I recently moved to an older house with an old electrical wiring system.
Turns out that ALL of our heavy usage electrical appliances are on the one circuit – think, washing machine, dryer, kitchen appliances, hot water system, garage and charger for the electric car – all on the one circuit.
A recipe for a disaster? Absolutely.
Every time we merely used the washing machine and the toaster at same time the entire circuit cut off!
The first time it happened we headed to the switch board to flick the corresponding switch, only to discover there were NO switches for each circuit in our prehistoric house. The switch board was one like we had never seen!
UGH.
I instantly got out my phone and started in Google, “canberra electrician”. To this, an expansive list of local electrician businesses promptly arrived at my finger tips.
Typically for me, I took some time to go through each of their google business profiles to check their google rating and read some reviews. As always, a mixed bag of reviews – from Dan who was unhappy he had to lock his dog away when asked by the tradie, to Susie who was delighted with the customer service and work, and then Trish who didn’t like the colour of their van.
(If you’re ever in need of a chuckle, read the Google reviews for famous landmarks like Mount Everest, ha!)
Anyway, after researching a few options I knew I had to choose one.
The kids were rolling on the floor dying from starvation because their toast was stuck in the toaster, we couldn’t get into our garage to get the car out as the door is only motorised with no key to open, and shower time was looking to be chilly.
Things were getting dire.
I usually like to choose a small business because, historically, I find they do exceptional work as there is more at stake for their reputation. But, so many small businesses on Google didn’t have a link to a website, so they were given the flick. Those that had a website, I jumped on to learn more about their business, to see if this was a job for them and if they could help us in a pinch.
I landed on one and received the best telephone assistance we have received in a while (…I just moved house and had to change over ALL of the things, so I know a bit about good and bad help over the phone).
They came the next day, and the day after that.
And a month on from all of that, we’re waiting for a new switch board to be installed by them.
Did I mention the electrics in the house are ancient?
Anyway, all these shenanigans got me thinking about the trade businesses and people who are not online.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our business has noticed a huge amount of tradies that have created an online presence, as society developed a greater reliance on the internet from those times. Many have created a Google Business Profile….but that’s where it ends.
There is usually just a business name, phone number, maybe a Google review, and no link to a website!
I understand that a lot of tradies secure jobs on a word-of-mouth basis. And while that’s totally legit, I wonder if they realise they’re missing out on the numerous benefits from establishing and maintaining an online presence?
But what benefits could the internet possibly have for me, I hear you very busy tradie ask?
Well, let’s take a look:
Increased Visibility
One of the primary benefits of having an online presence is the ability to reach a wider audience. By showcasing your business and services on a website, in directories, and on social media platforms, tradies can attract potential clients beyond their reliance on word-of-mouth. This increased visibility opens up new opportunities for growth and expansion.
Credibility and Trust
Remember how I didn’t want to take a chance on those tradies who had no obvious credibility and trust through their Google Business Profile only?
Think of me as all the other people who need a tradie in a pinch and just want to quickly trust that they’re credible and legit before engaging their services.
A website and active social media profiles can enhance a tradie’s credibility and trustworthiness. Positive reviews, testimonials, and examples of past work showcased online reassure potential customers about the quality of your services, ultimately leading to more inquiries and bookings.
24/7 Availability
Our new neighbourhood has a delightful monthly community newsletter that I receive in our letter box. It details all the crime in our wider area, features a local resident and promotes local businesses. Whilst I love receiving this every month, I can assure you that I don’t pin it to my fridge until the next issue. I’ll usually have a flick through…and then it’s straight to the recycling.
Now, I acknowledge that my paper collecting habits are unlikely to be the same as everyone, especially for older people who are less connected online. And, I applaud tradies who market in newsletters and magazines. These places is still a highly valued and accessed by people who are probably their target audience – smart!
However, tradies are doing themselves a disservice if that is their only form of marketing or presence in the market.
Unlike a magazine or newsletter that is likely looked at once and put down, an online presence is available 24/7.
Potential customers can learn about a tradie’s services and make inquiries at any time, even outside of regular business hours. This accessibility can lead to increased inquiries and bookings, ultimately driving business growth.
Those are just my top three benefits to a tradie, but there are so many more.
I’m not going to outline them though because…you’re busy. We get it!
But also, I know that there are many different forms of being a tradie and having a trade business.
Perhaps you are a sub-contractor, or a sole trader. Maybe you’re at capacity because your work is secured through an already established reputation, or have a set client list.
You might also just be totally happy with your current work load.
I can hear you asking:
“Why do I need to spend my money on a website?”
– Every busy tradie
Here’s why:
1. The internet makes you legit.
While of course it’s the actual work that you carry out and jobs you complete that actually legitimise you, the internet is now the first point of call for legitimacy before people even see what you’ve done in real life.
Like it or not, the internet plays a huge role in how a business is presented, and that includes yours.
Even more so if you’re not online.
2. You need to have a back up.
Even if you already have an established workload, an online presence is there for you if unprecedented times arise. While it might be unlikely, it’s your safety net for the just in case.
3. A website doesn’t have to have all the bells and whistles.
You’re in complete control of the type of website you use to present your business.
You don’t have to have a booking calendar, or a quoting system, or 7 pages for each service you offer, or even videos of you on-site.
You could have something as simple as a 1 page website that is purely informative, showcases a few of your jobs and includes a contact number.
Easy!
You don’t even need to include a contact number, but instead have a short contact form that visitors can inquire through. That way you’re not being called unpredictably through a busy day.
A website is completely customisable to suit your needs at the time it’s built.
The beauty of having a website already in place, allows you to easily update the website if and when things change for you. It’s already there, visitors know where to find you, and it’s a great way to get in touch with a large volume of people.
4. An online presence is an investment
Yeah, an online presence is going to cost you money.
Just about every type of marketing, except word-of-mouth, is going to cost you money.
Heck, marketing in my neighbourhood newsletter even costs money!
But investing in your online presence gives you access to a much wider audience and potential customer base. And, as far as my understanding of business goes, more business = more money.
Having an online presence isn’t going to be something that you’ll say, “Gosh, I wish my business wasn’t online because people are engaging my services through it.”
It’s purpose is to serve you and your business growth.
It is always worth it and, in this day, necessary and expected.
So what have we learnt today? (brought to you in a snappy list format)
- Tradies are busy people,
- It’s hard to justify the cost of a website,
- But, the internet makes you legit,
- An online presence leads to more business,
- A website doesn’t have to be flashy and expensive,
- A website is a business investment that will serve you in the long run and gives you access to literally the entire world,
- My house’s electrical wiring is becoming a burden to my bank account.
Get in touch if you need help with your online presence. We’ve made it easy for heaps of tradies already.
Our business literally is to help you with it.