Marketing for trades, and how to stop paying for other people's leads

Most trades businesses get work from three places: word of mouth, a lead generation site that takes a cut, and whatever Google decides to show. The first is the best and the least controllable. The second is expensive, shared with three competitors and gets more expensive every year. The third is the one you can actually own. Marketing for a trade is mostly the work of moving enquiries out of the second column and into the third.

The lead site problem

Paying per lead feels safe because it looks like a variable cost. In practice you are renting a position, competing on speed of callback rather than quality of work, and building somebody else’s asset. The day you stop paying, the enquiries stop the same afternoon.

A well built local presence works the other way round. It costs more at the start and less every year after, and it belongs to you.

What matters for trade

The map pack for your town and the towns around it, which is where near me searches land
A Google Business Profile with real photographs of real jobs, not stock images of a tidy toolbox
Reviews, steadily, from every completed job. This is the single biggest lever in the trades
A website that loads fast on a phone on a bad signal and puts your number one thumb away
Clear service and area pages, so you appear for the specific job rather than only for your trade
Speed of response, which is a marketing decision as much as an operational one

mlscontractors.co.uk

Better jobs, not just more of them

Most trades businesses do not need more enquiries. They need fewer, better ones. That means writing pages that attract the work you want and quietly discourage the work you do not: being clear about your areas, your minimum job size and what you specialise in.

Trades we work with

Electricians, plumbers, builders, landscapers and garden designers, removals and general contractors. Each has its own detailed page with local search data on it, linked below.

MLS CONTRACTORS · WEBSITE & SEO

£2.4M

Contracts won from
website leads

100K

Avg. contract value
per enquiry

Qualified enquiries
(last 12 months)

£1.4m

+ total quote value

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Cat Black 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! i did work experience here for a week , they made me feel so welcomed and allowed me to get really involved in what they do like sitting in during meetings and work on my own projects using real clients.I loved it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Rebecca McMillen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Phoenix Marketing this year to help improve not only ticket sales to our Mud Monsters Run event that happens every year but to improve all aspects of our marketing from the website, to social media, local awareness, paid advertising and beyond. The team could not have been more welcoming and positive, I trusted them and had total confidence in them from day one! Both Stuart and Tommy have gone above and beyond at every stage and their ideas have been game changing. The website updates and changes to boost the SEO have made a world of difference, our traffic is up and the number of customers quoting ‘Google’ as the place they found us has never been this high. Our runner numbers are up, social interaction is much higher and the website is performing better than ever. Not only that, the run has become even more meaningful thanks to initiatives from the team with their contacts and local network.  We are helping schools to fundraise and working with local charities such as the Sussex Cancer Fund which is such a wonderful charity to be able to help and has grown our presence even more. I cannot fault Phoenix Marketing and I look forward to continuing our journey, I am so excited about what could happen next, I only wish we had started working with them sooner.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Danny 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Phoenix Media Marketing has been a genuinely positive and valuable experience for our business. We engaged Stuart and his team to manage and develop our social media presence, and from the outset they brought fresh ideas, clear structure and a strong understanding of how to position our brand within the local community. What really stood out was their focus on promoting our team and the people behind the business. This helped us present a more personal and approachable image, which is incredibly important in financial services where trust and relationships matter so much. The content felt authentic, professional and aligned with our values. Phoenix also encouraged us to get more involved in community activity, charity campaigns and interactive content such as competitions, which significantly increased engagement and local visibility. These initiatives not only strengthened our brand presence but also contributed to generating new enquiries and client relationships over time. Stuart and the Phoenix team were proactive, creative and very easy to work with. They took the time to understand our business, our goals and our culture, and tailored their approach accordingly. It felt like a true partnership rather than a supplier relationship. I would happily recommend Phoenix Media Marketing to any business looking to improve their marketing, strengthen their brand and build meaningful connections within their community.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Troy Tolhurst 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Phoenix Media Marketing has been an absolute pleasure. From the very beginning, they took the time to understand our business at UK Turnstiles and have consistently delivered high-quality, high-converting leads that have resulted in thousands of pounds’ worth of orders. Their approach is thoughtful, strategic, and always focused on driving real results. The website they created for us is excellent clean, professional, and built to convert. It has strengthened our online presence and given us a platform we’re genuinely proud to showcase. Their SEO strategy has been exceptional, helping us climb the search rankings and attract the right customers organically. This has made a noticeable difference to our visibility and inbound enquiries. On top of that, their social media strategy has been superb engaging, well-planned, and perfectly aligned with our brand. It’s helped us reach a wider audience and build stronger relationships with our customers. We’re absolutely delighted with the service, expertise, and care Phoenix Media Marketing has provided. A truly outstanding partner for any business looking to grow.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Elizabeth Wickenden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are coming from a place of knowing very little about websites, analytics & SEO, and are concerned that you won't know where to start, or how to explain what you need, Phoenix Marketing are really good at being patient and supportive and expertly steering you in the right direction to help you improve your digital habits, boost your online visibility and grow your business within your budget. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Dario Packham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. stuart, amy and jacky did a amazing job! took over are marketing and turned it around in a short space of time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Tracey Cumming 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn't be more thrilled with the results I've seen since working with Phoenix Marketing. As a life coach and RTT Therapist specializing in helping overwhelmed and exhausted women, I knew I needed to improve my online presence to reach more potential clients. My website's SEO was in dire need of attention, and that's where Phoenix Marketing came in. From our initial consultation, the team at have been professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. They took the time to understand my business goals and the specific challenges I was facing. Their comprehensive SEO strategy included a thorough audit of my website, keyword optimization, and content enhancements that were tailored to my niche. Within just a few months, I noticed a significant improvement in my website's search engine rankings. My site traffic increased, and most importantly, I began attracting more clients locally who were genuinely interested in my coaching services. The personalized approach Stuart and his team took made all the difference. They didn't just apply generic solutions but crafted a strategy that resonated with my target audience. Their expertise in SEO has not only boosted my online visibility but also enhanced the overall user experience on my website. I now receive consistent inquiries and have successfully converted many of these leads into long-term clients. The boost in client engagement and the steady growth in my business are direct results of Phoenix Marketing's exceptional work. I wholeheartedly recommend this fantastic team to any business owner looking to improve their SEO and Social Media to attract more clients. Their dedication, expertise, and results-driven approach have been invaluable to my business growth. Thank you, Phoenix Marketing, for helping me reach new heights!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Julia Mewes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Phoenix Marketing supported the launch of our new practice in Peacehaven. Stu clearly knows his stuff and has surrounded himself with a team of great people. I really enjoy working with him, and find his enthusiasm and energy infectious. It was fascinating to see the statistics building and changing, as they got stuck in, and the reach we achieved was beyond my hopes. Can't thank you enough, guys. Dr Julia Mewes, The Mewes Vets
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jacqui Bloom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jo Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "I cannot thank Phoenix Media Marketing enough for the incredible job they did rebuilding my website and improving the functionality and booking system. As a Zumba instructor and owner for Rocket Fitness, having a user-friendly website is essential for my clients to easily book classes and stay updated on schedules. Phoenix Media Marketing not only met, but exceeded my expectations with their attention to detail and quick turnaround time. The five-star service I received truly helped elevate my business and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to take their online presence to the next level. Thank you, Phoenix Media Marketing, for your exceptional work!" - Jo from Rocket Fitness

