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Your website might look fine – but here’s why it’s costing you work

Your website might look fine – but here’s why it’s costing you work

In Summary

  • A poor website is likely to lead to a downturn in work.
  • Slow load times, broken links, and outdated content make a bad first impression.
  • If your site isn’t mobile-friendly or visible on Google, customers will go elsewhere.
  • Missing trust signals like reviews or project photos can cost you valuable enquiries.
  • TradePal builds high-performing websites that help tradespeople win more work.

With more customers researching online before selecting a company for their project, it’s never been more essential for tradespeople to have a professional, fully functional website. A well-designed website makes it easy for potential clients to find your business, check your credentials, and enquire about your services anytime, anywhere.

But as more businesses realise the value of being online, local competition has intensified. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your isn’t just live, but working hard for you.

Indeed, with so many options available to potential customers, the slightest inconvenience such as slow loading, poorly written content, or a lack of visibility on Google are all reasons for them to take their projects elsewhere.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the reasons your website might be costing you work and explore ways to turn it into a powerful tool for growing your business.

Desk showing plastering website on laptop, social media on phone, and printed SEO strategy plan.

How can a tradesperson’s website cost them work?

Not all websites are created equal. For tradespeople, your website isn’t just a digital brochure, it’s often the first (and sometimes only) impression a potential customer will have of your business. If it’s not up to scratch, it could be actively putting people off. Here’s what to watch out for:

Slow load times

Studies from Google show that 1 in 2 users will abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load, meaning you could be losing visitors before they’ve even seen your services. Reasons for this can include poor hosting, oversized images, or an outright clunky design. A fast website gives off a professional impression, everything a homeowner wants from a tradesperson.

Poor mobile optimisation

Almost 70% of people will check your site from a mobile phone. If it’s hard to read, clunky to scroll, or buttons don’t work, they’ll likely head elsewhere.

  • Mobile users expect smooth, simple navigation.
  • Poor design reflects badly on your work, even if you’re a brilliant tradesperson.
  • If a customer can’t easily call, message, or view your services, you’ve probably lost them.

Smartphone displaying a landscape view of a plumber’s mobile-friendly website with a “Get a Quote” button.

Lack of SEO

You might offer the best service in town, but if no one can find you on Google, it won’t matter.

  • Basic SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) helps your site appear when people search for things like “local electrician” or “bathroom fitter near me.”
  • Without SEO, you’re basically invisible to new customers.
  • It’s not just about keywords, Google looks for fast, mobile-friendly, regularly updated websites.

A laptop screen showing an SEO chart where a competitor's ranking line overtakes another over time.

Outdated content

Still showing “2022 prices” or without any recent updates?

Old content can make your business look neglected, whilst planting a seed of doubt in the homeowners’ mind that you’re still open to business.

A quick refresh can show people that you’re open, ready, and paying attention.

Missing trust signals

People won’t hire someone they don’t trust. A good website should instantly build confidence.

  • Clear contact details, accreditations (like FENSA), and guarantees all help.
  • Testimonials and logos of trade bodies reassure people they’re in safe hands.
  • Without these, your site can feel anonymous, even if you’re a local expert.

Smartphone displaying a “plumber near me” Google search with a top local listing and map pin

No reviews

Customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools to win trust online. Without them, potential customers can’t see what it’s like to work with you.

A site without reviews looks unproven. Even a few testimonials can go a long way to building confidence.

As a result, we recommend featuring reviews such as on Google or Trustpilot on your website to help build trust.

Broken links

Clicking on something that doesn’t work is frustrating. It also makes your business look unprofessional.

  • Broken links (like contact forms, email buttons, or social media icons) stop customers from reaching you.
  • It’s an easy fix, but a costly one if left unchecked.
  • A properly maintained site is part of good customer service.

Lack of project photos

People want to see what you’ve done before hiring you. If your site doesn’t have a gallery or photos of recent work, you’re missing a chance to prove your quality and skills. Good images tell a visual story that words alone can’t.

We offer an easy and convenient way for you to upload any images or videos via the TradePal app so your website can be kept fresh and visually appealing.

Flooring contractor grouting ceramic tiles during a domestic floor installation.

Win business with a TradePal website

The good news? Every one of these issues can be fixed. At TradePal, we build websites specifically for tradespeople. Websites that not only look good but are designed to win you work.

Our websites are:

  • Fast-loading and mobile-optimised, so customers stay on your page.
  • Fully search engine optimised, helping you appear in local searches.
  • Packed with trust signals, like reviews, accreditations, and guarantees.
  • Updated on your behalf, so if anything needs changing, we’re here to help.
  • Affordable and hassle-free, so you can focus on your trade, not your tech.

We don’t do generic sites. We build professional websites tailored to your trade, your location, and your business goals. Whether you’re a builder, plumber, landscaper or electrician, we’ll create a site that works as hard as you do.

FAQs

Do I need to supply all the photos and text?

Not necessarily. We’ll guide you through what we need and can help with content, photography, and even branding if required.

Will my TradePal website appear on Google?

Yes, every TradePal site is SEO-friendly and optimised for local search visibility, helping more customers find you online.

How much does it cost?

You can find information surrounding our packages here. We can also offer bespoke or one off options so contact us to chat over what you’re after.

Who are TradePal?

TradePal are website and marketing experts who specialise in helping tradespeople grow their business online. With over 20 years of experience as part of the wider Construction Marketing Group, our team of experts have helped thousands of businesses and tradesmen grow.

We’re a friendly team of designers, developers, and marketers who understand the trade industry inside out. Our mission is to take the stress out of website design for busy tradespeople, so you can focus on what you do best, while we handle the rest.

Ross at the TradePal stand during InstallerSHOW 2025, showcasing low-cost marketing services for trades.

What we offer:

Our packages are flexible, affordable, and tailored to your needs, to help you achieve real leads. Whether you’re just starting out or want to upgrade your online presence, we’ve got a solution for you.

Get in touch: