How to Build a Website for Your UK Trades Business: A Practical Guide
Most trades customers check a website before making contact, even if they found you through Google, Checkatrade, or a personal recommendation. A simple, clear website adds credibility and converts more of the enquiries you generate elsewhere. Here is what it needs to include and how to build one without spending a fortune.
What a Trades Website Actually Needs
A trades website does not need to be elaborate. Five pages cover almost everything: a home page with a clear value proposition and contact details above the fold; a services page covering what you do and your area; an about page with your qualifications, accreditations, and background; a gallery of completed work; and a contact page. That is it. A simple, fast, mobile-optimised site on these fundamentals outperforms an elaborate site that loads slowly or is hard to navigate on a phone.
Platform Options and Cost
For most sole-trader tradespeople, a Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress site built from a template is entirely sufficient. Cost: £10–30/month for hosting and the domain, or a one-time build cost of £300–800 if using a local web designer. Avoid agencies quoting thousands for a trades website — the functional requirements are simple.
What Drives Enquiries From Your Website
The most important conversion elements: your phone number prominent on every page; a WhatsApp contact button (widely used in UK trades); clear service descriptions with your area coverage; your qualifications and accreditations (Gas Safe, NICEIC, FMB, CSCS as applicable); and a gallery of completed work. Checkatrade’s business resources include guidance on UK trades websites.
Connecting Website to Google
Your website should link to and support your Google Business Profile — consistent business name, address, and phone number across both. Submit your website to Google Search Console so it gets indexed quickly. Simple on-page SEO — your trade and location in your page titles and headings — is sufficient for most local trades businesses. HMRC’s self-employment guide covers the business setup context your website should reflect.
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Download CoreQuote Free on AndroidNot strictly — Google Business Profile alone generates significant enquiries. But a website adds credibility and is a worthwhile investment once the business is established.
A DIY site on Wix or Squarespace costs £10–30/month. A professionally built site typically costs £400–800 one-off plus hosting. Avoid expensive ongoing contracts for what is functionally a simple site.
Contact details above the fold on every page, clear service descriptions and area coverage, your qualifications and accreditations, a gallery of completed work, and a WhatsApp contact button.
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