The Cornish Trade Playbook: How Local Plumbers, Builders & Scaffolders Win Work Online

Most trades in Cornwall are built on word of mouth, and that is a good thing. But even a recommended customer usually looks you up before they ring. If they find nothing, or a slow, outdated page, the job often goes to whoever looks more established.

Here is what actually matters for a trade website, in plain English.

1. Make ringing you the easiest thing on the page

• A tap-to-call button that stays on screen as people scroll
• Your phone number in text, not hidden inside a picture
• A short quote form for people who would rather not call

Someone with water through the ceiling is not going to read three paragraphs about your history.

2. Say exactly where you work

Name the towns and areas you cover: "Plumbing and heating across Penzance, Hayle and St Ives" tells Google and the customer far more than "serving the South West". If you cover a wide patch, a short page for each main area helps.

3. Show real jobs, not stock photos

Photos of your own vans, scaffolds, bathrooms and roofs build trust instantly. Customers can spot a stock photo a mile off. A simple gallery of recent local jobs often does more than any clever wording.

4. Put reviews where people can see them

Google reviews are the deciding factor for many customers. Show a few on your website and make it easy for happy customers to leave new ones. The best time to ask is the day you finish the job, with a direct link sent by text or WhatsApp.

5. Keep it fast and simple

Trade customers are usually on a phone, often on a poor signal. A light, quick site beats a flashy slow one every time.

6. One page per service

"Boiler servicing", "bathroom fitting" and "emergency call-outs" are different searches. Giving each its own short page helps you show up for each of them.

A quick checklist

• Phone number and tap-to-call on every page
• Towns you cover named clearly
• Real photos of your work
• Reviews on show, with an easy way to leave more
• One page per main service
• Loads quickly on a phone

Trade guides by type

We have written specific advice for plumbers, electricians, builders, roofers, decorators and landscapers.

We build trade websites from our base in Penzance, and we will make you a free working preview before you pay a penny. Ask for yours here.