If you run a trading business, such as plumbing, electrical contracting, carpentry or heating and cooling repair, it’s important to have the right small business marketing strategy to ensure you stand out from your competitors.

We no longer live in a world where your only option is stuffing leaflets in letter boxes or attaching them to grocery store notice boards. However, that doesn’t mean your only option is to blow your budget on expensive advertising campaigns.

If you are a pro at plugging leaks, rewiring houses or fixing geysers, here’s how to spread the word about your skills, market to the right people and get ahead of the competition, all for free: 

1. Advertise online for free

If your company isn’t on the web, you are missing out on hundreds of potential opportunities. Plus, it doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking. In order to save your budget, why not start with a Google Business page? It allows you to create a free webpage where you can interact with customers and update information regularly.

Setting up social media for your business is another way to market online for free. It is a free marketing tool that can help you to reach endless customers by sharing your work and providing a space where customers and potential customers can interact with you and find out about your business. Don’t let another day pass by without first launching a Facebook business page, and start spreading the word.

2. Encourage word of mouth referrals

While you may be all about the future of marketing, it’s important not to neglect some of the tried and tested ways of marketing your business. It’s free and is invaluable for a tradesman as people want someone they can trust, won’t rip them off and knows what they are doing. Good recommendations can then be shared on your social media channels and website. To encourage referrals, offer loyal customers something in return – a discount on a job or a free gift, for example.

3. Join the relevant communities and contribute

Every trade has active online communities wherein you can get involved. You can also join area-communities where your client base is. People often ask for recommendations of reliable tradesmen. Don’t actively promote your business. Instead, commit to actively communicating and building rapport with the community. This passive promotion builds trust within a community. You can provide a link to your website or mention your expertise when appropriate.

Other online communities will provide your details when a query comes through from someone searching. Join the community and start attracting customers. It’s free!

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