Is a website essential for a tradesman? - UK Business Labs

**Mark** · #1 (**permalink**) 28-09-2008, 10:05 PM

As, title - is having a website essential nowadays for tradesman? With Yellow Pages seemingly in an irreversible decline, will those without one gradually lose more and more business?

**wecando.biz** · #2 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 08:17 AM

A very interesting question.

YP is in decline, due in no small part to people now turning to the internet ahead of digging out the directory (which I think many people stick in teh recycling bin as soon as it arrives). So some sort of presence on the internet is certainly required.

Need they have a whole website of their own though? Maybe just listings in online directories would do it? I'd be interested to see whether someone listed purely on WeCanDo.BIZ, for example, with a phone number in their profile could convert enquiries to engagements.

I think we maybe have some work to do for them to get them more prominently position on Google for as long as Google has 80% odd of search. Maybe a Facebook page for a tradesman might win them business too.

IH

**Conceptstore** · #3 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 09:41 AM

Yes it is, definitely. Loads of tradesmen have taken up the idea of branding and their going all out from web to print. Websites do bring in business for tradesmen.

**yourlocaltrades** · #4 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 10:42 AM

I think you will loose business by not having one.

Numerous times i have seen this and that on vehicles, the next step i take is to google it. How can you find out about some business if they are not on the net?

SocialMediaUncovered · #5 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 01:40 AM

If you are working in a local area - and cover certain postcodes - do a test on google and search for instance "plumber in nottingham" -

I did it and found touchlocal.com at the top of the search results - now, speak to them and find out how to get on the first page of their directory site, (or who ever appears - usually an online business directory - and contact them)

Some online directories offer a 1 page webpage with unique url, which needs to look active, professional and have correct content (opening hours, phone numbers, specialist services)

I would say take a step in your customers shoes and see whos there - and then decide whats best.

**yourlocaltrades** · #6 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 09:04 AM

window repairs bexleyheath

Google this, you will find that our client, Window Wizard is No1 on google.

If you make the listing count that we offer, you can't go wrong.

Window Wizard is found by over 12 different searches, he is very popular in the results!

You need to ensure you input all relevant information, opening times, payments accepted, video-if you have one.

When this is done, as said above by SMU, "PROPERLY" then it is a great way of improving your internet awareness.

crataegustess · #7 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 05:15 PM

I've been asked by a local builder several times for a portfolio site, something he can direct potential customers to showing the kind of work he does. So far he's been too busy working to spend any time on getting it set up

If nothing else, people feel reassured if they find a company has a website, it seems to make a company more 'reliable and established'.

**yourlocaltrades** · #8 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crataegustess

I've been asked by a local builder several times for a portfolio site, something he can direct potential customers to showing the kind of work he does. So far he's been too busy working to spend any time on getting it set up

If nothing else, people feel reassured if they find a company has a website, it seems to make a company more 'reliable and established'.

If you have been asked several times, you should just do one for him, get the photo's etc you need, and then say "what do you think?" then he can pay you!!

or he could think

**Ray Stewart** · #9 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 05:33 PM

I keep hearing in the media about all the builders being out of work, but I have been trying to find one for months.

I actually had 3 round for a look. They each said yes they would do it, they would then go away and I never heard again.

I don't think it's me

they just don't seem to have time for smaller jobs, even though we have several smaller jobs that could occupy a builder for almost a week.

I would just do the website, take the pictures from recent sites etc., and just present him with a finished job. If he likes it he will pay, if he doesn't, at least it is another site in your portfolio!

crataegustess · #10 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourlocaltrades

If you have been asked several times, you should just do one for him, get the photo's etc you need, and then say \"what do you think?\" then he can pay you!!

or he could think

Not a bad idea, except that most of his work is roofing and there's no way I'm going up on a scaffold to do photos

**Ray Stewart** · #11 (**permalink**) 30-09-2008, 05:40 PM

who has a camera on a pole to take high views of buildings etc.

His name is highpointphotos and his website here is one we were asked to review a while back.

He sounds exactly what you need!

**Chris Lodge** · #12 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 08:06 AM

I believe a web presence is essential for anyone these days whether in so-called trades or professions as it tells the potential client much more about what you do.

However joining a web forum like UKBL takes it one stage further as not only can the potential client get a better understanding of the person whose services he may want to emply but recommendation via the visitor page are also likely to pop up.

