Top 7 Reasons Why a Website is Vital For Tradesmen

"I don’t need a website because I’m a tradesman!" That’s what some tradesmen will tell you in justifying their decision for not having a website. Most tradesmen run small businesses with lean operations. Furthermore, most of these businesses only serve a particular local area. Other tradesmen believe that social media presence is enough online presence. So, you now understand why some business owners think that a website is a luxury that they can do without.

To set the record straight, every business in any industry needs a website. The internet is a great marketing tool that you can’t afford to ignore. Remember those days when an ad in the local newspaper or Yellow Pages would generate numerous calls? Those days are long gone. Today, people don’t have time to look at those ads. Only a few people check directory websites such as ratedpeople.com or yell.com. Google is now their trusted partner when searching for local businesses. In 2011, it was estimated that 4 out of 10 search queries processed by Google were about a local shop, person or service. That’s a couple of years ago. The statistics must be higher today.

Simply put, if your business is not among the search engine results, you are losing potential clients to your competitors who already have websites. Still not convinced? Below are seven reasons why a tradesman and any other business needs to invest in a website.

1. Your website helps you create a professional first impression.

   As a business owner, you need to attract new customers while retaining the current ones. A website provides a perfect opportunity to tell your potential clients how good you are. It also gives you a more professional look. We aren’t suggesting that you aren’t a professional if you don’t have a website. However, remember that new customers may not know a thing about your business. That’s why the first impression always counts.

   Let’s face it, most customers will ignore the business that only places ads in a local newspaper but doesn’t have a web presence. They are likely to take it as another scam business out to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. A website gives them an impression that you mean business and they will be ready to engage with you.

2. Your website improves your visibility

   A well-designed website that incorporates local SEO techniques increases your online visibility. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It helps businesses to increase their search engine rankings and ultimately boost their website traffic. Some of the SEO techniques include creating optimised content for your website and generating quality backlinks. These techniques help you become an authority to search engines such as Google and Yahoo. For instance, if a potential customer searches “Electricians in South London,” your website will be among the top results if you have an SEO optimised website. Increased traffic to your website can lead to increased conversion rates if the visitors are impressed with your business. If you don’t have a website, you are missing on a critical internet marketing tool.

3. Your website gives your 24/7 online presence

   Remember that your website is available to consumers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Potential customers can easily locate your business at any time of the day. It also means that you are always there for your customers. Most importantly, your website doesn’t need any supervision!

4. Your customers won’t miss out on any information

   Having a social media presence is important for your business. However, it may not be that effective when it comes to keeping your customers informed. Although many people are connected to the internet, many aren’t active on social networking sites. These customers may miss out on crucial information about your business. With a website, your customers can access all the information they need in one place. Keeping your customers updated about what you are up to is a great way of retaining them.

5. Your website saves you money

   Traditional methods of advertisement such as newspapers, radio and television can be very expensive. They are also like a gamble as they don’t guarantee that your ad will reach your target market. Some website plans cost as low as £3 per year, and this makes a website a cheap advertising method with the best return on investment. The website can also be accessed at any time, and you are sure that potential customers will get to see the services you provide.

6. Show your previous work and customer testimonials

   Consumers always demand to see what they are getting before deciding whether to buy or not. As a tradesman, showing your previous work is not easy because most of it is on other people’s premises. That’s where a website comes in handy. You can show your customers photos of your previous works and even videos. A customer testimonials page on your website shows your potential clients the experiences other clients have had while working with you.

7. People will Google your business after seeing your vehicle

   If you have a business vehicle, then many people must have seen it. These people include your potential customers. Although they may forget most of the details, they will certainly remember the name of your business and they will Google it later. You can imagine the disappointment if your business is not among the search results simply because you have don’t have a website. Bottom LineAs a business owner, you don’t have excuses for putting off building a website. With the business world becoming increasingly competitive, a website gives you an upper hand in the competition. When building a website, insist on a high quality, professional website that will make your business stand out in a crowd. Having a website is imperative.