How to Get More Clients as a Tradie — 15 Strategies That Actually Work

You don't need a marketing degree to get more clients. These 15 strategies are used by Australia's busiest tradies — most are free or under $200/month. Start with #1 and work your way down.

1. Google Business Profile (Free — Do This First)

When someone Googles "plumber near me", Google shows a map with 3 businesses. That's called the Local Pack — and it gets 44% of all clicks. If you're not on it, you're invisible.

• Claim your profile (google.com/business)
• Add real photos of your work (not stock photos)
• Get reviews — at least 20 (respond to each one)
• Fill in every field: hours, services, service area
• Post updates weekly (even just a job photo)

2. Ask Every Client for a Review

The #1 ranking factor for Google Maps? Reviews. Quantity AND recency. A tradie with 63 recent 5-star reviews will appear above one with 10 old reviews.

3. Hipages, Oneflare & ServiceSeeking

Paid lead generation. You pay per lead ($15–$60) but don't pay a commission on the job. Good for: filling gaps in your schedule. Bad for: long-term strategy (you're competing on price).

4. Facebook Community Groups

Every suburb has a Facebook group. When someone posts "Can anyone recommend a good carpenter?" you want to be the name that comes up 5 times. Get your past clients to tag you.

5. Vehicle Signage

Your ute is a mobile billboard. A professionally sign-written vehicle generates 600–2,000 impressions per day (every car that drives behind you).

6–15: Quick-Fire Strategies

1. Instagram before/after photos with local hashtags (#GlenWaverleyCarpenter)
2. Leave cards at Bunnings, Reece, Tradelink (ask permission)
3. Partner with real estate agents (pre-sale maintenance)
4. Build relationships with builders (subcontractor work)
5. Create a simple website (even a 1-pager with photos & phone)
6. Email past clients annually ("time for a deck re-oil?")
7. Letterbox drop in streets you've worked on
8. Sponsor local sports teams ($200–$500/year)
9. Join BNI or local business networking groups
10. Offer a "neighbour discount" — do 2 jobs on the same street