I have a very good plumber and an excellent house painter I can recommend and will encourage them to join but if I need a builder, electrician or (reliable) gardener in West Kent I am still a bit stumped.

Rachael · #13 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourlocaltrades

I think you will loose business by not having one.

Numerous times i have seen this and that on vehicles, the next step i take is to google it. How can you find out about some business if they are not on the net?

I agree with this. I always use the net now for finding things and if you aren't on there then likely hood is I won't find you.

Another thing is- some people hate using the phone (this doesn't apply to me as my phone bill will back up) so having a place where customers can email for a quote/more information really would have a positive effect.

**yourlocaltrades** · #14 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Lodge

I have a very good plumber and an excellent house painter I can recommend and will encourage them to join but if I need a builder, electrician or (reliable) gardener in West Kent I am still a bit stumped.

I reckon yourlocaltrades would be worth a go!

**wecando.biz** · #15 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 04:15 PM

This is an interesting thread, as most tradesmen I have used have been on teh back of a word of mouth recommendation, not a paid for listing in YP or a position on Google.

I would rather have someone I know is good at the job I want them for, rather than rubbish at skimming but good at SEO... ;-)

IH

**fantasycouriers** · #16 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 05:10 PM

Lots of replies here from people that aren't what i would perceive as Tradesmen.
So, for our tradesman type business The number 1 House, commercial, and furniture clearing company in the UK. i would say an unequivacol yes.

Most of our customers are middle aged women, and the bunch of people who you would associate as one the yellow pages last stalwarts. However yellow pages responses have plummeted, and our advertising bill with them is now 1/10th of what it was 5 years ago.

And although you may know a plumber or an electrician, there are many many trades who you don't have someone's number to hand, just when you need it. Our trade would be one of those, many people don't even know there are house clearance companies, until they need one.

Website all of the way. It's your front window, and everything else all rolled into one. Local, national, international, doesn't matter, because the web is now the thing that people look to to find the solution to their problems, so basically, the answer to everyone's problems needs to be on the web.

It's as essential as a businesscard.

Rachael · #17 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantasycouriers

And although you may know a plumber or an electrician, there are many many trades who you don't have someone's number to hand, just when you need it. Our trade would be one of those, many people don't even know there are house clearance companies, until they need one.

That was going to be my next response in regards to wecandobiz - I know where I can get an electrician but I don't know any plumbers, plasterers, painter and decorators etc...maybe a system could be set up whereby you can actually rate trades people in certain towns and cities so then when you find them online you can also see reviews of the trades person.

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**yourlocaltrades** · #19 (**permalink**) 22-11-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crataegustess

Not a bad idea, except that most of his work is roofing and there's no way I'm going up on a scaffold to do photos

Haha!! get him to take photo's, give him a digital camera, just tel him "your busy" and not scared!! job done!!
Before, During and Finished photo's should show the progress!

altyfc · #20 (**permalink**) 02-12-2008, 12:42 AM

No, I don't think it's essential at all.

Where I live, local tradesmen don't seem to have any shortage of work, credit crunch or no credit crunch. They don't seem to need websites. I'm not even sure they need YP. The good ones, at least, get their work from recommendations and word of mouth AND you invariably have to be prepared to wait if you want to use their services.

Officebird · #21 (**permalink**) 09-12-2008, 12:00 PM

Everyone needs a websit imo. The first place I go for anything is Google and if there isn't a website I can look at that I'm not going to find you! Recommendations are great for tradesmen but I don't have a number or recommendation for any tradesmen at the moment. I would have to go on Google. A prime example of this is that I am moving house and need a man with a van to help me. I've had a tough time finding one and really had to put some leg work in. If just one of them in Darlington had a website I would have gone with them without a doubt as they would have cornered the market.

streetslocal · #22 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 01:01 PM

Im a google freak....
I live by google and also my own directory Uk business directory,Free business advertising,Business directory,Free business directory advertising,Find a local tradesmen

I believe that most tradesmen should have websites and if anything its a great way of showing your portfolio of work.
Them new bathrooms you have installed,them new patios,them new extensions you have built.
Its a great way of getting your work showcased.

We have recently overhauled our web design business and one of the things we have started pushing is our tradesmen website design[