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Top 5 Marketing Mistakes Trades and Home Improvement Businesses Make (And How to Fix Them)

Marketing your business doesn’t have to be complicated but a few common mistakes can hold you back without you even realising it.


Whether you're a builder, plumber, joiner or decorator, these slip-ups could be stopping customers from finding you, trusting you or getting in touch.

Let’s fix that.

If you’re just getting started, you might also want to read our Ultimate Marketing Guide for Trades & Property Services for a full breakdown of what works.




Orange toolbox filled with various tools against a yellow background. Text above reads "Less Mistakes = More Business."


❌ Mistake 1: No Online Presence

If someone hears about you and searches for your name — what do they find?

If the answer is nothing (or worse, a competitor with a similar name), that’s a red flag.

Fix it:

  • Set up a Google Business Profile with your correct name, location and services

  • Make sure you’ve got at least a basic website — even a one-pager is better than nothing


❌ Mistake 2: Relying Only on Word of Mouth

Yes, word of mouth is brilliant — but it’s unpredictable.

You can’t build a stable business by waiting for someone to recommend you. And if the phone goes quiet, panic kicks in.

Fix it:

  • Use marketing to keep your pipeline full

  • Build visibility online so customers can find you, not just hear about you

  • Create a repeatable way to bring in leads — not just hope

Need help putting a system in place? See our done-for-you and done-with-you marketing services.


❌ Mistake 3: No Photos or Proof of Work

You might be brilliant at what you do, but if people can’t see it, they won’t believe it.

Fix it:

  • Take clear before and after photos

  • Add them to your website, social media and Google listing

  • Don’t overthink it — a clean image on your phone is fine

Bonus tip: Ask your customer if they mind you tagging them when you post it. Social proof in action.


❌ Mistake 4: Making It Hard to Get in Touch

You’d be shocked how many businesses lose work because no one answers the phone, replies to a message or has a working contact form.

Fix it:

  • Check your contact form works on desktop and mobile

  • Add WhatsApp or Messenger for fast replies

  • Set up an auto-reply to let people know you’ll get back to them soon


❌ Mistake 5: No Follow Up

Someone messages you for a quote. You reply once... then forget to chase it up.

That’s a lost job — and probably a lost customer for life.

Fix it:

  • Set a reminder to follow up in a day or two

  • Send a quick message: “Just checking you got my quote — happy to answer anything”

  • Even if they don’t go ahead now, you’ll stay front of mind for later


✅ TL;DR (Too Long Didn’t Read)

  • Don’t be invisible online — set up your profiles and basic website

  • Use word of mouth plus online marketing for consistency

  • Share proof of your work with photos and tags

  • Make it easy to contact you (and reply quickly)

  • Follow up like a pro — don’t leave money on the table


For more practical tips, tools and support, read our Ultimate Marketing Guide for Trades & Property Services.


Or if you’d rather skip the guesswork and get help that actually works, just get in touch with us here.


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