If you're wondering how to get more jobs as a tradesman or small building firm, you're not alone. Work tends to come in waves, and quiet spells hit self-employed tradespeople hardest. The good news is that a few steady habits, such as showing your work online, collecting reviews and keeping in touch with past customers, make a real difference. Here's what works in practice.
Getting found is only half of it. Customers also need to trust you enough to hire you, and that often comes down to how you communicate.
Communicate clearly
- Reply to enquiries quickly, ideally the same day, even if it's just to say when you can visit.
- Turn up when you say you will, or call ahead if you're running late.
- Give clear written quotes that say what's included and what isn't.
- Listen to what the customer wants and explain your advice in plain language.
- Keep your website and social media profiles up to date.
How to get more jobs as a tradesman
Firms of every size are always looking for the next job, from sole traders to large contractors. Some jobs run for months, others are a quick repair. Decide which work you actually want and have capacity for, then focus your marketing on those jobs rather than trying to cover everything.
Finding work as a self-employed tradesperson
As a self-employed tradesperson, you are the business, so let customers see who they'll be dealing with. Put your photo, your experience and any qualifications, memberships or accreditations on your website and online profiles. Make sure your insurance is in place and mention it: customers increasingly check. Word of mouth is still the biggest source of work for most sole traders, so ask happy customers to leave a review. And because your time is limited, an online platform like Fixmycrib can help bring in enquiries without you having to chase them.
Finding work for small and medium-sized construction businesses
Small and medium-sized firms usually have a bit more capacity for marketing. Trade fairs, local home shows and networking events can be worth a stand if they attract your kind of customer. Show who works for you and what each person specialises in on your website, so customers can see the range of skills you have in-house. A platform like Fixmycrib can add a steady stream of enquiries on top of your own marketing.
Step 1: Find jobs via social media
Social media is one of the easiest ways to show what you can do. Pick one or two platforms your customers actually use, such as Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, and post clear before-and-after photos of recent jobs (with the customer's permission). Short captions explaining the job and the area you work in help people find you. Keep your Google business profile up to date too, with photos, opening hours and the areas you cover.
Step 2: Word of mouth
Word of mouth comes from doing good work, being tidy and being easy to deal with. A happy customer will recommend you to friends, family and neighbours. Make it easy for them: leave a business card, send a short thank-you message after the job, and ask if they know anyone who needs similar work. Local networking events and home shows are another way to meet people. Let them know what you do, so that when they need a tiler, plasterer or contractor, they think of you.
Step 3: The convenience of an online platform
If you do jobs in and around the home, it's worth registering with an online platform such as Fixmycrib. It covers many trades, including painters, plumbers and heating engineers, gardeners and more. Homeowners describe their job and Fixmycrib passes the request to suitable businesses in their area, so you spend less time looking for work. Signing up is free and without obligation.
Step 4: Ask for reviews
Most people read reviews before they hire anyone. Ask every satisfied customer for a review, ideally right after the job while it's fresh, and send them a direct link to make it easy. Google, Facebook and the Fixmycrib platform are all good places to collect them. Reply to reviews politely, including the occasional critical one: how you handle a complaint says a lot to future customers.
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