Why Every Australian Tradie Needs a Website in 2025

The Tradie's Dilemma: "Word of Mouth Works Fine"

We hear it all the time from sparks, plumbers, chippies, and builders across Australia:

*"I get all my work through referrals."* *"I'm too busy already."* *"Websites are for big companies."*

Sound familiar? Here's what those tradies don't know: their competition is eating their lunch online.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let's look at what's actually happening in Australia:

• 97% of consumers search online before hiring a tradie
• 46% of all Google searches have local intent
• 70% of homeowners research tradies online EVEN when referred
• Tradies with websites get 3x more leads than those without

That mate who referred a customer? That customer still Googled you before calling. If you weren't there, they might have called someone else.

Real Stories From the Tools

Dave the Electrician (Sydney)

Before: 100% word of mouth, inconsistent work, slow winter months

After: Simple website built in 2023

Results: - 40% of new jobs now come from Google - Doubled his revenue in 18 months - Hired a second sparkie - No more slow seasons

*"I thought websites were for fancy businesses. Turns out, customers just want to see you're legit before they call."*

Simmo the Plumber (Brisbane)

Before: Listing on Hipages, paying for leads

After: Launched his own website

Results: - Cut Hipages spend by 80% - First page of Google for "plumber Logan" - Getting 15-20 website enquiries per month - Emergency callouts up 200%

*"I was paying $50 per lead on Hipages. Now leads come to me for free. Should've done this years ago."*

Tanya the Painter (Melbourne)

Before: Just Facebook, inconsistent bookings

After: Professional website with portfolio

Results: - Booking jobs 3 months in advance - Raised prices by 25% (demand) - Getting corporate painting contracts - Featured on Dulux contractor list

*"My website shows off my work better than Facebook ever could. Clients trust me before we even meet."*

What Your Customers Are Actually Doing

Here's a typical customer journey in 2025:

1. . Something breaks — Hot water dies, lights flicker, toilet blocks
2. . They Google — "emergency plumber near me" or "electrician [suburb]"
3. . They see results — Google shows local businesses with websites
4. . They click — On the first 2-3 results with good reviews
5. . They check — License numbers, photos, reviews
6. . They call — The one that looks most professional

Without a website, you're invisible at step 3.

Even referrals follow a similar pattern: 1. Mate recommends you 2. Customer Googles your name 3. Nothing comes up... or a competitor does 4. They second-guess the referral 5. They might call someone else

"But I'm Already Busy!"

This is the most common objection. And it's usually backwards thinking.

Being busy NOW doesn't mean you'll be busy FOREVER. What happens when: - Your biggest client moves interstate? - A competitor undercuts your pricing? - The economy dips and word-of-mouth slows? - You want to raise your prices?

A website is insurance. It generates leads on autopilot, even when you're on the tools.

Plus, being busy with the right work matters: - More enquiries = you can be choosier - Better clients = higher margins - Less travel = more profitable jobs

What a Tradie Website Actually Needs

Forget complicated features. Here's the basics that work:

Must-Haves ✅

1. . Click-to-call phone number — Top of every page
2. . What you do — Services listed clearly
3. . Where you work — Suburbs you service
4. . Proof you're legit — License number, insurance, ABN
5. . Photos of your work — Before/afters, project shots
6. . Google reviews — Embedded on the site
7. . Simple contact form — Name, phone, message

Nice-to-Haves

• Blog with helpful content
• Video testimonials
• Online booking
• Price guides

Don't Need

• Fancy animations
• Complex booking systems
• AI chatbots
• 20 pages of content

How Much Does a Tradie Website Cost?

Here's the real breakdown:

ROI calculation:

If your average job is $500 and the website brings in 2 extra jobs per month: - Revenue: $1,000/month - Website cost: $29/month - ROI: 3,400%

One job pays for 17 months of website.

SEO for Tradies: The Quick Version

SEO (getting found on Google) isn't rocket science for local tradies:

1. . Claim Google Business Profile — Free, takes 15 minutes
2. . Get reviews — Ask every happy customer
3. . Add location keywords — "Electrician Parramatta" not just "Electrician"
4. . Mobile-friendly website — Most searches are on phones
5. . Keep NAP consistent — Name, Address, Phone same everywhere

That's 80% of local SEO right there.

"I'm Not Tech Savvy"

Neither are most tradies who have websites. Here's the thing:

• You don't need to build it yourself
• You don't need to maintain it yourself
• You don't need to know HTML, CSS, or code
• You just need to answer some questions about your business

Services like Velosites handle everything. We ask what you do, who you help, and where you work. A few days later, you have a professional website.

It's easier than filing your BAS.

The Competition Isn't Waiting

Here's what's happening right now: - Your competitor just got a website - They're showing up when your customers search - They're getting the jobs you should be getting - They're growing while you're standing still

Every day without a website is a day your competitors are winning customers that should be yours.

Quick Action Plan

Today: 1. Google yourself — What comes up? 2. Google "[your trade] [your suburb]" — Are you there? 3. Count how many competitors have websites

This Week: 1. Claim your Google Business Profile 2. Ask your last 5 customers for reviews 3. Decide on a website solution

This Month: 1. Get your website live 2. Add photos of recent jobs 3. Start getting found online

Ready to Stop Losing Jobs?

At Velosites, we've built websites for hundreds of Australian tradies. Our sites are:

• Built for tradies — We know what works
• Mobile-first — Because customers search on phones
• SEO-ready — Actually get found on Google
• Quick to launch — Live in 7 days or less
• Affordable — From $19/month

No tech skills needed. No DIY frustration. No waiting months.

Get your tradie website built →

Join the tradies who are getting more jobs, better clients, and growing their business online.