What does a tradesperson’s website need? Find out with this guide to creating a winning website.
You’ve decided to take the plunge and get a website, but you’re not sure where to start or what to have on it. Or maybe you already have a website but it’s not quite working for you. Have a look at the eight winning features that every tradesperson should have on their website.
Logical layout
This might sound like a given, but you’d be surprised how many websites out there are almost impossible to navigate around. The menu doesn’t work properly, there’s text hidden behind pictures and some buttons/links don’t work. Keep it simple and make it look clear and appealing with great imagery.
The old adage goes that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the truth of the matter is that first impressions count. If your site doesn’t look up to scratch or is difficult to get around then no one is going to spend time on it.
Crucial information
Again this might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many websites we land on where it’s almost impossible to understand what they do, who they are or what they have to offer… If you’re a tradesperson looking for work, it’s incredibly important that you state your core skills.
Are you a demolition firm that offers soft strip demolition? Then say so! Be explicit in what you’re offering and clearly state the services that you can provide. Being clear with your customers from the outset means that they’re more than likely to trust you.
Contact info
Make sure that your name (or a contact name), your telephone number, your address and email address are all present on your website. We’d suggest getting them into the footer of your site, because that way they’re visible on every page. Also make sure that you’re telephone number is visible across the site, and that when mobile users click on it they can ring you straight from it.
You should also have a dedicated contact page with a contact form. Clients should be able to send you a quick email from here asking questions or asking for quotes. The world we live in is expecting this more and more, and they’ll also expect you to reply promptly!
Testimonials, reviews and trust badges
These three are hugely, hugely important in the modern day world of construction and trade. If you can present customer testimonials, client reviews and include trust badges from programmes that you’re part of or accreditations that you’ve achieved, then you’re earning your users trust.
Completed a recent safety scheme? Get it onto your website! Did a customer recently sing your praises? Make sure you shout about it! The first thing that almost all domestic clients will do when looking for a contractor is to search on Google. Once they think they’ve found someone the next step is to look at their reviews.
Make sure that you’re encouraging customers to leave you reviews on your Google My Business page, your facebook page and your website. And if you don’t want to do all the chasing yourself then talk to someone like us at Shake & Speare and get us to do it for you!
Social media integration
You can’t hide from it anymore, and nor should you! Social media is everywhere. Chances are you’ll already have a Facebook page or Twitter account. LinkedIn is another great networking tool, especially if you have a company that you’re interested in targeting.
To integrate it with your website you’ll just need to add buttons with the social media icons. You see them everywhere online, the small buttons that direct you to that company’s social media page. By putting them on your website you’ll potentially receive another page like, follower or connection. This gives you more opportunity to engage with them, and turn them into a customer!
Just make sure that you’re active on social media, and that you reply/interact with those who follow you!
Mobile-ready version
In December 2018, 49 per cent of all internet traffic worldwide was via mobile. This means that your website has to be ready for mobile users. Most people design their website on their laptop or desktop computer, and they’ll design them well. Mobile users are often an afterthought, but don’t fall into that trap.
Test, test and test again. Get friends to visit your site on their mobile and test it. Do all the links work? Is the text readable? Are the images the right size? By taking the time to ensure that mobile users have a good experience you’re one step closer to getting them as a customer.
Search Engine Optimisation or SEO
This is the process of, essentially, making your website look sexy to Google. This is how you get onto the first page, or achieve that coveted number 1 spot. It’s a process of laying out your site properly, ensuring that you’re providing your users value and generally giving a good experience.
There’s a lot more to it than that, but that’s it in a nutshell. If you’re interested in learning more about it, get in touch with a digital agency like Shake & Speare. We’re always game for a chat!
Calls to action (CTA)
A CTA is an instruction to your potential client or customer. Call Now! Drop Us A Line! Learn More! All of these are CTAs and are surprisingly effective.
For example, imagine that you’re promoting one of your services and you’ve written a paragraph explaining what you offer. At the end, your page should have a button with words similar to “Find Out More” that either directs the customer to more information or to your contact page.
These CTAs essentially guide someone through your website and gently encourages them to contact you to ask more about your services.
That’s good for starters
There’s a whole digital world out there and it can be overwhelming but as a basis to start from, this works. Make sure that these features are visible or available on your site and you’ll be onto a winner. A little effort really will go a long way!
Have we missed anything you think makes a great website for the trades? Let us know on probuildonline@gmail.com.
