Starting a trade/tradie business is an exciting venture, but growing it can be a challenge. As a small business owner, you might find yourself struggling to find new clients and keep up with the competition, or more likely paperwork and quoting is becoming a real challenge. However, with the right strategy and approach, you can successfully grow your Aussie trade business.
As an expert business coach, I’m going to share some practical tips which I’ve learnt over many decades of helping tradies.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
Professional websites are not just for professionals. Most trade businesses need a website these days; unless you’ve been operating for 30 years, people need to be able to learn you exist and find you. Ensure your website is done well, showcases your services, testimonials and how you can help. Ensure your website is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) friendly and don’t forget to list your businesses on the three online directories, including Google My Business, True Local and Yellow Pages. On social media, share photos and videos of your work.
2. Establish Relationships with Local Builders and Contractors
Reach out to local builders and contractors and offer your services as a subcontractor. However, I must say that you take care to screen anyone you’re going to work for. Ensure they pay on time, are fair in pricing and are not showing signs of being in distress. Once you connect, build a reputation for reliability, quality workmanship, and excellent customer service. Your word-of-mouth referrals will grow from that great reputation.
3. Offer Specialised Services
One effective way to grow your trade business is by offering specialized services. Identify a niche within your industry and become an expert in that area. For example, if you’re an electrician, you can specialize in smart home automation or solar power installations, whilst still providing general electrical services. By focusing on a specific area, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and attract clients who require that extra service; becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’.
4. Provide Great Customer Service
In the trade industry, customer satisfaction is important for growth. You don’t have to go over the top, but do the basics well to stand out from your competitors. Be responsive to client inquiries, communicate effectively and address any concerns or issues promptly. Don’t forget to turn up on time and clean up after yourself. Did you know what annoys many customers of tradies? The tradie cleans up, but puts all the rubbish in the client’s bins, often filling their bin, rather than taking it away.
5. Build Relationships with Suppliers
Having a strong relationship with your suppliers can be beneficial for your trade business. This can lead to better pricing, priority service, and access to new products or technologies, ahead of everyone else. Additionally, suppliers may refer customers to your business if they have a positive experience working with you. Regularly communicate (well) with your suppliers, attend trade events, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
6. Train and Develop Your Staff
Investing in the training and development of your staff can have a significant impact on the growth of your trade business. Providing ongoing technical training and upskilling your team can help keep them up-to-date with industry trends and advancements. This will not only enhance the quality of your work but also showcase your commitment to excellence to potential clients.
7. Monitor Industry Trends and Adapt
Most industries are constantly evolving and the trades and construction industries are no different. New technologies and regulations emerge regularly. It’s essential to stay informed about industry trends and adapt your business accordingly. Keep an eye on new products, tools, and techniques that may improve your efficiency or broaden your service offerings. Adapting to change and embracing innovation will help you stay ahead of the competition and attract new customers.
8. Implement a Referral Program
A very effective way to increase your client base is through a referral program. This is done by giving incentives to current clients who refer new customers to your business. This can be in the form of discounts, rewards, or even a free service. Satisfied clients are usually happy to recommend reliable tradespeople, so take advantage of this opportunity. Word-of-mouth marketing is a valuable tool for growing your trade business. At the very least, if someone has referred another person to you, then say thank you!
9. Attend Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Trade shows and exhibitions are excellent opportunities to showcase your work and network with potential clients and industry professionals. Take advantage of these events to present your services, display your expertise, and build relationships. Trade shows are often attended by people specifically looking for a specific service, such as pool enclosures, patios, solar systems etc – making it a fertile ground for connecting with potential clients.
10. Use Digital Marketing Strategies
In today’s digital age, utilising online marketing strategies is often needed for business growth. Whether you’re investing in Google Ads, Facebook or Insta ads, HiPages or some other form of online listing/advertising, you need to be out there to be found. A strong online presence will help drive traffic to your website, resulting in more leads and conversions.
11. Partner with Local Businesses
Collaborating with local businesses can be mutually beneficial and helps in expanding your network. For example, if you’re a plumber, you could partner with a real estate agency that often requires plumbing services for their property management clients. Reach out to local businesses in construction-related industries and explore opportunities for partnerships. By referring each other’s services, you can both tap into each other’s client base and grow your businesses together.
12. Embrace Technology
Technology can streamline your trade business operations and improve efficiency. Explore software solutions that can help you with tasks such as invoicing, project management, and scheduling. Utilise cloud-based platforms to store and access important documents and collaborate with your team remotely. By embracing technology, you can save time, reduce errors, and focus on growing your business.
As an experienced business coach, I know that growing a trade business in Australia requires a strategic approach and a commitment to follow good process, be proactive and be professional. No longer can you just write a figure (as a quote) on the back of a business card, unless it’s for an extremely minor service. Re-read the above, consider where you could improve and begin taking steps to implement the same. You don’t have to change everything today, but start with today by changing just one thing. Then tomorrow, it might be the next, and then the next.
In addition to the practical tips mentioned above, working with a business coach can greatly benefit trade businesses looking to grow. A business coach is an experienced professional who can provide guidance, support, and accountability to help you achieve your business goals.
Here are some ways a business coach can help trade businesses grow:
- strategic planning
- business development
- financial management
- accountability and support
- time management training
- improving mindset or business confidence.
If you’d like to know more about how I can help your trade business either get set up well or move to growth mode, reach out to me at my contact page – My passion is your potential!
