How to get more local jobs without wasting time or money

In Summary

• There’s more to lead generation than paid ads and cold outreach.
• Organic lead generation methods like SEO, social media, and referral programmes can drive quality leads consistently.
• Google Business Profiles and local directories are great ways to attract the right audience.
• An optimised site and SEO-focused blog posts help convert website visitors into loyal customers.
• TradePal offers effective marketing services tailored to generating leads.

If you’re a tradesperson looking to grow your customer base, you already know how competitive local work can be. With competitors becoming more creative than ever in attracting new audiences, it’s important that every company evolves their lead generation efforts.

Two tried-and-tested ways to generate business are word-of-mouth and mailing flyers – both of which remain great ways of attracting new customers with a good return on investment.

However, in this blog, we’ll uncover several other powerful lead generation strategies that go beyond traditional marketing campaigns. From optimising your Google Business Profile to publishing SEO-friendly web pages, we’ll show you how to bring in qualified leads consistently, without breaking the bank.

Other ways tradespeople can win local work

There’s no single magic wand, but these tried-and-tested lead generation ideas will help you build trust, generate traffic, and attract potential buyers in your area.

Google Business Profiles

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free online listing that lets your trade business appear in Google Search and Maps when local customers look for services like yours. It’s a simple way to showcase your business details, reviews, email address, and photos directly on Google.

• Boosts your visibility in local Google Search results and Google Maps
• Drives qualified website visitors straight to your contact information forms, helping your sales teams gauge a level of interest
• Displays customer reviews that build trust and improve lead quality

Local Directories

Local directories allow tradespeople to list their services for potential customers searching for trusted professionals. These platforms connect you with buyers actively looking for leads.

• Builds your business authority and reputation among relevant buyers
• Sends valuable referral traffic to your website, improving Google Analytics metrics
• Supports your overall lead generation strategy by increasing relevant site visits

A New Website

Your website is your digital storefront, a place where potential customers learn about your services and contact you. A modern website with lead capture forms and free quote capabilities helps convert visitors into enquiries.

• Provides a professional, mobile-friendly platform to showcase your services
• Includes lead capture forms and advertises free quotes to grow your email list and generate new leads
• Speeds up the sales process by potentially offering live chat for immediate first contact

Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow tradespeople to share photos, updates, and valuable content with a broad audience. This builds awareness and trust, helping to attract more potential customers.

• Shares valuable content that highlights your work and customer satisfaction
• Keeps your business top-of-mind with your target audience
• Builds personal connections that turn into quality sales leads

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

SEO means optimising your website and content so it appears higher in search engine results like Google. By using keyword research and creating relevant content, you attract organic traffic that’s already interested in your services.

• Drives long-term, organic lead generation without ongoing paid ads
• Matches your content to your target audience’s pain points and search intent
• Improves your website’s visibility, increasing quality leads from Google search

Referral Programmes

Referral programmes encourage your existing customers to recommend your services to friends or family by offering incentives. This strategy leverages loyal customers to generate new leads without heavy marketing costs.

• Generates high-quality, qualified leads through trusted recommendations
• Strengthens relationships and loyalty with your current customer base
• Creates an ongoing source of new leads without paid ads or cold outreach

Community Facebook Groups

Community Facebook groups are local online forums where residents ask for recommendations and advice. By participating thoughtfully, tradespeople can showcase their expertise and connect directly with potential buyers.

• Connects you with qualified leads actively searching for tradespeople
• Builds your reputation as a trusted local expert through helpful content
• Supports bottom-of-the-funnel lead generation by engaging interested prospects

How TradePal Helps Trades Win More Business

TradePal specialises in helping tradespeople generate quality leads consistently across the UK.

Our team of 100+ marketing experts operating as part of our wider Construction Marketing Group understand the unique challenges of the industry and tailors every project, whether it be a bespoke website or business cards, to your brand, company size, and target audience.

Websites That Convert

Our websites don’t just look good, they’re built to generate leads. Each TradePal site includes SEO-optimised content, lead capture forms, click-to-call buttons, and relevant information to help transition first contacts into potential jobs.

Digital Support That Makes Sense

We help you excel on marketing channels like Google, Facebook, and local search. We fine-tune your website and online profiles so they show up higher in search results, meaning more people find you when they’re looking for a local tradesperson.

Branding That Sets You Apart

Your brand is more than just a logo. We develop your visual identity and messaging to appeal to your buyer personas, build trust with potential buyers, and improve your recognition both online and at trade shows or in the local area. This can range from custom logos, to smart-looking brochures and even van livery.

SEO That Works for Trades

We use local SEO and content-led strategies to help you show up where it matters. This involves extensive technical SEO, keyword research, content creation, and link building, tasks that most tradespeople don’t have the knowledge or tools, let alone time, to do.

Social Media That Converts

TradePal offers done-for-you social media services built around generating leads. We don’t chase likes, we create posts, provide innovative content ideas, and complete campaigns that speak directly to your target audience, show your best work, and drive people to take the next step.

FAQs

What’s the first step in a lead generation strategy for trades?

Contact our friendly team at TradePal, and we’ll handle the rest for you!

How can I improve lead quality without increasing ad spend?

Use SEO and content marketing to attract visitors who are already searching for your services locally. TradePal offer these services to trade professionals.

What type of content can I expect to see on my TradePal website?

Websites from TradePal are optimised to ensure they’re mobile friendly. The site will describe your services, include your own domain and business email, and has unlimited storage for images, videos, and project showcases – the choice is yours.

Do I need to be a large company to benefit from lead generation?

No. TradePal works with sole traders and growing firms – company size doesn’t matter when you’re targeting the right audience.

How do TradePal capture leads from social media platforms?

Our social media posts include clear calls-to-action, contact links, and even lead magnets like free estimates to drive users and potential customers to your site.

Why is SEO important for generating traffic?

SEO improves search rankings, driving organic traffic and quality leads through optimised content and lead forms on your website.

What’s the benefit of referral programs for tradespeople?

Referral programs increase leads by encouraging customers to share your services, generating trusted, high-converting traffic and keeping you top of mind.

Who Are TradePal?

TradePal is a full-service marketing partner built exclusively for tradespeople. We help builders, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, and contractors of all sizes increase their visibility and convert more leads, without wasting time or money on guesswork.

From custom websites and SEO, to content marketing and branding, our team handles it all. Our mission is simple: help trades get more work, more consistently, with less hassle.

Ready to grow your trade business?

📞 Call us: 020 4572 0845

Let TradePal take your business to the next level – one enquiry at a time.