If you're a tradesman still relying solely on word-of-mouth and Facebook posts to get work, you're leaving serious money on the table. In 2025, having a professional website isn't just a "nice to have" - it's absolutely essential for business growth and survival.
The Reality: How Customers Find Tradesmen Today
Let's be honest about how the game has changed. When someone's boiler breaks or they need an electrician urgently, what's the first thing they do?
They don't ask their neighbours anymore. They don't look in Yellow Pages. They Google it.
"Emergency plumber near me"
"Electrician Birmingham"
"Best builder in [your area]"
If your business doesn't show up in those search results, you simply don't exist to that customer. It's that simple.
The Numbers Don't Lie:
- 93% of people search online before hiring a tradesman
- 72% won't consider a business without a professional website
- 46% of all Google searches are looking for local businesses
- Tradesmen with websites get 3-5x more enquiries than those without
But I Get Plenty of Work Already...
Great! That means you're skilled at what you do. But here's the question: are you leaving work on the table during quiet periods? Are you turning down jobs because you're too busy?
A website works 24/7, generating leads even when you're:
- On a job site with no phone signal
- Sleeping (yes, people search for emergency services at 2am)
- On holiday
- Too busy to answer calls
That's work coming to you automatically, not work you have to chase.
The Trust Factor
Think about it from your customer's perspective. They're about to invite a stranger into their home and pay them hundreds (or thousands) of pounds. Who are they more likely to trust:
❌ Option A:
A Facebook page with 12 likes and random photos
✅ Option B:
A professional website with testimonials, gallery, qualifications, and clear pricing
A professional website immediately positions you as a serious, established business - not just "some bloke with a van".
It's Not Just About Looking Professional
Yes, looking professional matters. But a good website does so much more:
1. Qualify Leads Before They Contact You
List your service areas, typical pricing, and services clearly. This filters out time-wasters who are too far away or can't afford your rates.
2. Answer Questions Automatically
How many times do you answer the same questions? "What areas do you cover?" "Are you Gas Safe registered?" "How much for a boiler service?" Put it all on your website and save hours every week.
3. Showcase Your Work
Before/after photos, testimonials, and examples of your work do the selling for you. Customers can see you're capable before picking up the phone.
4. Capture Leads When You Can't Answer
Contact forms mean customers can reach you even when you're elbow-deep in a job. No more lost opportunities from missed calls.
What About Cost?
"But websites are expensive!" you might be thinking. They used to be. Web agencies charging £2,000-£5,000 upfront, plus ongoing fees, made websites unaffordable for many tradesmen.
Not anymore. Services like ours offer professional websites from just £59/month with everything included - design, hosting, maintenance, updates, and SEO.
Return on Investment
If your website brings you just one extra job per month worth £200-£300, it's already paid for itself multiple times over. Most of our clients report getting 5-15 enquiries per month from their website.
That's potentially £1,000-£3,000 in extra work every month for a £59-£99 investment.
What Your Website Actually Needs
You don't need anything fancy. Here's what actually matters:
- Fast loading - customers won't wait 10 seconds
- Mobile-friendly - 70% search on phones
- Clear contact details - phone number, email, contact form
- Service pages - what you do, clearly explained
- Gallery - photos of your actual work
- Testimonials - social proof from happy customers
- Service areas - where you work
- Local SEO - so Google shows you to nearby customers
The Bottom Line
In 2025, not having a website is like not having a phone number. You're invisible to the majority of potential customers actively looking for your services.
Your competitors who do have websites are picking up that work instead. Every day you delay is costing you customers and revenue.
The good news? Getting online is easier and more affordable than ever. You don't need to understand technology or spend thousands. Just choose a service that specializes in trade businesses, provide your information, and you'll be live within a week.
Ready to Stop Losing Customers to Competitors?
Get your professional trade website from just £59/month. Everything included, live in 7 days, no technical knowledge needed.