Do Tradies need a website in 2020?
It's 2020 - with social media Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, do you still need a website for your TRADE business? Is it still important?
The short answer - YES!
Social media traffic is going down
While it's great to have a Facebook page or an Instagram account, it's getting harder and harder to connect with people on social media. 'Organic Traffic' keeps going down and it is becoming more difficult to be discovered by new followers, or to be seen by your existing followers. Social Media companies favour big brands and advertising, so it's easy for a small business to get lost unless you are willing to fork out the money for social media advertising.
Think of Social media as 'rented land' - you never know when they might decide to put the rent up or even kick you out! But with a website, you own that land! It's 'your property', and so you have assurance that you can build your domain as you please, and know that it is solely yours.
Credibility
Now think, how do you find something you are searching for? 'Just Google it!!' In fact, Google reports over 3.8 million searches per minute! That's around 2 trillion searches per year!
If someone wants a local carpenter to install a deck, the first place they're likely to go is Google. People are searching for your service online and in your area, so the real question becomes - are you showing up?
You want clients to find you when they are searching. That means you need a discoverable website that shows your products/services, and displays just how great you are to anyone who is looking. A website makes your business look professional, and helps clients find and contact you easily.
Get Discovered
Once you have a website, it's vital that your website is visible to people who are looking. A great website is only great if it can be discovered! Search Engine Optimisation helps your business show up for potential clients, and keeps you ahead of the competition.
When someone types in ‘Plumber Panania’ or ‘Mechanic near me’ you want to be near the top of the search results with a professional, clear website that is well-built to showcase your expertise and helps a client to get in contact with you.
Showcase how great you are
A website also gives you a space to show your customers what you are capable of, and the many happy clients you have served in the past. Great reviews help to build confidence and give people an idea of what it is like to work with you and the services you provide.
Websites also give you the perfect opportunity to showcase your best products and services, with galleries and images of your previous successes. In a visual society, some great photos can really help convince a potential client that you are the right person for the job!
It will do the work for you
While a website may seem like a hefty investment upfront, a good quality website will pay itself off in no time! In fact, a great website will do the work for you - answering clients questions and helping you be known and discovered by the people you want to attract. A website helps build trust and rapport with potential customers, showing them the great work you have done and clearly explaining what you can offer them. With the right web optimisation and branding, you can turn your website into a sales machine.
