Guides & Tips for Sussex Trades
No fluff: just practical advice on web design, SEO, and digital marketing for local businesses.
100 Free Tools For Trades & Local Businesses (No Sign-Up Required)
We've built 100 free calculators, checkers and printable makers for UK trades and local businesses — from VAT and CIS to quotes, snagging lists and staff rotas. No sign-up to see your result.
Read More →Local SEO Isn't Just For Consumer Trades: A Commercial Floor Restoration Case Study
B2B and specialist trades compete on Google too, just for facilities managers and contractors instead of homeowners. Here's a real example of what that looks like in practice.
Read More →All the Gear, No Idea: Why Your Website Looks Great but Generates Nothing
A good-looking website that doesn't generate enquiries is a brochure nobody asked for. Here are the specific reasons trade websites fail to convert, and what to do about each one.
Read More →Wix vs a Custom-Built Website for Tradespeople: What's the Real Difference?
Wix looks easy and cheap. A custom-built site costs more upfront. But for tradespeople trying to rank on Google and convert enquiries, the differences matter more than the price.
Read More →Rated People vs Direct Lead Generation: Which One Actually Builds a Business?
Rated People sends you shared leads at a cost per enquiry. Direct lead generation, through SEO, Google Business Profile, and a converting website, sends you exclusive leads for free. Here's the comparison.
Read More →MyBuilder ROI: Is It Actually Worth It in 2026?
MyBuilder charges per lead, not per job, and those leads aren't exclusive. Here's how to calculate whether it's working for your trade business.
Read More →Facebook Ads vs SEO for Tradespeople: Which Brings Better Leads?
Facebook ads can generate enquiries quickly but stop the moment you stop spending. SEO takes longer but generates free, exclusive leads that compound over time. Here's the honest trade-off for Sussex tradespeople.
Read More →Checkatrade vs Your Own Website: Which Is Cheaper Long-Term?
Checkatrade costs £800–2,000 a year, and you own nothing. Your own website costs less after year one and works for you 24/7. Here's the honest comparison.
Read More →When Should a Tradesperson Redesign Their Website?
An outdated website can cost you jobs without you ever knowing. Here are the clear signals that a redesign is overdue, and what to do about it.
Read More →Why a Gmail Address Is Costing Your Trade Business Credibility
Using a free email address for your trade business signals to customers that you're not fully established. Here's what to use instead and why it matters.
Read More →The Simplest Way for Tradespeople to Get More Google Reviews
Google reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools a tradesperson can have, and most trades aren't using them properly. Here's a system that actually works.
Read More →How Much Should a Tradesperson Spend on Marketing?
There's no universal answer, but there are useful benchmarks. Here's a practical guide to marketing budgets for trade businesses at different stages of growth.
Read More →Does Your Trade or Small Business Need an Online Shop?
Selling online isn't just for retailers. An increasing number of trade businesses and local services are using ecommerce to sell consultations, packages, and products. Here's how to think about it.
Read More →IT Support for Small Businesses: What You Actually Need
Most small businesses are either over-paying for IT support they don't need, or running on a setup that's one failure away from a serious problem. Here's how to get it right.
Read More →Should Tradespeople Run Google Ads? An Honest Assessment
Google Ads can generate leads fast, but they're not right for every trade business. Here's when they make sense, and when they don't.
Read More →The Complete Google Business Profile Guide for Sussex Tradespeople (2026)
Your Google Business Profile is the most important free tool for winning local work. Here's how to set it up properly and keep it working for you.
Read More →What Makes a Good Trade Website in 2026
The bar for trade websites has risen significantly. Here's what a genuinely effective website for a Sussex tradesperson looks like today, and why most miss the mark.
Read More →Local SEO for Tradespeople: What It Actually Means
Local SEO gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually involve for a plumber, electrician, or builder in Sussex? Here's a plain-English explanation.
Read More →How to Get More Google Reviews as a Sussex Tradesperson
Google reviews are the single most powerful trust signal for local trades. Here's a practical guide to getting more of them, without awkward conversations.
Read More →How Lead Generation Actually Works for Tradespeople
Paid directories, Facebook posts, or a proper digital setup? This guide explains the real options for trades looking to grow their enquiry volume in Sussex.
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