7 Trade and Construction Marketing Mistakes That Are Costing You Serious Money.
Here's a fun game.
Count how many of these you're guilty of.
(No judgment here... well, maybe a little).
Because if you're making ANY of these Trade and Construction marketing mistakes, you're basically throwing money down the drain.
And not the kind your plumber mates can fix.
We're talking about the kind that's costing you prime clients. 🤯
Big projects.
Dream jobs.
All going to your competitors because of these amateur mistakes.
Ouch.
But here's the good news.
They're actually pretty easy to fix.
Once you know what they are.
(And more importantly, what to do instead).
So, grab a brew. ☕️
Get comfy.
And let's dive into the 7 biggest Trade and Construction marketing mistakes that are probably costing you serious money right now.
And more importantly - how to fix them. ⚒️
1. Your Trade and Construction marketing Has Zero Personality.
Let me guess.
Your social media looks exactly like every other Trade business out there.
"Quality work at competitive prices."
"No job too big or small."
"Free quotes."
Yawn. 🥱
If I had a pound for every Trade and Construction business using these phrases, I'd be writing this from my yacht.
Why Generic Trade and Construction marketing is Killing Your Business.
Here's the brutal truth.
Nobody - and I mean NOBODY - is lying in bed at night thinking "I really need to find a Trade business offering competitive prices."
What they're actually thinking is:
✅ "I need someone who won't trash my house."
✅ "I want a Trade who actually shows up when they say they will."
✅ "I need someone who can explain things without making me feel stupid."
✅ "I want a Trade who'll treat my home like their own."
But your marketing?
It's about as exciting as watching paint dry.
(And yes, even if you're a painter, that's still boring).
Here's how to fix it…
Show your personality:
🙌🏽 Share the fun, friendly on site.
🙌🏽 Let us meet your team.
🙌🏽 Show us your process.
🙌🏽 Tell us your stories.
Be human…
🟡 Share your mistakes (and how you fixed them).
🟡 Show the reality of Trade life.
🟡 Let your personality shine.
🟡 Make us laugh sometimes.
2. Your Trade and Construction marketing is Stuck in 1995.
Picture this.
You've got a website that looks like it was built when Oasis was still together.
Your business cards are printed on paper so thin it could be used as tracing paper.
And your van graphics?
Well, let's just say they've seen better days.
Outdated Trade and Construction marketing is Scaring Away Good Clients.
Here's why this matters.
When someone's about to spend thousands on a new kitchen...
Or trust you with their entire house renovation...
They're going to judge you on how you present yourself.
Fair?
No.
True?
Absolutely.
Here's what screams "amateur hour":
🤦🏽♂️ Comic Sans font anywhere in your marketing.
🤦🏽♂️ A website that's not mobile-friendly.
🤦🏽♂️ Social media profiles with no proper logo.
🤦🏽♂️ Poorly designed vehicle graphics.
🤦🏽♂️ Marketing materials that look like your kid made them.
(Unless your kid is a professional designer. Then crack on).
Here's how to fix it…
Invest in these basics:
✅ Professional logo design.
✅ Modern, mobile-friendly website.
✅ Quality business cards.
✅ Professional van graphics.
✅ Consistent branding across all platforms.
Talking all things Trade and Construction websites, you might find this helpful…
🚀 Checklist: 7 Tricks To Nail Your Trade And Construction Website Homepage Design.
3. Your Trade and Construction marketing Isn't Targeting Anyone Specific.
"We do everything for everyone!"
Sound familiar?
Here's why that's a problem.
When you market to everyone, you end up speaking to no one.
It's like shouting in an empty room.
Loads of noise.
Zero impact.
Your Trade and Construction Marketing Needs to Get Specific.
Think about it.
If someone's looking for a high-end kitchen fitter...
Are they going to go with the jack-of-all-trades?
Or the specialist who ONLY does luxury kitchens?
Exactly.
Choose your lane:
✅ Decide who your ideal client is.
✅ Focus your marketing on them.
✅ Speak their language.
✅ Solve their specific problems.
For example…
❌ Instead of "We do all types of building work."
✅ Try "Specialising in period property renovations in North London."
See the difference?
One of our builders did this.
Focused purely on loft conversions and extensions.
Now they're THE go-to loft conversion and extension specialists in their area.
And they charge premium prices because of it.
Smart cookie. 🍪
But seriously…
Discovering your Ideal Client is the single BIGGEST thing you will ever do for your Trade and construction Marketing.
So dive into this…
🚀 What Is An Ideal Client And Why Do I Need One For My Trade & Construction Business?
