Looking for the best low-cost ways to advertise your trade services? Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, bricklayer, plasterer, or any kind of tradesman—getting noticed doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Below is a practical list of proven advertising methods, how much they typically cost (£–£££), and the pros and cons of each—so you can pick what works for your business and budget.
1. Google Business Profile (GBP)
Cost: £0
Effort: ⭐⭐
Pros:
- Shows up in “near me” searches
- Adds credibility with reviews and photos
- Works 24/7
Cons:
- Needs regular updates to stay visible
- Competitors might outrank you
Best for: All trades looking to get found locally
2. A Professional Website
Cost:
- £149–£229 setup (our service)
- £20/month for hosting and unlimited updates
Effort: ⭐ (we do it all for you)
Pros:
- Looks professional and builds trust
- Ranked in Google searches
- Easy to link on socials and flyers
Cons:
- Needs a small upfront investment
Best for: Tradesmen serious about long-term business growth without the big time investments
3. Local Facebook Groups
Cost: £0
Effort: ⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Great for recommendations
- Easy to showcase real jobs
- Builds local name recognition
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Rules vary by group
Best for: Builders, landscapers, roofers, plasterers—especially with visual work
4. Flyers / Leaflet Drops
Cost: £–££
- £30–£60 per 1,000 printed
- Optional delivery cost if outsourced
Pros:
- Targets specific areas
- Good for driveways, patios, fences, bathrooms
Cons:
- Can go straight in the bin
- Needs design + message that grabs attention
Best for: Local services with strong visual appeal
5. Branded Workwear & Van Signage
Cost: £–££
- Van wrap: ~£300–£700
- Branded hoodie: ~£20
Pros:
- 24/7 walking/driving advert
- Builds recognition
Cons:
- Doesn’t drive immediate action
- Needs pairing with other ads
Best for: All trades (especially visible ones like roofing and fencing)
6. Email Your Past Clients
Cost: £0–£10/month (Mailchimp or similar)
Effort: ⭐⭐
Pros:
- Free to run
- Re-engages existing customers
- Good for seasonal offers or referrals
Cons:
- Needs a customer email list
- Easy to ignore if done badly
Best for: Plumbers, heating engineers, electricians (reminders + upsells)
7. Instagram & Facebook Posts
Cost: £0–££
- Organic is free
- Paid ads start from £5/day
Pros:
- Great for visual trades (e.g., bathrooms, gardens)
- Builds trust with real content
Cons:
- Can be slow to get results
- Needs photo content and regular updates
Best for: Plasterers, tilers, decorators, builders, electricians
8. Local Directory Listings
Cost: £0–££
- Yell, FreeIndex, TrustATrader (free + paid plans)
Pros:
- Improves online presence
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Paid plans often underperform
- Competes with lots of others
Best for: Supplementing a proper website presence
9. Ask for Referrals (The Right Way)
Cost: £0
Effort: ⭐
Pros:
- Warm leads, easy to convert
- Customers love recommending great trades
Cons:
- Often forgotten
- Works best if you ask right after the job
Best for: All trades, especially small solo traders
10. Offer a Lead Magnet
Cost: £–££
- Time to create a free checklist or quote form
Pros:
- Helps capture leads via your website
- Builds authority
Cons:
- Needs a simple landing page or website
- Less useful if you don’t follow up
Best for: Gas engineers, heating installers, or those doing big-ticket work
Low-Cost Ways to Advertise Your Trade Services
Final Thoughts: Pick 2–3 Methods and Be Consistent
You don’t need to do everything. The best low-cost advertising strategy is one you can stick with.
Here’s a starter combo that works great:
- Optimised Google Business Profile
- A clean, professional website
- Weekly posts or shares in local Facebook groups
Start there—and build up over time.