When it comes to websites, a lot of small business owners think they need something flashy – moving graphics, loads of colours, or pages of text. The truth? For tradies, simple is best. Your customers aren’t looking for fancy design tricks. They want to know what you do, where you do it, and how to get in touch.
Here’s what to focus on when designing (or redesigning) your tradie website.
Clean and Uncluttered Design
Your website doesn’t need bells and whistles – it needs clarity. A clean, easy-to-read layout helps customers find the info they’re after quickly.
Stick to one or two colours that match your brand (often drawn from your logo or work gear).
Use clear headings so people can scan the page fast.
Keep paragraphs short and avoid industry jargon.
If someone lands on your site and feels overwhelmed, they’ll just leave.
Fonts and Colours Matter
The font (style of text) might seem unimportant, but it makes a big difference. Choose something simple and professional – no curly script fonts that are hard to read.
As for colours, use them consistently. For example, a plumber might use blue, a builder might lean on bold greys or blacks. The aim is professional, not playful - unless your brand is intentionally fun.
Simple Navigation
Think about the last time you were on a confusing website – it’s frustrating, right? Don’t make your customers feel that way.
Your menu should have no more than 5–6 main options, such as:
Home
Services
About Us
Gallery / Our Work
Testimonials
Contact
This way, people can get to what they need in one or two clicks.
The Essentials Above the Fold
“Above the fold” is what people see without scrolling. On a tradie website, this should always include:
Your business name/logo
What you do (clear tagline like “Licensed Electrician in Tauranga”)
Your phone number and/or a “Get a Quote” button
Don’t make people dig around to figure out who you are.
Less is More
It’s tempting to cram your site with every detail about your business. But most customers just want quick answers.
List the main services you offer.
Show a few photos of your work.
Provide an easy way to get in touch.
You can always add more later. A straightforward website beats a complicated one every time.
Your website should work like a good tool – simple, effective, and built for the job. If you keep the design clean, the text clear, and the navigation simple, you’ll give potential customers exactly what they’re looking for: which is confidence to pick up the phone and book you.
