Marketing Ideas for Tradies With No Budget

1. Google Business Profile: Set It and Optimise It

When people search “plumber near me” or “landscaper [your town]” you want to show up.
✅ Add photos of your work, ask happy clients to leave a review, and list your service area clearly.
👉 Bonus tip: Post weekly updates or offers to help you rank higher.

2. Ask for Reviews – Then Use Them Everywhere

Don’t be shy, ask happy clients to leave a review on Google or Facebook. Then:

Screenshot it for social posts
Add it to your email signature
Turn it into a quote graphic
✅ Reviews build trust fast.

3. Use Facebook Marketplace Creatively

Not just for second-hand fridges – you can list your services here too.
✅ “Local fencing repair spots available next week – message to book.”
This puts your business in front of locals scrolling every day.

4. Local Facebook Groups Are Gold

Join and engage in community groups (e.g. “[Your Town] Buy Swap Sell” or “[Region] Tradies”).
✅ Offer help, comment genuinely, answer questions.
People notice those who are helpful and they remember. Most allow promotional business posts.

5. Before & After Photos Are Content Gold

Snap a quick pic of the job before you start, then again when you’re done.
Post it with a line about what you did and where.
✅ It shows your skills, builds trust, and proves results.

6. Create a Quick Referral Offer

Offer a discount or gift card to any client who refers someone.
✅ “Refer a friend and get $50 off your next job.”
Doesn’t have to be fancy – just something that shows you value the support.

7. Make It Dead-Easy to Contact You

If people have to search through 4 social posts to find your number, they’ll move on.
✅ Pin your contact details to the top of your Facebook page.
✅ Add a “Book Now” or “Message Us” button.
✅ Have an auto-response ready.

8. Partner with Other Local Businesses

Team up with a landscaper, sparkie, builder, or even a local café.
✅ Cross-promote each other
✅ Share jobs
✅ Leave business cards or signs at each other’s jobs
Small businesses win together.

9. Social Media – Post Less, But Post Better

You don’t need to post every day. Just focus on:
✅ Jobs you’re proud of
✅ Tips you’d tell your mate
✅ Things that show you’re a good human
That’s what people buy from. Use the free version of Canva, there’s plenty of templates ready for you to use. 

10. Tell People What To Do Next (Seriously)

Every post, flyer, or message should have a clear call to action:
✅ “Call now”
✅ “Send us a message to get booked in”
✅ “Tag a mate who needs this”
Don’t assume people know what to do. Spell it out.

11. Use Simple Automation to Stay Front of Mind

You don’t need fancy software, even a regular, friendly SMS can go a long way.
✅ Set reminders to check in with past clients every 3-6 months
✅ Try: “Hey, we’ve got guys in [suburb] next week, need anything looked at?”
✅ Or: “Winter’s coming, let us know if your gutters, heating or plumbing need a once-over.”

💡 Pro tip: Tools like Google Calendar, Fergus or even Scheduled Text Apps can automate this.

👉 It keeps your name top of mind, sounds helpful (not salesy), and brings in repeat work without lifting much more than a thumb.

12. Use Local SEO: Be Found When It Matters

✅ Add location-based keywords to your website/socials (e.g. “plumber in Ballarat”)
✅ Claim directory listings (Yellowpages, ServiceSeeking etc.)
✅ Use Google Keyword Planner to see what locals are searching for

👉 Search Engine Optimisation can seem very overwhelming and there can be a lot to it. But a great starting point is to find out what ‘search phrases’ your clients use to find you and ensure they are peppered into the content of your website.