What Makes a Website Tradie-Friendly?
G’day, I’m Leigh Reading, founder of Onside Online. With over a decade of experience helping tradies across Australia grow their businesses online, I’ve seen firsthand what separates a high-performing website from one that just sits there collecting digital dust.If you’re a plumber, electrician, landscaper, or any other hands-on professional, your website needs to do more than look good—it needs to work hard for you. Here’s how to build a website that’s truly “tradie-friendly” and designed to generate leads, build trust, and convert visitors into paying customers.

1. Mobile-First Design

Most of your potential clients are searching on their phones while on the go. A mobile-responsive website ensures your site looks great and functions smoothly on any device. Google also prioritises mobile-friendly sites in search results, giving you an SEO edge.

2. Fast Load Times

Speed matters. If your site takes more than three seconds to load, you risk losing visitors. Optimise images, minimise code, and leverage browser caching to keep your site snappy.

3. Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Guide your visitors with straightforward CTAs like “Request a Free Quote” or “Book a Service Today.” Place these prominently on every page to encourage engagement.

4. Showcase Your Work

Display high-quality images of your projects to demonstrate your expertise. Before-and-after photos, project galleries, and client testimonials build credibility and help potential clients visualise your capabilities.

5. Optimise for Local SEO

Ensure your website includes your service areas and relevant local keywords. Register your business with Google Business Profile and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.

6. Professional Design and Branding

A clean, modern design with consistent branding instills trust. Use a cohesive colour scheme, readable fonts, and intuitive navigation to make a strong first impression.

7. Display Contact Information Prominently

Make it easy for visitors to contact you by placing your phone number, email, and service areas in visible locations on your site. Consider integrating a contact form and Google Maps for added convenience.

8. Secure and Accessible

Implement SSL certificates to secure your site and follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure your website is usable by everyone, including those with disabilities.

9. Regular Updates and Maintenance

Keep your website content fresh by regularly updating project galleries, blog posts, and testimonials. Regular maintenance ensures your site remains functional and secure.

10. Avoid Free Website Builders

While tempting, free website builders often come with limitations that can hinder your site’s performance and professionalism. Investing in a custom-built website tailored to your business needs can provide better results.

In Summary

At Onside Online, we specialise in creating fast, user-friendly, and SEO-optimised websites for tradies. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a website overhaul, we’re here to help you attract more clients and grow your business.​

Let’s chat about how we can get your website working as hard as you do.

Leigh from Onside Online