If you are a tradie, your website is your most important marketing tool. It is your digital storefront, your online portfolio, and your 24/7 lead generation machine. In today's competitive market, a strong online presence is not just a nice-to-have; it is an absolute necessity.
But let's be honest, most websites for tradies are rubbish. They are slow, outdated, and they do absolutely nothing to help you win more work. They are little more than an online business card, lost in the vast expanse of the internet.
My name is Alex Frew, and as the founder of 3P Digital, I have seen firsthand how a great website can transform a trades business. I have also seen how a bad website can hold it back. That is why I am so passionate about helping tradies like you get a website that actually works.
In this guide, I am going to walk you through everything you need to know about getting a website that generates a steady stream of qualified leads and helps you dominate your local market. We will cover everything from the essential features every tradie website needs, to the common mistakes you must avoid.
And I will introduce you to our game-changing $100/month website package, a solution designed specifically for tradies who are tired of being ripped off by web designers and are ready for a website that delivers real, measurable results.
Why Most Tradie Websites Fail
Before we dive into what makes a great tradie website, let's look at why so many of them fail. It usually comes down to one of these common problems:
- They are built on the wrong platform. Many web designers still use old, clunky platforms like WordPress. These sites are slow, insecure, and they are a nightmare to maintain.
- They are not optimised for local search. If you are a plumber in Perth, you do not need to be found by someone in Sydney. Your website needs to be laser-focused on your local service area.
- They do not have a clear call to action. What do you want people to do when they land on your website? If it is not immediately obvious, you are losing leads.
- They are not mobile-friendly. Over 60% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your website is not easy to use on a phone, you are turning away the majority of your potential customers.
- They do not showcase your work. People want to see the quality of your work before they hire you. A gallery of high-quality photos is one of the most powerful selling tools you have.
The Essential Features of a High-Performing Tradie Website
So, what does a great tradie website look like? Here are the essential features that will turn your website into a lead-generating machine:
In the world of instant gratification, speed is everything. Modern Jamstack sites load instantly, ensuring you never lose a lead to a slow website.
A cluttered, amateurish design makes people question your work quality. A clean, professional design builds trust and confidence instantly.
With over 60% of traffic from mobile, we design for small screens first to ensure a perfect experience for customers on the go.
Optimised for your specific service area (e.g., "plumber in Brisbane") to ensure you show up where it matters most.
5. A Stunning Portfolio of Your Work
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to your website, that is absolutely true. A gallery of high-quality photos of your best work is one of the most powerful ways to build trust.
6. Glowing Customer Testimonials
Social proof is a powerful thing. Ask your happy customers for a short review, and feature them prominently on your website. Even better, embed Google reviews directly on your site.
7. Prominent Calls to Action
Your website needs to tell people exactly what to do next. Whether it's "Call Now for a Free Quote" or "Book Your Job Online", these should be front and centre on every page.
The 3P Digital Advantage: A Website That Works as Hard as You Do
I know what you are thinking. That all sounds great, but it also sounds expensive. And you are right. A traditional digital agency would charge you tens of thousands of dollars for a website with all of those features.
But we are not a traditional agency. We do things differently. Our $100/month website package gives you everything you need to dominate your local market, without the massive upfront cost.
- A custom-designed, high-performance website built on modern Jamstack technology.
- All the essential features including local SEO optimisation and a stunning portfolio.
- A pay-for-performance model that means our success is tied to your success.
- No lock-in contracts. We earn your business every month.
A Website Cost Comparison for Tradies
Let's break down the numbers. Here is what you can expect to pay for a new website:
| Option | Upfront Cost | Monthly Cost | Performance | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Wix, etc.) | $0 | $50+ | Poor | Negative |
| Freelancer | $5,000+ | $50+ | Variable | Low |
| Traditional Agency | $15,000+ | $500+ | Good | Medium |
| 3P Digital | $0 | $100 | Excellent | High |
Common Mistakes Tradies Make with Their Websites
Mistake 1: Trying to Do It Yourself
Building a website is a specialised skill. DIY builders make it look easy, but the results are often slow, generic, and terrible for SEO.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Cheapest Option
A cheap website is a false economy. It will cost you far more in lost leads than you save on the upfront cost.
Mistake 3: Not Thinking About SEO
If your website is not optimised for search engines, it might as well not exist. Local SEO is critical for tradies.
How to Get More Leads from Your Website
- Invest in Local SEO: Optimise your Google My Business profile and build local citations.
- Use Google Ads: Get to the top of search results immediately with paid ads.
- Leverage Social Proof: Display testimonials and case studies prominently.
- Make It Easy to Contact You: Phone numbers should be clickable and visible on every page.
Real Results from Real Tradies
- Organic traffic +180%
- Leads +220%
- Revenue +35%
- Page 1 for 15 keywords
- Traffic +300%
- Ad spend -60%
- Leads: 2 to 15 /mo
- Revenue: +$180k
- ROI: 1,200%