While the trade industry often relies on word of mouth referrals and a good reputation, businesses in this sector are starting to understand the benefits of having a professional website.
Anyone from builders and interior designers to plumbers and electricians are reaping the rewards of gaining a consistent stream of online leads in their local area – all thanks to the combined efforts of expert web design, persuasive content and search engine optimisation (SEO).
Here’s some insight into building websites for the trade industry, which should help dispel some of the myths surrounding the process.
Web Design
The website design process is often much easier and cheaper than you think. We outlined this in our blog for Creating a Website for Your Business – 5 Easy Steps. Even if you have an existing site that needs an update, we follow a similar process, such as defining a new site map to include your main services and developing a design framework.
We also understand how difficult it can be to get high-quality pictures when you’re in the trade industry, but professional photographs which enhance your website don’t have to cost the earth. You can often buy images as cheap as £30 for 10 photos on leading stock photography sites.
Copywriting
While you’re no doubt excellent at what you do, professional marketing is something that takes expert know-how. For example, while anyone can attempt to paint their home or try to work out why their lighting is no longer working, it takes time, skill and knowledge of the trade to achieve faster, high-quality results.
Similarly, it takes a team of professionals to come together to create a website that attracts potential customers and keep them interested, which is why so many trades prefer to use a copywriter to develop their written content. This includes copy for different web pages, landing pages and blogs. We always say you’re only as good as the last job you have listed, so case studies of your recent work are also a great idea.
We also know that by using a skilled copywriter, it can often mean your website gets completed sooner (and the sooner it’s finished, the sooner we can start marketing it!)
SEO
If you want to grow your business, getting new leads through the door isn’t just about creating a new website. It’s vital that customers looking for services like yours can easily find you near the top of the search results. That’s where SEO services come in, driving high-quality leads to your site via powerful strategies such as Google Ads PPC campaigns (pay per click).
SEO should be a long-term investment to help you stay ahead of your competitors and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Those who do find it provides them with a rewarding return on their investment. For trades, this often means focusing efforts on customers in the local areas they cover.
Are you a tradesperson looking for website development services, SEO or copywriters? Get free advice with JJ Solutions on 020 3871 8773.