When you’re busy fixing boilers, rewiring houses or putting up plasterboard, the last thing you want to worry about is a website. But in today’s world, it’s a question more and more people are asking: do tradespeople need a website? If you’re running a building, plumbing or electrical business, the answer is usually yes. A website can help you look professional, win trust, and bring in steady work without costing a fortune or taking up loads of your time.
Do Tradespeople Need a Website?
Let’s be honest, word of mouth is still king in the trades. But even when someone’s been recommended to a customer, most people will still look you up before giving you a ring. No website? That can look dodgy.
A website gives you credibility. It shows you’re a proper business. It also means customers can find key information without chasing you, such as what you do, where you work, how to contact you, and examples of your work. That’s a win for everyone.
A website is also yours. Unlike social media or trade directories, no one else controls it. Platforms like Checkatrade and Facebook can change their rules, go down or disappear overnight. However, your website is always solid ground.
How can it help you win more work?
Customers like things to be easy. If they can’t find you online, or they have to scroll through five old Facebook posts to see what you do, they’ll move on to someone else. A good website removes that barrier.
Having your own site means you show up in local Google searches when someone types in “plumber near me” or “electrician in [your town]”. That can put you in front of people who’ve never even heard of you, especially if your site has clear info, good photos, and a way to get in touch quickly.
It also helps build trust. A clean, well-written site with a few photos of recent jobs and a couple of customer reviews goes a long way. It shows you’re reliable, you take pride in your work, and you’re not going to disappear halfway through a job.
Different ways to do it.
You don’t need to spend thousands or learn to code. There are budget-friendly, DIY options like Wix, Squarespace and WordPress.com, which offer templates that look decent and are easy to update.
For something even simpler, a one-page website might be enough. Think of it like a digital business card. It can include your logo, a brief introduction, your services, a few photos, and contact information. Clean, quick, and all in one place.
Of course, if you’d rather not deal with it yourself, there are loads of freelancers and small web agencies who can do the job for you. Just make sure they’re recommended, understand your business, and won’t vanish after you’ve paid them.
It should work with your other online channels.
Some tradespeople ask, “Isn’t being on Checkatrade or Facebook enough?” Those sites are great for reaching new customers and showing off reviews. However, the trick is to use them alongside your website, not as a replacement for it.
Think of your website as the hub. You can link to your Checkatrade profile, Facebook page and Instagram photos from there, giving visitors one easy place to find everything. And if one of those platforms suddenly changes how it works (which they often do), you’ve still got a solid base you control.
What about costs and updates?
Running a website can cost less than a round at the pub each month. Hosting and a domain name (like yourbusiness.co.uk) are pretty reasonable. And if you use a DIY builder, you can tweak things yourself without having to call someone every time you want to add a new photo.
Just remember to keep it up to date. A site that says “last updated 2019” or has a broken contact form won’t do you any favours.
In a nutshell.
So, do tradespeople need a website? Yes, it’s a simple way to look more professional, answer customer questions, and win more work. You don’t need anything fancy, just something clean, clear and easy to find. Combine it with your other online profiles, and you’ve got a solid setup that works without eating into your time.
Finally, while you’re getting your business sorted online, it’s worth making sure your books are in good shape, too. We help tradespeople stay on top of their bookkeeping without the faff. If that sounds like something you need, give us a shout; we’re always happy to chat.