Tradie Marketing 101: How to Get Found on Google Without Paying for Ads

If you’re a tradie, you already know how competitive things have become. Every suburb seems packed with plumbers, sparkies, and builders all fighting for the same jobs. You might even look at your competitors and think, “How the hell are they getting all those Google calls?”

Here’s the thing — you don’t need to pour hundreds into Google Ads to get noticed. Most tradies can start getting steady online enquiries just by setting up a few simple systems that work with Google’s algorithms instead of against them.

Below is the exact playbook we use with customers to help them rank higher, earn trust, and turn searchers into paying jobs — all without touching a paid ad.

1️⃣ Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the heart of your local marketing. It’s what pops up when someone searches “plumber near me” or “electrician in Bondi.” If your profile isn’t set up properly, you’re basically invisible online.

• Head to google.com/business and claim your profile.
• Add every suburb you actually cover to the service areas.
• Upload photos of recent jobs, your ute, your logo — anything that proves you’re legit.
• Keep your hours, phone, and email accurate.
• Write a short, clear description (e.g. “Local Bondi plumber offering fast, reliable service for homes, businesses, and emergencies.”)

If that sounds like one more chore, Prismline can automatically update your business info and keep your listing fresh so you never fall behind.

2️⃣ Collect Reviews (and Make It Effortless)

Nothing boosts a tradie’s reputation faster than 5-star reviews. They’re social proof that you show up, do good work, and treat people right. Google loves them too — the more (and more recent) your reviews, the higher you’ll climb.

• Ask every happy customer to leave a review right after the job.
• Text them the direct link — don’t make them hunt for it.
• Reply to every review, even if it’s just “Thanks, mate!”

Most tradies miss out on reviews simply because they forget to follow up. Prismline can automate the text request so the system nudges your customers for you.

3️⃣ Make Your Website Pull Its Weight

A lot of tradie websites look fine but don’t actually convert. The goal of your site isn’t just to look professional; it’s to turn visitors into calls and quote requests.

• Put a click-to-call button on every page (especially on mobile).
• Keep your quote form short and simple.
• List your core services and the suburbs you cover.
• Show a handful of real photos and reviews.
• Make sure it loads fast and works perfectly on phones.

Your site should answer two questions within five seconds: “What do you do?” and “How can I reach you?” If you’re stuck with an outdated site, Prismline builds trade-ready websites that plug straight into your leads dashboard.

4️⃣ Stay Active and Consistent Everywhere

Google doesn’t just rank websites; it ranks activity. The more your business looks alive online, the more trustworthy you appear. You don’t need to post every day, but you should aim for consistent signals.

• Share short updates (“Just finished a kitchen reno in Randwick — turned out great!”).
• Upload fresh before-and-after photos.
• Respond to every review.
• Keep your contact info identical across your GBP, website, and Facebook page.

If you don’t have time to juggle all of that, Prismline keeps your online presence in sync so customers always see a professional, up-to-date brand.

5️⃣ Respond Fast — or Lose the Lead

78% of customers choose the first tradie who replies.

If someone calls and you miss it, they’re probably ringing your competitor next. Set up a system so you (or your team) can reply within minutes, and make sure missed calls trigger an automatic text that lets the customer know you’ll call back shortly.

Prismline can automate missed-call text-backs, follow-ups, and job scheduling — so no enquiry slips through the cracks while you’re on site.

6️⃣ Track Your Leads and Re-Engage Past Customers

New leads are great, but repeat jobs are the real goldmine. People forget who they used last year, even if you smashed it. Staying in touch keeps you front of mind.

• Keep a simple list of project history with names and numbers.
• Send check-in texts every few months (“Hey Sarah, it’s Tom from Bondi Plumbing — everything still running smoothly?”).
• Offer maintenance reminders or seasonal tune-ups.

Prismline automates these SMS check-ins and reminders so you can turn past customers into repeat work while you stay focused on the tools.

Putting It All Together

You don’t need a massive marketing budget to get found on Google. Start with the basics:

1. Dial in your Google Business Profile.
2. Collect and reply to reviews.
3. Use your website to capture leads — not just look good.
4. Stay consistently visible online.
5. Reply to every enquiry fast.
6. Keep nurturing past customers.

Do that and you’ll already be ahead of half the competition. And if you want the whole machine handled for you — from website to reviews, texts, and job leads — Prismline Digital is the plug-and-play toolkit built specifically for tradies.

See how easy it can be to look professional, stay organised, and get more jobs rolling in at prismline.com.