A Guide to Online Engagement:

As tradies, it's crucial to understand the diverse needs and priorities of the customers we encounter. By recognising the three distinct customer profiles—price-conscious, quality-focused, and time-sensitive—we can tailor our online strategies to effectively find, attract, and engage them. In this blog post, we'll explore each customer type, provide tips on locating and appealing to them online, and offer relatable examples for you to use immediately to find the perfect customers for your trade business.

The Three Customer Types:

How to find them, talk to them and get them to buy

1. The Cost-Conscious Customer:

This customer is primarily concerned with finding the lowest price.

To locate and attract this customer type use the following:

Online Platforms: Utilise social media marketplace platforms and online classifieds, where price-conscious customers often seek the best deals.

Attractive Messaging: Highlight competitive pricing, discounts, and cost-saving benefits in your online content and advertisements.
For example, "Affordable rates without compromising quality!"

Examples: Offer package deals or promotional discounts on popular services, emphasising value for money. Showcase customer testimonials that emphasise the affordability of your work.

2. The Quality-Oriented Customer:

Quality-focused customers prioritise craftsmanship and superior results.

To connect with and appeal to this customer:

Establish an Impressive Online Presence: Develop a professional website that showcases your expertise, previous projects, and testimonials, emphasising the exceptional quality of your work.

Targeted Marketing: Utilise search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies to ensure your website ranks high in relevant searches for quality-driven customers.

Examples: Share detailed case studies and high-resolution images of your finest work, demonstrating your commitment to exceptional quality. Highlight any certifications, awards, or industry recognition you have received.

3. The Time-Sensitive Customer:

Time-sensitive customers prioritise prompt project completion.

To attract and cater to this customer:

Online Advertising: Utilise targeted online ads that emphasise your ability to meet tight deadlines and provide efficient service.

Quick Response: Ensure your online contact information is easily accessible, and promptly respond to inquiries and requests for quotes.

Examples: Offer express service options or guaranteed completion within a specific timeframe. Highlight any emergency or same-day services you provide.

Top tradie tips:

The Importance of Targeting Timeframe and Quality Customers:
While price-conscious customers may initially seem appealing due to their large numbers, it's vital to focus on attracting timeframe and quality customers. These customers generally have greater financial resources and are willing to invest in top-quality workmanship. They also tend to appreciate the value you provide, resulting in higher profitability and customer satisfaction.

Negative Side Effects of Attracting Cheap Customers:
While it may be tempting to pursue price-conscious customers, there are potential negative consequences to consider. Taking on numerous low-paying jobs to compete on price can lead to overwork, reduced profitability, and potential staffing and material sourcing challenges. Prioritising quality and attracting customers who recognise its value can help foster a more sustainable and prosperous tradie business in the long run.

Understanding the different types of tradie customers and tailoring our online strategies to attract and engage them is key to business success. By effectively targeting price-conscious, quality-focused, and time-sensitive customers, we can align our marketing efforts with their specific priorities. Remember, attracting timeframe and quality customers offers greater financial rewards and fosters a more sustainable business model. Emphasising these aspects not only benefits your bottom line but also enables you to take on less work and deliver exceptional workmanship that leaves a lasting impression on satisfied customers.

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.