Before contacting you someone who needs your skills will do a quick online search to check your credentials, see past work and look for reviews. It’s your website that will give them the first – and usually lasting – impression of whether you are credible and can be trusted.
A poor, unprofessional website – or no website at all – could be the death knell for your hopes and ambitions no matter what trade you’re working so hard to succeed in.
Your Website – A Trust-Building Tool for Your Trade
Let’s take a look at how exactly a quality, professional website builds trust and credibility for your trade business:
First Impressions Count
Your website can be equated to a digital storefront. If it is shabby, cluttered and chaotic no-one is likely to be impressed when they arrive at the door, and the whole aspect will send out signals that your work is just as untidy, unprofessional and neglectful. A crisp, well-organised website with consistent attractive branding and a confident approach, by contrast, will imply you’re serious about your business, up to date and tech savvy, and you pay attention to detail.
Introducing Yourself
On your website you can lay it all on the line – let potential clients know just who you are, what you do and how you operate. There’s no need to stint on any information to reassure customers that you’re legitimate and qualified to do what you do. Include all relevant accreditation, qualifications, certifications and experience. Add an “About” page (if you don’t already have one) to present your personal story, allowing customers to connect with you on a human level so they see you as a professional person that they feel comfortable inviting into their home or business premises.
A Showcase for Your Expertise
A quality website is the ideal forum for showcasing your expertise effectively. With a comprehensive portfolio section displaying professional before and after photographs of your work you can provide evidence of your capabilities. You can add a blog section where you share helpful tips, industry insights and explanations about common issues relating to your trade – all of which will be appreciated and valued by your clients while giving them the sense that you are a respected and well-rated trader.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
Online reviews have become the digital equivalent of the word-of-mouth recommendations of old. According to research the majority of UK consumers read reviews before deciding to choose a local business when they need a service. It’s therefore vital that your website features verified, up-to-date testimonials from satisfied clients, and links to third party review sites (like Google Business or Which?). Case studies with comments from customers, videos or photographs, all help. When site visitors see genuine, positive feedback their confidence in your business never fails to grow.
Maintaining Long-term Relationships
Your website isn’t just a tool for attracting new customers. It’s also a conduit for communicating with existing ones. Use it to keep clients informed about any new services you have to offer, seasonal specials or changes in rates. Keep them coming back, and they’ll come back to you when they need your services again.
Your Trade Business Website: An Investment with Big Returns
In the competitive UK trades market a professional website is no longer optional, it’s essential for so many reasons, not least its role in imbuing potential customers with the confidence that you are trustworthy, transparent and credible rather than a “fly-by-night” chancer who’ll do a shoddy job.
If you need a strong website that acts as a trust-building powerhouse for your trade enterprise, get in touch with Dentons Digital. We’re specialists in designing, building and optimising websites for the trades sector and will help you get maximum returns from minimal investment in your online presence.
