Tradespeople trying to gain traction in the online world know that digital marketing can be time consuming, complicated and can be expensive due to high competition and lack of know-how. This is why more and more Tradespeople are using and having success with online directories. These directories provide a streamlined ‘matchmaking service’ between tradespeople and homeowners looking for your skills.
Increased online demand for Tradespeople
Despite the country being in lockdown for several months of 2020, home improvement jobs posted on BookaBuilderUK went up by 126% in 2020. Job posts and demand for tradespeople went up by a further 101% in 2021.
Renovate, don’t relocate
This trend is predicted to continue with increasing searches made by UK Homeowners on Google showing their desire for extra space and improvements to their home. With the property market providing slim pickings combined with potential of a deeper recession in the UK in 2023, Homeowners are looking to improve rather than move.
The opportunity
Even with the increased demand, 45% of homeowners say they struggled to find available tradespeople to take on a job (based on a nationwide UK homeowner survey).
Homeowners are bombarded with information and choices available online. Which raises the question, how can you make your business stand out?
Why homeowners trust online directories
In 2021, over 6.7 million Brits fell victim to a rogue trader. Waves of articles, news segments and even a British TV programme has raised awareness about cowboy builders & rogue traders. Now homeowners are turning to reputable and trusted sources to find tradespeople.
Online directories, such as BookaBuilderUK, provide their tradespeople with a free vetting service. Once your ID & Insurance docs have been checked, you will receive a free ‘vetted’ badge on your profile.
Online directories who use services such as SafePay allow homeowners to deposit the funds for the work and will be released directly to you once the work is completed. This ensures financial security for both yourself and the homeowner.
What is an online trade directory?
Online directories for tradespeople provide a simple and centralised hub for homeowners to find local trades. Homeowners can find tradespeople based on the specialised type of work they need done and their location.
Why you should be on an online directory
- It’s free – Signing-up should be free, during the sign-up you will usually have to enter your location and categories of work.
- You can get started today – You can get your business listing up today in a very short amount of time. BookaBuilderUK’s free sign-up takes under 2 minutes! There is no excuse not to start today.
- Digital exposure – Online directory websites invest into their own established online marketing and are dedicated to bringing you more jobs and increasing your visibility to homeowners.
- Win more work – When posting a job, homeowners are asked a series of questions specific to their job type. When you receive the lead, you should be able to view detailed information on all of the job requirements before choosing to accept or decline the work. This means you only spend time quoting jobs that you know are profitable or interesting for you.
Choosing the right directory
There are many platforms to choose from and getting started may be overwhelming. Here are a few pointers for finding the right platform for you:
- Multi-trade –
If you’re a multi-skilled tradesperson or business, make sure the directory you choose allows you to select more than 1 category of work for your directory profile. This way, you will take advantage of every opportunity.
- Choosing the right membership –
If you are looking to invest in a paid membership, you will see there are many different ways to pay. Most platforms charge you per lead, or category. The downside to this is that there is no guarantee you will win the job. This is why it is recommended to find a directory with a flat rate membership with no strings attached, where you can receive and accept unlimited leads.
- Transparency on work demand in your area –
Most platforms only allow you to view job leads after you’ve signed up for a paid membership with them. This means that you have no visibility of work demand or homeowner inquiries. Look for directories that allow you to view leads even if you’re not a paid member.
- Exclusivity in your category –
Most platforms accept an unlimited number of trades in their premium memberships. If you decide to invest into a paid membership with a platform, look for one that places restrictions and exclusivity on the number of paid members per category that can claim each job in each area. This will increase your chances for winning the job.
About BookaBuilderUK.com
BookaBuilderUK.com is an online home improvements platform & directory that connects homeowners with local tradespeople.
With one of the fastest job posting response rates and the fastest growing trade directory in the UK, they are rated 4.6 stars on TrustPilot and over 60,000 UK trades use their platform.
They are the first in the market to offer an end to end escrow payment solution for both homeowners and trades to transact securely and transparently with each other.
