Importance of a Website

Now more than ever consumers are going online to get information before they make a decision and hiring a tradesperson is no different. So at Onlinetradesmen, we have made it easy for you to show off your company by creating the perfect website using our website builder. 

Homeowners regularly look through members' websites before choosing whom to go with, so a professional one can set the customer's mind at ease and set you apart from your competition. 

It's important to sound friendly, approachable, and professional - the kind of person people are happy to invite round to their house and carry out work for them.

If you follow the steps you will be well on your way to increasing your customer base and remember, unlike a bricks-and-mortar shop or an employee, your website is working for you 24/7 365 days a year. 

What To Include on Your Website:

1. Company Information

A crucial part of a good tradesperson’s website is the company information. After all, a homeowner needs to know whom they’re hiring. If in doubt, think like a customer, what do you look for when you want to make a purchase? 

 A perfect website needs to have information like: 

• Company name
• Contact information 
  
•  Make sure this is clear and obvious so users don't have to click through too many pages to find it.
  

• How long you have been in business
  
• Homeowners love to choose experienced tradespeople, so if you have 30 years of experience then why not tell them?
  

• Qualifications
  
• Depending on your trade these will vary in importance but we would recommend adding all relevant qualifications including insurance to your website. It gives homeowners peace of mind and your business added validity. 
  

• Where you’re based
  
• It might sound obvious but it's important to state where you are based and also what areas you cover. For example, you could live in Meath but also work in Dublin, if it's not clear that you cover Dublin too a homeowner may not consider you.   
  On the flip side, you don’t want to waste time talking with customers who are outside your service area. 

• The work you do / Services you offer
  
• It's crucial to list the services your company provides, the last thing you want is to already be talking to a customer only for you to realize the job isn't suitable.
  
• If you specialize in a certain field/type of job this is a good opportunity to mention it, it's a simple but effective way to get more of the jobs you love. 
  

2. Customer Ratings 

Ratings are a massive part of your website and in running a business in general. While word of mouth is still great, putting that word of mouth reputation online increases who can see it by tenfold. Customers trust other customers, so add any positive ratings you get from jobs, google reviews social media, etc 

3. Photos

The perfect website needs good quality pictures of your work. It's fine to say how great you are but photos will really make it hit home. Depending on the job,  ‘before and after' pictures work well. It's also a good opportunity to show how clean you are when working. 

Tip: it's a good idea to name the file something relevant to the picture. This improves Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). For example, a picture of a new bathroom could be something like this ‘ X company name new bathroom.jpg’  

4. Other Tips

• It sounds obvious but makes sure to double-check for things like spelling. 
• Try not to use too much jargon, this will differ from trade to trade but too much could put some customers off
• Use lists and bullet points - the same amount of text can seem easier to read if it is formatted well. Customers want quick-to-the-point information.