You’re a skilled trades professional in Vancouver. You’re good at what you do – whether it’s plumbing, electrical work, landscaping, or HVAC. Referrals come in, and you’re busy. But what about those times when the phone isn’t ringing off the hook? In today’s digital age, your website is often the first place potential customers look for your services. If it’s not up to scratch, you could be unknowingly losing out on a significant number of leads.
At Silver6 Marketing, we work with trades businesses just like yours in the Vancouver area. We’ve seen firsthand the common pitfalls that prevent these hardworking folks from turning online visitors into paying customers. So, let’s dive into the top 5 website mistakes that might be silently sabotaging your lead generation efforts:
The Mistake: In 2025, if your website isn’t optimized for mobile devices, you’re essentially invisible to a massive chunk of potential clients. People are constantly searching for services on their smartphones – whether they’re at home, on a job site, or even stuck in traffic on the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.
Why It Matters: According to recent studies, a significant majority of local searches happen on mobile devices. Think about it: someone has a burst pipe at 7 PM on a Tuesday. Are they going to wait until they get to their desktop the next day? Absolutely not! They’ll be frantically searching on their phone for an “emergency plumber Vancouver.” If your website looks clunky, is hard to navigate, or takes forever to load on their phone, they’ll likely hit the back button and head straight to your competitor.
The Fix: Invest in a responsive website design. This means your website will automatically adjust to fit any screen size – from smartphones to tablets to desktops. Make sure your contact information is easily visible and clickable on mobile (think “click-to-call” buttons). Ensure fast loading times, as users are impatient on mobile.
The Mistake: Potential customers land on your website, and within seconds, they should understand exactly what you do, who you serve, and why they should choose you. If your homepage is filled with industry jargon, vague statements, or solely focuses on your company’s history without highlighting the benefits for the customer, you’re losing them.
Why It Matters: People visiting your website are looking for a solution to their problem. They want to know how youcan make their life easier. If they can’t quickly grasp what you offer and how it will benefit them, they’ll move on to a competitor who speaks their language. As Simple Strat points out, clarity is key, and using complex jargon creates a barrier with potential customers.
The Fix: Focus on clear, concise, and customer-centric messaging. Highlight the benefits of your services, not just the features. Use clear headings and bullet points to break down information. Speak directly to your target audience’s needs and pain points. What problems do you solve? How do you make their lives better?
The Mistake: You’ve got a great-looking, informative website. People are Browse your services. But then what? If you don’t clearly tell them what you want them to do next, they’re likely to just leave. Weak or hidden calls-to-action (CTAs) are like having a store with no checkout counter.
Why It Matters: Your website should be a lead-generating machine. Every page should ideally have a clear CTA that guides visitors toward taking the next step, whether it’s requesting a quote, booking a service, or contacting you for more information. RedPandas Digital emphasizes the importance of strong and visible CTAs.
The Fix: Use strong action verbs and make your CTAs prominent. Examples include: “Get a Free Quote,” “Book Your Service Now,” “Contact Us Today,” “Request a Call Back,” or “Download Our Free Guide.” Make them visually distinct with contrasting colors and clear button design. Place them strategically throughout your website, especially on service pages and your homepage.
The Mistake: In the trades industry, trust is paramount. Customers are inviting you into their homes or entrusting you with important projects. If your website doesn’t showcase your credibility and build trust, potential clients might be hesitant to reach out.
Why It Matters: People want to know that you’re experienced, reliable, and that others have had positive experiences with your services. Without trust signals, you risk appearing unprofessional or untrustworthy, sending potential leads to your competitors who do showcase these elements.
The Fix: Prominently display your licenses and certifications. Feature genuine testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers. Include photos of your team and completed projects (before & after photos are great for trades!). Highlight any awards or affiliations you have. Consider adding a clear guarantee or warranty for your services.
The Mistake: This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many trades websites bury their contact information or have overly complicated contact forms. If potential customers can’t easily figure out how to get in touch with you, they simply won’t.
Why It Matters: When someone needs a trades service, especially in an emergency, they want to be able to contact you quickly and easily. If your phone number is hidden in the footer in small font, or your contact form asks for a novel’s worth of information, you’re putting unnecessary barriers in the way of lead generation.
The Fix: Make your phone number and email address clearly visible on every page of your website, ideally in the header and footer. Use a simple and straightforward contact form that only asks for essential information. Consider adding a live chat feature for immediate inquiries. Ensure your contact page is easy to find in your main navigation.
"If your website doesn't showcase your credibility and build trust, potential clients might be hesitant to reach out."