Quick answer
The best trade websites prioritise mobile, click-to-call phone numbers, clear service lists, areas covered, social proof, and fast load times. Fancy animations matter less than making it effortless to call or request a quote from a phone on a job site. Pettifer Works builds trade sites from £250 with these essentials included.
Who this applies to
Plumbers, electricians, roofers, solar installers, landscapers, builders, and other UK trades who rely on local enquiries and emergency call-outs.
Main explanation
Trade customers search on mobile, often urgently. Your site has seconds to prove you are local, qualified, and easy to contact. Structure pages around services people search for — boiler repair, rewiring, roof leaks — not internal jargon.
Must-have features
- Tap-to-call phone number in the header on every page
- Dedicated services page with plain-language descriptions
- Areas covered — towns and postcodes you serve
- Gallery of recent work with permission
- Reviews or link to Google Business Profile
- Accreditations — Gas Safe, NICEIC, Checkatrade, etc.
- Short contact form for quote requests
- Google Maps on contact page
Comparison table
| Feature | Priority | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Click-to-call | Essential | Most enquiries start with a phone call |
| Mobile speed | Essential | Slow sites lose to competitors in search |
| Service pages | High | Matches how people search on Google |
| Areas covered | High | Confirms you serve their location |
| Blog | Optional | Useful for SEO; not required at launch |
| Live chat | Optional | Calls often convert better for trades |
Common mistakes
- Hiding the phone number behind a contact form only
- Using stock photos instead of real job photos
- Listing services without location context
- Building a desktop-first site that breaks on phones
- No link to Google reviews or Google Business Profile
Recommended next step
See our web design for trades service page for examples and pricing, or build a Trade Launch package for your trade and areas covered.