4. Your Trade and Construction marketing Isn't Showing Your Best Work.
This one drives me mad.
You do amazing work.
Proper craftsmanship.
But your photos?
Look like they were taken on a Nokia 3310. ☎️
In the dark.
With your eyes closed.
Quality Trade and Construction marketing Needs Quality Content.
Here's the deal.
People buy with their eyes first.
If your work looks rubbish in photos, guess what they'll think about your actual work?
Here's what you need to stop doing…
❌ Taking photos in bad lighting.
❌ Posting blurry images.
❌ Forgetting to take before shots.
❌ Rushing your after photos.
And here's what you should be doing instead…
✅ Take proper before and after shots.
- Same angle.
- Good lighting.
- Clean workspace.
- Show the transformation.
✅ Document the process.
- Key stages.
- Interesting finds.
- Problem solving.
- Quality checks.
✅ Use the right tools.
- Good camera phone.
- Basic editing apps.
- Proper lighting.
- Steady hands.
Speaking of photography, try this one on for size…
📸 The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Killer Portfolio for Your Construction Marketing.
5. Your Trade and Construction marketing Isn't Building Trust.
Trust.
It's everything in the Trade and Construction game.
But your marketing?
It's about as trustworthy as a chocolate teapot.
Building Trust Through Your Trade and Construction Marketing.
Here's what's probably missing from your marketing…
✅ Real client testimonials.
✅ Proper case studies.
✅ Behind-the-scenes content.
✅ Team profiles.
✅ Quality guarantees.
Here's how to fix it…
🏆 Show the proof.
- Video testimonials.
- Detailed case studies.
- Client reactions.
- Team training.
- Quality checks.
🏆 Share the journey.- Project updates.
- Problem solving.
- Team collaboration.
- Client communication.
🏆 Build credibility.
- Show certifications.
- Share training days.
- Demonstrate expertise.
- Explain processes.
You might find this one helpful too…
🚀 Trust and Credibility: The Foundation of Trade Loyalty.
6. Your Trade and Construction marketing Isn't Consistent.
Let me guess.
You post on social media when you remember.
Update your website once in a blue moon.
And your last email to your database?
Was probably announcing the Queen's Jubilee.
(The first one).
Consistent Trade and Construction marketing Wins Every Time.
Here's why consistency matters…
✅ Keeps you top of mind.
✅ Builds brand recognition.
✅ Shows you're professional.
✅ Creates trust over time.
Here's how to fix it…
🏆 Create a simple marketing schedule.
- Daily social media posts.
- Weekly email updates.
- Monthly website reviews.
- Regular client check-ins.
🏆 Use tools to help.
- Content calendars.
- Scheduling apps.
- Email platforms.
- CRM systems.
Boom.
Whilst we’re on all thing social, try this one on for size…
🚀 Perfect Examples Of How Your Personal Brand On Social Media Is Ruining Your Construction Marketing.
7. Your Trade and Construction marketing Isn't Converting Leads.
This is the big one.
You're getting enquiries.
But they're not turning into jobs.
Or worse...
You're not even following up properly.
Converting Leads Through Your Trade and Construction Marketing.
Here's what's probably happening:
❌ Slow response times.
❌ Poor follow-up process.
❌ No nurturing system.
❌ Inconsistent communication.
Here's how to fix it:
Set up a proper system:
✅ Respond to enquiries within an hour.
✅ Have a follow-up process.
✅ Use email templates.
✅ Track your leads.
Create a nurturing sequence:
- Welcome email.
- Case study sharing.
- Regular updates.
- Special offers.
Simple when you know how.
You might find this one helpful too…
🚀 Clicks to Contracts: A Trades’ Guide to Website Conversion Magic.
⬇️ 7 Trade and Construction marketing Mistakes That Are Costing You Serious Money Rundown:
1. Having zero personality in your marketing.
2. Using outdated marketing materials.
3. Not targeting specific clients.
4. Poor quality content and photos.
5. Failing to build trust.
6. Lack of consistency.
7. Poor lead conversion systems.
Ready to transform your negotiation game through your Trade Marketing?
Course you are. First. Let's work out where you are with all things Marketing.
Got 3 minutes?
Take our Trades Quiz to discover how you score with all things 'Off The Tools'.
We have heaps of tips, tricks, and hacks for your Trade and Construction business in our cheat sheets, videos and ideas waiting for you on the other side... i.e., your results page.
So, you can improve your score. And NAIL your Trade and Construction business.
Nice.