

Once you’re on site, reliability is everything.

• Show up early, communicate clearly, and deliver what you promise.
  
• If issues come up, flag them early and suggest solutions.
  
• Be flexible with scheduling when you can — delays happen, and the tradies who roll with it often get called back first.
  

Every good developer has a shortlist of “go-to” contractors they trust. That list is built from reliability, not just price.

📸 5. Document and Share Your Work

Start building your professional portfolio.

• Take photos and videos of your work (with permission).
  
• Post them on social media, tag the builder or developer, and explain what you achieved.
  
• Over time, this creates a visual reputation for quality that attracts bigger opportunities.
  
  
  
  

🤝 6. Offer Value Beyond the Tools

Don’t just do what’s asked — look for ways to add value.

• Suggest better materials, time-saving methods, or cost-efficient alternatives.
  
• Developers appreciate subbies who help make projects run smoother and more profitable.
  

When they see you as a partner rather than just labour, you’ll earn their loyalty.

🧾 7. Get Your Paperwork Sorted

Big jobs come with big compliance requirements. Be ready.

• Have your licenses, insurances, SWMS, and safety docs up to date.
  
• Send professional quotes and invoices with clear details and terms.
  
• Keep a template subcontractor agreement handy so you can start work fast when the opportunity arises.
  

Being organised sets you apart instantly — it makes you look like a pro who’s ready for commercial-level work.

📈 8. Start Small and Build Trust

Don’t expect a huge contract on your first try.

Take on smaller developer jobs, maintenance, or fit-outs to prove yourself. Deliver flawlessly and ask for feedback or a testimonial at the end.

That reputation spreads fast — and one small job can easily turn into years of ongoing work.

🧩 9. Stay Visible and Consistent

Developers and project managers move between projects all the time.

• Send a check-in email every few months with a short update or reminder of your availability.
  
• Keep posting your work online to stay top of mind.
  

Consistency builds familiarity — and familiarity builds trust.

🏗 10. Use Platforms Like tradienet. to Connect Directly

If you’re serious about connecting with developers and larger contractors, tradienet. makes it easier.

You can:

• Create a detailed business profile with photos, qualifications, and reviews.
  
• Message and quote directly on relevant projects.
  
• Build your reputation through verified work and client feedback.
  

It’s a faster, smarter way to build the kind of relationships that lead to long-term, high-value work.

💬 Final Thoughts

Breaking into the developer and contractor market takes effort, patience, and professionalism — but once you’re in, it can transform your business.

Focus on your reputation, relationships, and reliability, and soon enough, you’ll be the subbie everyone calls first.

You’re putting in the hours, doing the graft, but still finding it hard to keep the pipeline full of good, high-paying jobs. Between quoting, running sites, and keeping on top of admin, there’s barely time to breathe — let alone figure out why your network’s drying up or how to find a new one. So, you start quoting lower just to keep things moving, blaming “quiet times” when chatting with the boys at the pub. Meanwhile, the bigger companies with flash systems and full-time marketing teams keep raking it in — building demand like they’re developing entire suburbs.

We’re tradienet. — and we’re not some ex-tradie turned digital “expert.” We’re a team of trained professionals with over 16 years of experience in eCommerce, branding, marketing, and sales. For the past four years, we’ve focused specifically on helping Kiwi and Aussie tradies get the most out of what’s available today — so you don’t get left behind and can compete confidently on the new digital stage.

We believe it’s time to level the playing field. Local, quality-focused trade businesses deserve a fair go — to compete for the same high-value work as the big players, without needing massive budgets or fancy sales teams. The market should reward skill, craftsmanship, and reliability — not just who shouts the loudest online.

That’s why we give tradies the tools, systems, and strategies to build their own steady pipeline of high-quality leads. Using modern tech and proven marketing systems, we help your business look, run, and sell like a professional operation — even while you’re on the tools. From branding and websites to automated proposal systems, we’ll help you attract higher-paying customers who value the quality of your work, not just your price. You’ll go from being the quote provider to being the consistent job winner.

💪 Ready to stop chasing work and start choosing it?

Check out our plans and packages at tradienet.nz and see how we can help your trade business take the next step.