You are a trade contractor – you're a doer. You are all about getting your hands dirty, fixing problems, and creating tangible results. Marketing? Well, that often falls to the bottom of the to-do list for most trade contractors, right? You might think, "I'm good at what I do, word of mouth is enough." But in a world where high ticket clients are online searching for services, that's a risky gamble.

Think about this statistic for a second,

That means potential clients are searching online for contractors just like you. If you're not there, you're are pretty much missing out on a huge chunk of potential business or should I say revenue? While referrals are a valuable source (and we'll touch on that), relying solely on them is like trying to build a house with only a hammer – you will get there one day, but having a full toolkit just makes everything smooth.

Effective marketing isn't just a "nice-to-have" anymore; it's essential for trade contractors who want to stay competitive, build a sustainable business, and achieve growth. Yet, so many trade contractors are knowingly or unknowingly making crucial marketing mistakes that are costing them clients and revenue - constantly.

Here are five of the most common marketing mistakes and, more importantly, how you can fix them.

1. Depending Entirely on Word of Mouth

Word of mouth is powerful, no doubt. In fact, it is the most effective way of marketing - a whopping 92% of consumers trust recommendations from their friends and family. However, relying solely on it is kind of a genuine mistake we'd assume. To maximize your business potential, you must think outside the box.

You might get a few referrals a month - awesome. But what about the dozens of people not in your first, second, or third degree connection in your area searching online for your specific services right now? A well-rounded marketing strategy, including a strong online presence expands your reach far beyond your immediate network. It lets you interact with high ticket clients you never knew existed.

Solution: Continue nurturing those word-of-mouth referrals, but remember to complement them with other marketing efforts. Build a strong online presence, invest in some local SEO, and maybe consider paid targeted ads to reach a wider audience.

2. Lack of an Online Presence

In today's digital age, having an online presence is crucial. It's your business's new storefront. If you don't have one, you're essentially invisible to high ticket clients who value technology and research for businesses online before they can spend a dollar. This isn't just about having a website; it's about being visible where your customers are searching, and having a tool that works for your business 24/7 all year round.

Think about how you find services yourself. You probably Google it or ask Alexa. Now flip the coin and think about how your potential clients find services. If you don't have a website, a Google Business Profile, or a presence on relevant social media platforms, you're missing out on valuable leads.

Solution: Create a professional website that is mobile friendly, set up a Google Business Profile (it's free!), and consider being active on meta platforms, LinkedIn, and TikTok where you can showcase your work visually. Creating all these can be daunting, so be sure to leverage the help of a professional so all your pages are optimized for search.

3. Poor Website Design or Lack of One Entirely

You have your domain showcased on your truck. A potential client sees it at a job site and decides to look it up. They find your business online but the website pages don't load on mobile. What do you think they will do? That's right, they leave.

According to Forbes, 45% of web traffic in North America comes from mobile devices and first impressions of a website are 94% design related.

With that statistic, it is clear that a poorly designed website can be just as damaging as having no website at all.

Your website should be clean, professional, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. It should clearly showcase your services, highlight your expertise, and make it easy for potential clients to contact you.

Solution: Start somewhere. A simple website that looks professional will cost you like 17 dollars a month to service. A domain name will cost you between 17-25 dollars a year. The price of a designer and copywriter vary significantly, so be sure to research and compare prices. At the end of the day, make sure your website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and clearly displays your contact information.

4. Copy That Sucks

What is copy anyways?

Copy refers to the words on your website, brochures, ads, and other marketing materials. It's what communicates your value to potential clients. That said, if your copy is uninspired or packed with buzzwords, you will have a hard time attracting clients, let alone engaging and retaining them.

Here is an example of two sentences from company 1&2: The assumption is that you are searching for a home builder.

1. We provide quality construction services.

2. Award winning home builder. Building your dream home from foundation to finish, with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Which one are you most likely to interact with?

Good copy speaks directly to the needs and desires of your ideal client. That's why it is important to that your messaging is well put.

Solution: Hiring a professional copywriter (like me!) is a great start or invest time in learning how to write good copy that connects with those you are trying to reach. Focus on the benefits you provide, not just the features of your services. If you choose to hire a copywriter, it is important to pick someone who is well versed with your industry.

On the other hand, if you choose to learn, invest in resources that are valuable and related to your your business. I also share tips and tricks on how trade contractors can write their own copy, so subscribe to my newsletter and start benefiting.

5. Ignorance

The biggest marketing mistake is simply not knowing what you don't know. Many trade contractors are so focused on their craft that they don't realize the importance of effective marketing. They might dismiss it as unnecessary or too complicated.

However, in today's competitive market, marketing is essential for business survival and growth. Ignoring it can hurt your bottom line and drag your growth.

Solution: Invest in learning and knowing. One of the best ways I find, is to watch and read case studies of businesses that have already done it. That way, you can start implementing small steps.

Conclusion: How to Combat Common Marketing Mistakes

Marketing isn't a one-time fix; it's an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and refining your approach. While tackling these marketing challenges on your own is possible, it can be time-consuming, overwhelming, and take away from your clients. If you're feeling stuck or unsure where to start, consider seeking professional guidance.

Take action today – review your current marketing strategy, identify areas you struggle with then improve them, and start building a stronger foundation for growth. Your business is designed to grow, and even reading this post is a great first step.

My name is Foster, and I am a top rated copywriter helping trade contractors achieve more through value driven copywriting and marketing. I can help you with website design, copy, and social media. Reach out today and let's talk about your business.

Cheers!