How to Get More Leads as a Tradie

For most tradies, the biggest challenge isn’t doing the work — it’s keeping the work coming in consistently. One month the phone doesn’t stop ringing, the next month things slow right down. Relying purely on word of mouth is no longer enough in today’s digital-first world.

When homeowners need a plumber, electrician, concreter, or builder, they don’t ask around first — they Google it. If your business isn’t showing up where people are searching, you’re leaving money on the table.

This guide breaks down practical, proven ways to get more leads as a tradie, focusing on strategies that actually work in Australia.

Why Tradies Struggle With Lead Generation

Many trade businesses rely heavily on:

• Referrals
• Repeat customers
• Networking

While these are valuable, they’re unpredictable and hard to scale. The most common reasons tradies struggle with leads include:

• No clear online presence
• Poor Google visibility
• Outdated websites
• Inconsistent follow-ups
• No system for reviews

The good news is that most of these issues are easy to fix with the right approach.

Set Up a Strong Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful lead sources for any tradie.

Why Google Business Profile Matters

When someone searches:

• “plumber near me”
• “electrician Sunshine Coast”
• “roof repairs Gold Coast”

Google often shows business profiles before websites. If your profile is well-optimised, customers can call you without ever visiting your website.

How to Optimise It for More Leads

• Choose the correct primary category
• Add all services individually
• Upload real job photos regularly
• Collect and respond to reviews
• Post updates weekly
• Enable calls and messaging

A properly managed Google Business Profile can generate consistent enquiries with zero ad spend.

Build a Simple, Conversion-Focused Website

You don’t need a fancy website — you need one that converts visitors into enquiries.

Must-Have Pages for Tradie Websites

• Home page (clear service + location)
• Service pages (one per main service)
• Contact page
• About page
• Gallery or projects page

What Converts Visitors

• Clear phone number at the top
• Simple contact form
• Real photos of your work
• Google reviews displayed
• Licensing and insurance details

Your website should answer one question quickly: Why should I contact this tradie instead of the next one?

Create Individual Service Pages

One of the biggest mistakes tradies make is listing all services on one page.

Why Service Pages Matter

Each service page allows you to rank for specific searches such as:

• Blocked drains
• Hot water system installation
• Roof leak repairs
• Electrical upgrades

Best Practice for Service Pages

• One service per page
• Explain the problem and solution
• Mention who the service is for
• Add FAQs
• Include a clear call to action

More pages = more opportunities to appear in search results.

Target Local Areas With Location Pages

If you service multiple suburbs or regions, location pages are essential.

Example Searches You Want to Rank For

• “Plumber Caloundra”
• “Electrician Burleigh Heads”
• “Concreter Sunshine Coast”

How Location Pages Work

• One page per main location
• Same service, but localised content
• Mention suburbs, landmarks, and local conditions
• Include testimonials from nearby clients if possible

This is one of the most effective ways to increase local leads without ads.

Get More Google Reviews (and Use Them Properly)

Reviews directly impact:

• Trust
• Click-through rates
• Google rankings
• Conversions

How to Get More Reviews

• Ask customers straight after completing work
• Send a review link via SMS or email
• Add review links to invoices
• Use QR codes on business cards or vehicles

How to Respond to Reviews

• Reply to every review
• Thank the customer
• Mention the service naturally
• Stay professional with negative feedback

Businesses with consistent reviews get more calls — it’s that simple.

Use Google Ads for Fast, Targeted Leads

While SEO takes time, Google Ads can generate leads immediately when set up correctly.

Best Google Ads for Tradies

• Search ads only (not display)
• Target service-based keywords
• Use call extensions
• Restrict ads to service areas

Common Mistakes

• Sending traffic to the homepage instead of service pages
• Using broad keywords without filters
• No call tracking
• No negative keywords

When done properly, Google Ads can provide predictable lead flow.

Use Social Proof Everywhere

Customers want reassurance before contacting a tradie.

Types of Social Proof That Work

• Google reviews
• Before and after photos
• Testimonials
• Project galleries
• Certifications and licences

Use social proof on:

• Website
• Google Business Profile
• Social media
• Quotes and proposals

Trust reduces hesitation — and hesitation kills leads.

Leverage Facebook and Local Groups

Facebook isn’t always a direct lead source, but it supports credibility.

How Tradies Can Use Facebook

• Share completed jobs
• Post before and after photos
• Answer questions in local groups
• Stay visible in community pages

When someone Googles you after seeing your name on Facebook, everything needs to look professional and consistent.

Follow Up Faster Than Your Competitors

Speed wins jobs.

Why Follow-Up Matters

Many tradies lose work not because they’re expensive, but because they’re slow to respond.

Improve Follow-Ups By:

• Answering calls during work hours
• Returning missed calls quickly
• Using automated form replies
• Sending quotes promptly

Often, the first tradie to respond gets the job.

Track Where Your Leads Come From

If you don’t track leads, you don’t know what’s working.

What to Track

• Calls from Google Business Profile
• Website form submissions
• Google Ads conversions
• Enquiry sources

Knowing which channels perform best helps you invest time and money where it matters.

Common Lead Generation Mistakes Tradies Make

Relying Only on Word of Mouth

It’s valuable but unpredictable.

Doing Nothing Online

If you’re not visible online, customers will find your competitors instead.

Cheap Websites With No Strategy

A bad website costs more in lost jobs than a good one costs to build.

Ignoring Reviews

No reviews = no trust.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

• Google Business Profile: 1–4 weeks
• Website SEO: 3–6 months
• Google Ads: Immediate
• Reviews: Ongoing improvement

The key is consistency. Lead generation isn’t a one-time setup — it’s an ongoing system.

Final Thoughts: Build a Lead System, Not a Gamble

Getting more leads as a tradie isn’t about luck. It’s about:

• Being visible where customers search
• Making it easy to contact you
• Building trust before the phone rings

By combining:

• A strong Google Business Profile
• A clear, simple website
• Reviews and social proof
• Smart local marketing

you create a reliable flow of enquiries that grows with your business. If you need help with digital marketing as a tradie, get in touch with Toolbox Marketing.