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#TradesTalk chats about creating a winning website

Written by Grant

Shake and Speare and #TradesTalk chats about creating a winning website

We ran an article on the website about what tradespeople should include on their websites, and this was also the topic of #TradesTalk chat on Twitter – which we guest hosted.

Here is our round-up of the best contributions of the night, starting with the first question that looked at the advantages for tradespeople of having an online presence.

A1- I have a half built website, but being one my own I’m not sure if I really need one?! Most of my work comes through Facebook or word of mouth. I think it’s nice to have one but not sure what one would bring for me #tradestalk
— rowlingelectrical (@rowlingelectric) 22 January 2019

That's a great point - having a domain linked email looks far more legit and professional #TradesTalk
— Shake and Speare (@ShakeandSpeare) 22 January 2019

The second question looked at what might be putting people off investing in a website for their business.

Personally I find more people ask on local community pages on Facebook for recommendations, we get recommended then they look at our Facebook page, and tbf if I want to look at a rival trade I’ll look on their Facebook page and not their website personally #TradesTalk
— Keith Harrison (@HarrisonHeating) 22 January 2019

A2 none of my "young couple" "new family" clients use Facebook anymore. They do use mobile for everything though.
— Oilcanfinish Landscaping and Property Maintenance (@oilcanfinish) 22 January 2019

Then the conversation moved onto the value of looking at where your online traffic is coming from.

Always measure and record within business. #TradesTalk
— Dyfed Roberts (@DyfedRoberts) 22 January 2019

The next part of the chat looked at what types of content tradespeople should be including on their websites.

I think reviews are key these days , most people spending 2/3/4/5k plus are concerned and want reassurance of a good tradesman and good job #TradesTalk
— Gary Bedford (@grbservices) 22 January 2019

Same as everyone else mainly pics of jobs and maybe few reviews possibly some of the companies whose products you use?
— Dave Bowden (@dafferuk) 22 January 2019

Not many #TradesTalk participants blog about their trade, but why it might be a good idea was discussed next:

We blog about what we offer at Options Skills and offer tips/info for tradespeople, those looking to learn a trade and homeowners. From tradespeople, we'd love to see examples of work, particularly transformations, on their blogs! #TradesTalk
— Options Skills (@OptionsSkills) 23 January 2019

A5 - Blogging is a great way to show the human side of your business. I always say that there are two types of blogs. Ego blogs and Search Blogs. Ego blogs are about you, your work and projects - they humanise your business and let people know what you're up to. 1/2
— Shake and Speare (@ShakeandSpeare) 22 January 2019

The final question of the chat was about what tradespeople definitely SHOULDN’T do on their websites.

A6.2 - I'd say that lots of people put emphasis on design over substance. If you spend ages adding loads of animations, huge photos and flashy graphics then your page will crawl to a stop, and Google won't like it. #TradesTalk
— Shake and Speare (@ShakeandSpeare) 22 January 2019

To get involved with #TradesTalk, simply tune into Twitter every Tuesday from 8-9pm and join in the chat on everything from buying tools to running a small business with other tradespeople around the UK.