We ran an article on the website last week about what tradespeople should include on their websites, and this was also the topic of this week’s #TradesTalk chat on Twitter – with expert guest Shake & Speare.
Here is our round-up of the best contributions of the night, starting with the first question that looked at the advantages for tradespeople of having an online presence.
A1- I have a half built website, but being one my own I’m not sure if I really need one?! Most of my work comes through Facebook or word of mouth. I think it’s nice to have one but not sure what one would bring for me #tradestalk
— rowlingelectrical (@rowlingelectric) January 22, 2019
Q1 I got a basic one just to catch people who search online, but mainly wanted to get an email address linked to it, more professional looking than a Hotmail account. #tradestalk
— Mike Jones (@M_Jonesplumbing) January 22, 2019
The second question looked at what might be putting people off investing in a website for their business.
A2 none of my "young couple" "new family" clients use Facebook anymore. They do use mobile for everything though.
— oilcanfinish (@oilcanfinish) January 22, 2019
Personally I find more people ask on local community pages on Facebook for recommendations, we get recommended then they look at our Facebook page, and tbf if I want to look at a rival trade I’ll look on their Facebook page and not their website personally #TradesTalk
— Keith Harrison (Harrisons Of Burwell) (@HarrisonHeating) January 22, 2019
Then the conversation moved onto the value of looking at where your online traffic is coming from.
Always measure and record within business. #TradesTalk
— Dyfed Roberts (@DyfedRoberts) January 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/DrBoilers/status/1087809931770843141
The next part of the chat looked at what types of content tradespeople should be including on their websites.
I think reviews are key these days , most people spending 2/3/4/5k plus are concerned and want reassurance of a good tradesman and good job #TradesTalk
— Gary Bedford (@grbservices) January 22, 2019
Same as everyone else mainly pics of jobs and maybe few reviews possibly some of the companies whose products you use?
— Dave Bowden (@dafferuk) January 22, 2019
A4. Type of work you undertake, area covered, photos of previous contracts, #tradestalk
— Paul Williams (@AWilliamsltd) January 22, 2019
Not many #TradesTalk participants blog about their trade, but why it might be a good idea was discussed next.
We blog about what we offer at Options Skills and offer tips/info for tradespeople, those looking to learn a trade and homeowners. From tradespeople, we'd love to see examples of work, particularly transformations, on their blogs! #TradesTalk
— Options Skills (@OptionsSkills) January 23, 2019
A5 – Blogging is a great way to show the human side of your business. I always say that there are two types of blogs. Ego blogs and Search Blogs. Ego blogs are about you, your work and projects – they humanise your business and let people know what you're up to. 1/2
— Shake and Speare (@ShakeandSpeare) January 22, 2019
The final question of the chat was about what tradespeople definitely SHOULDN’T do on their websites.
A6.2 – I'd say that lots of people put emphasis on design over substance. If you spend ages adding loads of animations, huge photos and flashy graphics then your page will crawl to a stop, and Google won't like it. #TradesTalk
— Shake and Speare (@ShakeandSpeare) January 22, 2019
To get involved with #TradesTalk, simply tune into Twitter every Tuesday from 8-9pm and join in the chat on everything from buying tools to running a small business with other tradespeople around the UK.
