
Just Because You Have a Website, Doesn't Mean Everyone's Going to See it. The Importance of Self-Promotion for Your Trade Business
Author: Guy Harley
Estimated Read Time: eg. 5 minutes
Having a website is a crucial step for establishing your trade business's online presence. However, simply having a website doesn't guarantee that potential customers will find and engage with it. Effective self-promotion is essential for increasing visibility, building brand recognition, and attracting new clients. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of self-promotion both online and offline, and provide examples of how you can promote your trade business within the industry.
Online Self-Promotion:
a. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO):
Optimise your website's content to rank higher in search engine results. Incorporate relevant keywords, create quality content, and ensure your website is mobile-friendly.
b. Social Media Marketing:
Utilise social media platforms to promote your trade business. Share engaging content, showcase your projects, offer tips and insights, and actively engage with your audience.
c. Online Directories:
List your trade business on industry-specific online directories and review platforms. This helps potential customers find your services when searching for trade professionals in their area.
d. Content Marketing:
Create informative and valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, or tutorials related to your trade. Share this content on your website and social media platforms to position yourself as an industry expert and attract a wider audience.
Offline Self-Promotion:
a. Networking Events:
Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to connect with fellow professionals, potential clients, and suppliers. Exchange business cards, engage in conversations, and establish mutually beneficial relationships.
b. Local Partnerships:
Collaborate with other local businesses that complement your trade services. For example, if you're a plumber, you could partner with a real estate agency or interior designer to offer joint promotions or referral incentives.
c. Print Marketing Materials:
Design and distribute printed materials such as business cards, brochures, and flyers. Ensure they reflect your brand identity and include essential contact information and a clear call-to-action.
d. Community Involvement:
Participate in community events or sponsor local initiatives to increase your visibility. This can include volunteering your services for charitable projects or sponsoring local sports teams or events.
Trade Industry Examples:
a. Case Studies:
Highlight successful projects on your website or in promotional materials. Showcase before-and-after photos, describe the challenges faced, and share testimonials from satisfied clients.
b. Referral Programs:
Implement a referral program where you offer incentives to existing clients who refer your services to others. This can help generate word-of-mouth recommendations and expand your client base.
c. Vehicle Branding:
Use branded vehicle signage to promote your trade business while on the road. This creates brand visibility and serves as a moving advertisement.
d. Professional Associations:
Join trade-specific professional associations and actively engage in their events and activities. This demonstrates your commitment to the industry and helps establish your reputation among peers.
Building a website is only the first step in establishing an online presence for your trade business. Effective self-promotion both online and offline is crucial for increasing visibility, attracting new clients, and building a strong brand. By utilising various strategies, such as optimising your online presence, engaging in social media marketing, networking, and participating in industry events, you can successfully promote your trade business and stand out in the competitive marketplace. Remember, consistent self-promotion helps ensure that your website receives the visibility it deserves and enables you to reach a wider audience of potential clients within the trade industry.
Hey Kiwi and Aussie tradies — does this sound familiar?
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.