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Starting or growing a trade business is no small feat. Between planning, marketing, hiring, and managing day-to-day operations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to modernise a well-established company, taking the right steps is essential to scaling your business successfully.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to reaching the top of the business mountain:
1. Decide Who to Hire
Growing your business often means building the right team. Here are your options:
Apprentices: Hiring an apprentice is a great way to mould future talent while expanding your workforce. Just be sure to find someone with the right attitude and eagerness to learn.
Subcontractors: Not ready for permanent hires? Subcontractors can help you manage increased demand without long-term commitments.
Full-time Staff: If you’re consistently busy, hiring full-time employees can help you meet demand, maintain quality, and grow your capacity.
2. Take Control of Your Finances
Cash Flow: Staying on top of your cash flow is vital for growth. Consider using an accountant or cash flow software to track income and expenses.
Pricing Strategy: Ensure your charge-out rates cover your costs and include a profit margin. Undercharging can limit growth, while overcharging may lose clients.
3. Get the Right Tools for Admin
Efficiency is key when handling admin tasks like quoting, invoicing, and job tracking. Automation tools can save hours every week, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
4. Refresh Your Website
Your website is often the first impression customers get of your business. A well-designed website can make you stand out from competitors.
Keep it Professional: Make it simple to navigate, with clear information about your services and contact details.
Add SEO: Optimise your website to rank higher on Google. Use local keywords like “plumber in Newcastle” or “roofing services in Kent” to attract local customers.
Highlight Testimonials: Showcase positive reviews to build trust with new clients.
Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website looks great on mobile devices—many users will be searching on their phones.
At Welch Marketing, we specialise in creating SEO-friendly, professional websites tailored to trade businesses. For more information on our website packages, click here.
5. Register with Online Directories
Online directories like Checkatrade, Rated People, and Yell are valuable tools for getting found by potential clients. Ensure your profile is complete, with accurate contact details and glowing reviews. These also work as backlinks, improving your domain authority and ranking your website even higher on Google.
6. Invest in High-Quality Photography
Images of your work can set you apart from the competition. Whether it’s a polished bathroom renovation or a new roof installation, photos speak volumes about your expertise.
7. Leverage Free Online Tools
Take advantage of free tools like Google My Business (GMB): Optimise your profile to appear in local search results and on Google Maps.
8. Collect and Showcase Customer Reviews
Positive reviews build trust and encourage new clients to choose you over competitors. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on Google or your website.
9. Social Media Marketing
Social media can be a powerful tool for growing your trade business.
Post Your Work: Share before-and-after photos to showcase your skills.
Engage with Clients: Reply promptly to comments and messages.
Run Ads: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to target specific audiences, such as homeowners or property managers.
10. Use Google Ads to Reach New Clients
Google Ads can place your business at the top of search results, giving you instant visibility to people searching for your services. At Welch Marketing, we can create and manage your Google Ads campaigns to maximise your return on investment. For more info on our Google ads packages, click here. Want to see how many leads you can get? Use our Google Ad Calculator!
11. Mix in Offline Marketing
While digital marketing is crucial, offline methods still have their place:
Vehicle Branding: Use your van as a mobile billboard.
Business Cards: Hand them out at local shops, events, or to happy clients.
Networking: Attend local trade shows or business events to meet potential clients.
12. Regularly Review and Reset Your Strategy
Every few months, take a step back to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Update your website, refine your marketing strategies, and adapt to changing trends to stay ahead of the competition.
13. Put in the Work and Watch Your Business Grow
Growing a business doesn’t happen overnight. But with the right strategies, tools, and mindset, you’ll soon see the results of your efforts. Whether you’re investing in web design, SEO, or Google Ads, every step you take brings you closer to long-term success.
Ready to take your trade business to the next level? Contact Welch Marketing today to see how we can help with web design, SEO, Google Ads, and more.
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