If you’re a tradie in New Zealand—whether you’re a sparky, builder, plumber, or landscaper—you probably already know how important first impressions are. You wouldn’t rock up to a job in an unmarked van, and you wouldn’t leave your tools lying in the rain.
So why would you leave your business without a decent website?
A website today does the same job your ute signage, business card, and word of mouth used to do—but on a much bigger scale. Done right, it can bring in work while you’re up a ladder or out on-site.
Why Tradies Still Need Websites—Even With Word of Mouth
Plenty of tradies still rely on referrals. That’s fine—but here’s the thing: even referrals Google you before they call.
Someone hears your name from a mate, types it into their phone, and… what comes up?
- A website with your services, contact details, and a bit about who you are?
- Or nothing at all, just a Facebook page that hasn’t been updated since 2019?
A website fills in that crucial second step. It builds trust, confirms your professionalism, and makes it easy for people to contact you—fast.
Think of Your Website Like Digital Signage
You wouldn’t drive a blank ute, so why run a blank Google search?
Your ute signage tells people who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. A website does the same—only it’s working for you 24/7, even when your tools are packed away.
A good tradie website includes:
- Your name and location (e.g. Electrician in Sumner, Christchurch)
- What you actually do (residential rewiring, heat pump installs, etc.)
- Contact details that work on mobile
- Photos of past jobs or examples of your work
- Trust signals—like being Site Safe registered or licensed
Bonus points if you’ve got clear service areas, FAQs, or testimonials.
Local SEO = Online Word of Mouth
In real life, word of mouth is gold. Online, it’s called local SEO.
Local SEO is what gets you showing up when someone searches:
- “electrician near me”
- “plumber in Hamilton”
- “builder Whangārei quotes”
A well-built website gives Google the info it needs to connect you with those searches. No SEO magic tricks—just clear, honest content that shows:
- Who you are
- What you do
- Where you do it
If your competitors have that, and you don’t? You’re missing out on work.
Websites Make You Easier to Hire
A decent website makes it easy for people to:
- See what you offer (without having to ring and ask)
- Decide if you’re a fit for their job
- Contact you instantly by phone or email
Compare that to someone who has to:
- Search Facebook
- Scroll through unrelated posts
- Send a DM and hope for a reply
You’ve already made life easier for the customer—and in trades, that counts.
But I’m Booked Out—Do I Still Need One?
Yes. Even if you’ve got plenty of work now, a website does more than fill your calendar.
- It helps you choose better jobs, not just any job
- It gives you a more professional presence if you ever want to hire staff
- It keeps your business future-proof if work ever slows down
Think long term. A website doesn’t just fill gaps—it gives your business structure and visibility.
What Makes a Good Tradie Website?
It doesn’t need to be flashy. In fact, the best tradie websites are:
- Simple – Clear pages like About, Services, Contact
- Mobile-friendly – Works well on phones (where most people search)
- Fast – Loads quickly, doesn’t make people wait
- Local – Includes suburbs, towns, and regions you cover
And above all—it works. It helps people hire you.
Final Word: You’re Already Paying for Exposure—Make It Count
You’ve paid for ute signage, tools, work boots, maybe even ads. A website isn’t a luxury—it’s part of the kit.
It’s your shopfront, your pitch, and your business card rolled into one. And it’s doing the talking while you’re busy working.
Want a website that actually gets you jobs?
Let’s chat about building one that works as hard as you do.
Contact me to get started.
Onsite Designs 