The simple truth

If someone needs a tradesperson today, they do one of two things:

1. They Google it, or
2. They ask for a recommendation and then… Google you anyway.

That means your marketing isn’t really your Facebook page or your van signwriting. It’s what people see when they search your name or your service (like “spray foam insulation near me” or “electrician in [town]”).

The businesses that consistently win more work usually have:

• A Google Business Profile that shows up in Maps results
• A website that explains services clearly and makes contacting you easy

Why Google Business Profile matters (more than most trades realise)

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is what shows up in:

• Google Maps
• The “local 3-pack” results (the map listings that appear above normal websites)
• Brand searches (when someone searches your business name)

A well-set-up GBP helps you:

• Appear for local “near me” searches
• Win trust through reviews and photos
• Get calls and enquiries without people even visiting your website

The essentials that make a GBP work:

• Correct category (e.g. “Insulation contractor”, “Roofing contractor”, “Electrician”)
• Services list filled out properly
• Real photos of work + team + van signage
• Regular reviews (and replies)
• Correct service areas and opening hours
• A website link that goes to a page that matches what the customer searched

Why your website still matters (even if your GBP is strong)

A website is where you:

• Explain what you do in plain English
• Prove credibility (insurance, certifications, guarantees)
• Show results (before/after, recent jobs, testimonials)
• Convert visitors into enquiries (click-to-call, WhatsApp, quote form)

Your GBP gets attention. Your website closes the deal.

The ROI: what does an £800 website need to “pay for itself”?

This is the most important part.

Break-even formula:
Break-even jobs = £800 ÷ gross profit per job

Example for spray foam insulation (typical numbers; adjust to your average):

• Average job value: £2,000
• Gross margin: 35%
• Gross profit per job: £700
• Break-even jobs: £800 ÷ £700 = 1.14 jobs

So if a new website helps you win just 2 extra jobs over a few months, you’re already ahead.

Example for electricians:

• Average job value: £1,200
• Gross margin: 30%
• Gross profit per job: £360
• Break-even jobs: £800 ÷ £360 = 2.23 jobs

That’s around 3 extra jobs to break even.

What a “done properly” setup looks like

You want this chain:
Google search → GBP listing → website → enquiry → job booked

When done right:

• Your GBP gets more calls
• Your website gets more enquiries
• Your reviews grow faster because you’re winning more work

The takeaway

If you want more enquiries without constant posting or chasing leads, start here:

1. Optimise your Google Business Profile
2. Build a clean website that converts

An £800 website that wins you even one decent job can pay for itself fast.