MEWS VETS - SUSSEX

+ 11.5 %

increase in organic traffic in just 3 months

We carried out a full SEO audit, which led to new SEO rich content creation, and launching a backlink outreach campaign. To support the new practice launch, we created a lead funnel, ran targeted Google PPC ads, and identified key postcodes with pet-owning demographics.

Phoenix Marketing supported the launch of our new practice in Peacehaven. Stu clearly knows his stuff and has surrounded himself with a team of great people. I really enjoy working with him, and find his enthusiasm and energy infectious. It was fascinating to see the statistics building and changing, as they got stuck in, and the reach we achieved was beyond my hopes. Can’t thank you enough, guys.

– Dr Julia Mewes, The Mewes Vets

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a website if I get work from word of mouth?

Word of mouth still sends people to check you online before they call. A recommendation followed by no website, no reviews and no photographs frequently loses to the competitor who had all three.

Should I stop using lead generation sites?

Not immediately. Build the direct route first, then reduce the spend as it takes over. Switching off the tap before the alternative works is how good businesses get into trouble.

How do I get more reviews when customers forget?

Ask at the moment the job is finished and they are pleased, by text, with a link that opens the review box directly. That one change usually multiplies the rate several times over.

How far should I advertise from my base?

Far enough to fill the diary and no further. Travel time is your real cost. We usually recommend concentrating on the towns you can reach quickly rather than spreading thinly across a county.

Is Google Ads worth it for a trade?

For urgent work such as emergency plumbing or electrical faults, frequently yes, because the intent is immediate. For planned work like extensions it depends on your margin and your close rate, and we will model it before you spend.

Local SEO is one part of our wider SEO services. It works well alongside Google Ads and AI search and GEO, so you are found in the map pack, in paid results and in AI answers.