It All Starts Here: Why Tradies Need a Website (And How to Build One Without the Headache)
If you’re a tradie running your own business, chances are your work ute’s got more stickers than your website’s got visitors. Or maybe you don’t even have a website yet - and honestly, that’s more common than you’d think. Between quoting jobs, smashing through renos, chasing suppliers, and juggling invoices, who’s got time to sit down and build a site?
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get online. With platforms like Squarespace, you can build a professional website in a weekend - or better yet, handball it to your partner, mate, or that one admin legend in your life who gets stuff done. No coding. No dramas. Just a clean, fast site that helps you win more jobs.
Why Tradies Struggle to Get Clients (and What You Can Do About It)
The #1 reason many tradies don’t have a steady stream of enquiries isn’t their workmanship - it’s their visibility. You could be the best plumber in the postcode or a sparkie with the neatest installs in town, but if no one knows you exist, it’s hard to keep the pipeline full.
Tradie marketing is a different beast. A lot of businesses still rely purely on word of mouth - which is great until it isn’t. Word of mouth might keep the phone ringing in the short term, but to grow (or even just stay consistent year-round), you need more reliable ways to get leads.
That’s where your website comes in.
Why a Website Matters for Tradies
In today’s game, a solid online presence isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s your 24/7 business card. Whether you’re an electrician, builder, plumber, landscaper, or cabinet maker, your website is often the first place people go to check you out before picking up the phone.
A good website helps you:
Make a strong first impression (especially for new or high-value clients)
Showcase your best work: before-and-afters, reviews, project galleries
Share your services and what makes you different
Be found on Google when locals search “electrician near me”
Take enquiries or quote requests while you’re still on the tools
In short: if you want more leads for your trade business, you need a website that works just as hard as you do.
Website Must-Haves for Tradies
Not all websites are created equal. You don’t need bells and whistles - just the right tools to back up your business.
Here are a few essentials:
Project gallery or portfolio
Show off your handiwork. Whether it’s kitchen renos, solar installs or new decks, photos sell.Clear contact options
Don’t make people dig for your phone number or email. Add a form, call button, and maybe even online booking.Services list + location
Explain what you do, and where you do it. Think: “Plumbing services in Byron Bay and surrounds.”Testimonials or Google Reviews
Reviews and referrals are pure gold and can be the deciding factor for a potential customer.Mobile-friendly design
Your clients are scrolling on their phones. Make sure your site looks schmick on mobile.
Local SEO for trades and services
Optimise your site so it shows up in search when people type things like “licensed builder near Hobart” or “emergency plumber Launceston.”
Trades Business Marketing: What Most People Get Wrong
Here’s the truth: marketing for trades doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Many tradies fall into the same traps:
No website or an outdated one
If your website still has “Under Construction” banners from 2012, it’s not helping you get jobs.No clear services or location listed
Make it obvious what you do and where you operate.Ignoring local SEO
If your site isn’t showing up in local Google searches, you’re missing easy leads.Relying only on word of mouth
Referrals are great - but they shouldn’t be your only lead source. Diversify!Not collecting reviews
One good review = trust. Ten good reviews = a booked-out calendar.
Squarespace: A Simple Website Solution for Busy Tradies
If the thought of building a website
sounds harder than tiling a 1970s
bathroom, relax - you’re not alone.
Most tradies don’t have the time (or
interest) to fiddle with code or chase
web developer
That’s why platforms like Squarespace are a game-changer. They give you everything you need in one spot - and it’s built for people who’d rather be doing the work than updating plug-ins.
What You Get with Squarespace:
Mobile-friendly templates that look pro on any device
Project galleries to showcase your work
Contact and quote forms to help capture leads fast
Online booking tools for easy scheduling
Google Maps integration to show where you work
Built-in SEO tools to help you show up in local search
Simple social media integrations for Facebook and Instagram
Plus, no tech headaches. No developers. No backend nightmares. Just a smooth system you can update from your phone.
How to Get Started
Ready to stop relying solely on word of mouth and start attracting new clients online? Here’s how to launch your site with Squarespace:
Head to squarespace.com/ripple
Start your free trial (no credit card needed)
Choose a template or let their new AI tool, Blueprint, build a site for you
Add your logo, contact details, job photos and reviews
Hit publish and you’re live
Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a growing crew, your website is your digital shopfront. It helps you win better jobs, build trust fast, and show you’re the real deal.
Still Not Convinced? Here's What Happens When Tradies Get Online
We’ve seen it time and time again - when tradies invest in a simple, well-built website, things start to shift:
Double your traffic with better local search visibility
Cut down on quote-chasing by adding an online form
Land bigger contracts just by showing off your past projects
These aren’t one-offs. With the right online presence, you’re more likely to be found, trusted, and contacted especially by clients who care about professionalism.
Let’s Wrap It Up
If you want to stand out in a competitive trades market, a solid website is your best tool after your drill. It doesn’t need to be fancy - just functional, fast, and findable. With Squarespace, you can skip the overwhelm and build something that actually brings in work.
Start your free trial today at squarespace.com/ripple and use the code RIPPLE20 to save 20% off Annual Subscriptions*.
You’re already doing great work. Now let’s make sure more people can see it.
*Use code RIPPLE20 by 11:59pm AEDT, 31 December 2025, to get 20% off your first payment on a new Squarespace website plan (monthly or annual). Valid for new subscriptions only. Can’t be combined with other offers. Full terms: squarespace.com/terms-of-service.
