How to Get More Work as a Tradesman — The Ease of Online Marketplaces

As a tradesman, tradeswoman, or other contractor, have you noticed the palpable sense of relief in a homeowner's voice when you pick up the phone? Hint: it's probably not just because of your friendly "hello". For many, just getting in touch with a good tradesman can be a monumental challenge. If you’re wondering how to get more work as a tradesman, the answer is simple: make yourself available.

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1. Online marketplaces solve the problem
2. The customer’s perspective
3. The tradesperson's advantage
4. Building an online reputation that lasts
5. Choosing work that works for you
6. More money in your pocket, more time on the tools
7. Take control & collect more customers

Before your phone rings, the customer might have asked friends for a recommendation or spent hours searching online, only to find unanswered calls, missed text messages, or negative reviews. How do they know if a tradesperson they’ve been recommended or found online has the right skills for their specific job? How can they be certain they will be interested or even available to do it? And, most importantly, how can they be sure that they will do a great job?

The truth is, while word of mouth is often perceived as the best method for finding a tradesperson, it’s not always the most reliable. People will usually just recommend whoever they used last, as long as the job wasn’t a complete disaster. Oftentimes customers will go with whoever picks up the phone first.

1. Online marketplaces solve the problem

The internet has transformed how we do many things, from finding a ride to ordering food. It has brought efficiency and convenience to our lives, and the search for skilled tradespeople is no exception. Just as dating sites use sophisticated algorithms to find the perfect match, find-a-tradesperson marketplaces aim to provide a more reliable way for tradespeople to secure the work they want and for homeowners to hire the professionals they need.

The best part is it's often free to list your business!

• 🇺🇸 Small business directories for trade businesses in the US
• 🇬🇧 Small business directories for trade businesses in the UK
• 🇦🇺 Small business directories for trade businesses in Australia
• 🇳🇿 Small business directories for trade businesses in NZ
  

2. The customer’s perspective

For property owners, the growing appeal of these services lies in their ability to connect them with vetted and approved tradespeople all in one place.

These platforms can address three key concerns: 

1. Access to tradespeople with the right skills
2. Assurance that they operate professionally and fairly
3. Confirmation of their availability and interest in doing their job. 

Online marketplaces offer a one-stop solution that instils confidence in homeowners, assuring them that they'll find qualified, available, and enthusiastic tradespeople when they need them.

3. The tradesperson's advantage

On the other side of the coin, tradespeople benefit from these services by gaining access to a steady stream of high-intent customers with highly relevant jobs. Instead of relying on word of mouth or advertising, marketplaces provide a central hub where potential clients are actively searching for skilled professionals in their area.

4. Building an online reputation that lasts

In today's digital age, reputation matters more than ever. Online services offer tradespeople a free business profile that acts as a showcase for their skills and experience. As they complete successful projects and accumulate positive feedback, their online presence and credibility grow. This growth not only attracts more customers but also enhances visibility on search engines, further amplifying their reach.

5. Choosing work that works for you

The sophisticated algorithms of online marketplaces match tradespeople with job postings that align with their skills and preferences. This streamlined process saves valuable time and increases the likelihood of securing work that perfectly suits their expertise and location. It’s a win-win for both parties!

6. More money in your pocket, more time on the tools

Online marketplaces take care of lead generation and make responding to customer enquiries much easier. This frees up time and eliminates the need for costly advertising. With online marketplaces, tradespeople can spend less time fielding cold calls for irrelevant jobs or searching for work to fill gaps in their schedule. Jobs that fit your preferences come straight to you, putting you in total control.

7. Take control & collect more customers

One online marketplace, MyBuilder, has taken the concept of control one step further with its popular pay-as-you-go model. Unlike some platforms where the tradesperson pays a subscription fee, tradespeople only pay when they express interest in a job and a verified customer goes on to shortlist them. That way, they can be confident they’re investing in worthwhile opportunities.

So, if you're a tradesperson ready to take control of your work and find jobs that align with your expertise and schedule, consider signing up for MyBuilder today. It will empower you to focus on what you do best – providing excellent service to homeowners who value your skills.

Sign up for free today and start viewing local jobs that fit your expertise. Your perfect projects are just a click away.

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This article was a guest post from our friends at MyBuilder.