Improving your Tradie website in 2021
How to Improve your tradie website
So you've started your business and built a website - now what?
We know that a good business should have a great website, but how do you know if your website is great?
It's a breeze to build a website using any of the major website builders, but how can you make sure that your website is a clear representation of the high standards of your business, and sets you above the rest?
Here is quick check-list to help you give yourself a quick audit to see if your website is up to scratch!
Is it optimised for local searches?
As a service based business, it is essential that you are known and discoverable in your local area. By optimising your website's local SEO, you are making your business visible to those searching for you. Do a quick search for your trade in your area. Do you show up on the first page of Google? If not, you need to look at solutions for optimising your local SEO to help you build your reputation as the go-to plumber, carpenter or electrician in your area.
Click here for more info on SEO and why it is so vital for your business growth.
Click here for more info on the importance of Local SEO for tradies & small businesses
Is it Mobile Friendly?
Your website needs to work on all devices, from your big home desktop monitor to someone's phone. Check your site on your phone or tablet - are words cut off or unreadable? Does the page rearrange to suit the screen size? Can you still find your contact button or information easily?
A responsive, user-friendly website is a must to ensure that people can find what they need and get in touch. This will save you from losing potential clients because they couldn't navigate your website! Stats show that 55% of people search on their phone over a desktop, so it's essential that your site looks fabulous in all formats!
Is it clear?
As soon as someone lands on your website, do they know what you do?
We live in an instant information society, so people don't have time to be confused online because they cannot figure out whether you build decks or just design them? Ensure that the hero section of your website is clear and to the point, showing exactly what you do and how to get in touch with you. You might like to ask an outsider to look over your website at a glance and see if they understand it, or you may even want to look into hiring a professional copywriter to help you with wording and making sure you are conveying yourself clearly.
Is it easy to contact you?
This is a simple one - people need to be able to reach you!
Your contact information, including phone number, email and physical location if you have one, must be easily visible. It also needs to be clickable, so that people don't need to go to the trouble of copy/pasting your information just to reach you. It's great to have a clear 'Call-To-Action' (CTA) button that is easy to find and stands out such as a 'Book Your Free Quote' or 'Call Now!
Is it trustworthy?
People do work with people they know, like & trust, so you want to build this trust with website visitors as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is with a great list of testimonials from previous clients, who can vouch for your quality, professionalism and satisfaction. This will help build your credibility for potential clients, as they are reassured by the positive reviews from real people who know what you do and how well you do it!
Is it visual?
You have done great work that you are proud of and your clients love, so show it! Make sure you are taking great photos of your finished projects - bathrooms, stairs, kitchen reno's etc. Ensure these photos are high quality and clearly display the high standard of you work. You may even consider hiring a professional photographer to get some snaps for you if you cannot do it yourself. It is also a great idea to have some professional quality shots of your team, to help build a rapport with clients who are reassured by the 'real people' behind your business.
Is it consistent?
Consistent branding is critical to building a name that people know and trust. Are your colours, fonts and logos all consistent across your site, and an accurate representation of your business?
We want to avoid a mish-mash of colours and fonts that looks thrown together and hard to follow. Be consistent with your choices of layout and styling, to help build your business credibility and make it easy for visitors to find what they need.
Conclusion
Your website is so important for the growth of your business, so it's worth taking the time to make sure that it's working for you! This list is a really simple start, to make sure that your website is helping you turn visitors into clients.
If you would like a more thorough look at whether your website is performing at its best, check out our extensive website audits.
