Published on Saturday, 28 June 2025 at 1:31:46 AM
Let’s cut to the chase—being a tradie is one of the most underrated, overworked, and essential jobs out there. You’re the hero who fixes burst pipes at midnight, rewires dodgy circuits before they burn the house down, and builds decks that don’t collapse the second someone steps on them. But when it comes to getting those jobs in the first place? That’s where things get frustrating.
You’ve probably heard about Google Ads for tradies maybe from that one bloke at the pub who swears it changed his business, or from a sales rep that talks a big game but leaves you more confused than a chippy staring at IKEA instructions.
Here’s the truth: Google Ads can be a game-changer for tradies—but only if you don’t fall into the same traps that burn through budgets faster than an apprentice with a blowtorch.
So, let’s break it down—no fluff, no jargon, just straight-up advice from someone who’s seen tradies go from “Where the hell are my leads?” to “Slow down, mate, I’m booked out for weeks!”
Why Google Ads for Tradies? (Because Flyers & Word-of-Mouth Aren’t Cutting It)
Look, I get it. You didn’t start your trade business to become a marketing guru. You’d rather be on the tools than faffing about with ads. But here’s the cold, hard reality:
People Don’t “Browse” for Tradies—They Panic-Google
Think about the last time you needed a tradie. Maybe your hot water died mid-shower, or your ceiling started leaking like a sieve. Did you:
- Scroll through Face book hoping an ad would pop up?
- Dig through the Yellow Pages (do they even still print those)?
- Ask your mate’s cousin’s neighbor if they know a guy nope you Googled it.
And that’s exactly why Google Ads for tradies works. It puts you right in front of people who are actively searching for what you do—right when they’re ready to hire.
The Problem with “Free” Marketing
Word-of-mouth is great, but it’s slow. And relying on it is like hoping your brother-in-law finally pays you back for that bathroom reno—nice in theory, but don’t hold your breath.
Face book and Instagram? Sure, they can work, but most people aren’t scrolling social media thinking, “Hmm, I should really find a sparkly today.” They’re looking at memes and arguing about footy.
Google Ads cuts through the noise. It’s not about hoping someone sees your post—it’s about showing up when they’re already searching for you.
How Most Tradies Waste Money on Google Ads (And How to Avoid It)
Alright, here’s where things go sideways. Most tradies jump into Google Ads for tradies with zero strategy, blow $1,000 in a week, and then rage-quit, convinced it’s a scam.
But here’s the thing—Google Ads isn’t the problem. The problem is how most tradies use it.
Mistake #1: Bidding on Useless Keywords
If you’re a plumber in Melbourne, you don’t want your ad showing up for:
- “How to fix a leaky tap” (DIYers who won’t pay you)
- “Plumbing supplies near me” (people going to Bunning’s)
- “Best plumber in Sydney” (unless you’re willing to drive 900km)
You want high-intent keywords like:
✔ *“Emergency plumber Melbourne 24/7”*
✔ “Blocked drain specialist [your suburb]”
✔ “Hot water system repair near me”
Pro Tip: Use Google’s Keyword Planner to find what people are actually searching for in your area.
Mistake #2: Sending Clicks to a Garbage Website
If your website:
- Looks like it was built in 2005
- Takes 10 seconds to load
- Doesn’t have a clear phone number
…then stop running ads right now.
Your website may need few key things to include:
- A big, bold headline (“Emergency Electrician – Fast, Reliable, Same-Day Service”)
- Your service area (so you don’t get calls from three states away)
- A click-to-call button (because nobody’s typing in your number manually)
- A few before/after photos or testimonials (social proof = trust)
Mistake #3: Ignoring Mobile Users
Let’s be real—nobody’s searching for tradies on a desktop. They’re on their phone, frantically Googling “water pours through ceiling help” at 2 AM.
If your site:
- Isn’t mobile-friendly
- Has tiny text
- Makes them pinch-zoom like it’s 2007
…you’re losing jobs to competitors who did get it right.
The Simple Google Ads Strategy That Actually Works for Tradies
Okay, enough doom and gloom. Let’s talk about how to make Google Ads for tradies work for you.
- Start with Search Ads (Forget Display & Video for Now)
Search Ads, showing up when people Google exactly what you offer. No fancy videos, no random banner ads—just pure, intent-driven leads.
- Target Local Keywords like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does)
- “Emergency electrician [your suburb]”
- “Affordable painter near me”
- “Roof repair [your city]”
The more specific, the better you don’t need (or want) clicks from three states away.
- Use a Landing Page That Converts (Or Just Your Phone Number)
Your ad should send people to a page with:
- A clear headline (*“Emergency Plumber – Fast, Reliable, 24/7”*)
- Your service area
- A big, fat phone number (clickable on mobile!)
- A few testimonials (because nobody trusts a tradie without reviews)
“But Is Google Ads Really Worth It?” (Let’s Do the Math)
Say you spend $1,000/month on ads and get 20 jobs from it. If your average job is $1,500, that’s $30,000 in revenue—minus your ad spend, you’re still up $29,000.
Even if only half of those jobs pan out, you’re still ahead. Compare that to the zero leads you get from that dusty Yellow Pages ad, and the choice is pretty clear.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Google Ads for Your Trade Business?
If you:
✔️ Have a decent website (or at least a simple one)
✔️ Know your service area inside out
✔️ Are ready to commit at least a few months to testing
…then yes, Google Ads for tradies is worth it. It’s not magic—but when done right, it’s the closest thing to a guaranteed lead generator for trades.
And if you’re still on the fence, run a small test. Set a budget of $500, target a few key phrases, and see what happens. Worst case, you lose a few hundred bucks (less than that dodgy lead gen company charged you). Best case? You unlock a steady stream of jobs without relying on Uncle Dave’s “mate who needs a handyman.”
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