Starting a trade business is an exciting adventure, but also a challenging one. You have to plan, market, hire, and more. And you have to do it all while climbing a steep mountain of growth.

But don't worry, you can reach the top with some smart strategies and hard work. Whether you're new to the game or an old pro looking for a fresh update, here are some tips to help your trade business thrive.

Choose your next team member

Apprentices

Hiring an apprentice is a big milestone in any company’s growth plans. But it’s not always as easy as it sounds – finding the perfect match for your business is hard enough without the trade labour shortage that’s being felt worldwide.

Subcontractors

Taking on new staff doesn’t have to be a permanent commitment. Hiring a subcontractor can help propel your business forward without the financial and administrative burden of long-term employment.

Full-time employees

Feel like you need an extra pair of hands to help tackle your workload? Employing full-time staff is a sure sign that your business is growing. If all goes to plan, having one or more full-time staff members should take a lot off your plate so you can focus on winning work and maximising profit.

Review your financial situation

Income and expenses

Running a business requires a lot of financial management. You need to pay your staff, buy equipment, and cover operational costs. If you are having trouble with your finances, you should review your income and expenses. You can also hire an accountant to help you with this.

Pricing strategy

Setting the right price for your services is important for your growth. A good pricing strategy ensures that you are not losing money by charging too little, and you are not losing customers by charging too much.

Streamline your administration tasks

Save time and money on quoting and invoicing

As a trade business owner, you don't want to waste 18 hours a week on paperwork. You want to focus on growing your business and delivering quality work. That's why you need a software solution that can help you create and send quotes and invoices quickly and easily. For example, Tradify.

Manage your jobs efficiently

More jobs mean more growth for your business. But, if you lose track of your jobs and miss deadlines, you'll lose customers and reputation. That's why you need a software solution that can help you monitor and manage all your jobs, giving you a clear overview of what's done, what's due, and what's next.

Update your website

Your website is often the first contact point for potential clients, so make sure it showcases your business in a positive way. Follow the basic principles of modern web design – keep it clean and professional, with clear information about your company and the services you provide.

Photography is important. You don’t have to hire a professional photographer, just make sure your photos are good quality, in focus and showcasing the best of your business.

Register with an online directory

A strong online presence is vital for your trade business. You don't want to lose customers to your competitors because they can't find you on the web. There are lots of directories available specifically for tradies.

Use free online tools

You can market your trade business without breaking the bank. There are many free online tools to help you reach more customers. For example, MailChimp is a great tool to grow your business by sending newsletters, surveys, and special offers to your email list. You can use their basic plan for free, or upgrade to their premium service if you need more features.

Another must-have tool is Google My Business. It helps you show up on Google Search and Google Maps, so people can find you easily.

Use customer reviews

According to Forbes, 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation, and 74% say that positive reviews make them more likely to trust a local business.

Social media

Social media is a powerful tool for digital marketing that you can use to grow your business and connect with your customers. Many tradespeople are already on social media, sharing their work, their stories and their tips. Here are some of the best practices for making the most of your social media presence:

• Be authentic. People want to see the real you, not a sales pitch. Show your personality, your passion and your values. Don't be afraid to be yourself and have some fun.

• Be responsive. When someone messages you on social media, they expect a quick reply. If you take too long, they might lose interest or contact someone else. Try to answer as soon as possible and show them that you care about their needs.

• Show your work. One of the best ways to attract new clients is to show them what you can do. Post photos and videos of your projects, before and after shots, testimonials and reviews. Let your work speak for itself and impress them with your skills.

• Be the expert. You have a lot of knowledge and experience in your trade, so why not share it with your audience? Post relevant articles, news, tips and tricks that can help them with their problems or questions. This will establish you as an authority in your field and build trust with your potential customers.

• Link to other platforms. Social media is fast-paced and dynamic, so you might not have time to update all your profiles every day. You can reuse content across different platforms and link them to your website where they can find more information about you and your services.

Other marketing options

Not everyone is online or on social media, so you need to reach out to them in other ways. Offline marketing can help you attract more customers and grow your business. Here are some tips:

• Advertise in print media. Newspapers and newsletters are still popular among some customers, especially the older ones or those who enjoy reading on weekends. They might notice your ad and contact you.

• If you have company vehicles, use them to display your logo and contact information. That way, people will see your business wherever you drive and may remember you when they need your services.

• Wearing uniforms or t-shirts with your business name and logo makes your staff look professional and united. It also helps people identify your business and trust you more.

• Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. You never know who might need your services or who might refer you to someone else. So, chat with your neighbours, friends, colleagues, and anyone else you meet. You can also join local business networks and make more connections.

Review what you do and how you do it

Things can change drastically over a few months. You can easily get swept into the motion of running a business and be doing things the same way 10 years on – and your business could be suffering because of it. It’s important to take an occasional step back to review how things are going, re-evaluate and refresh areas that need it.

Review your finances, look at your cash flow, ask your staff for feedback on what is working well, not working well, and how they are feeling. To keep your business healthy, you need to step back occasionally and look at your business from the outside – and be prepared to make changes, even drastic ones, if that is what is needed.

Work hard and see your business flourish

You love your trade business, but you want to make it even better. To do that, you need to invest time, energy and persistence – and you need to have a plan for growth. The key areas to focus on are your marketing, finances and staff – these are the foundations of your success. If you put in the effort, your business will reach new levels of excellence.