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Marketing that books jobs, explained plainly.

Practical guides for trades and local service businesses across England — what marketing actually costs, where the leads come from, and how to own the channels that produce them. No jargon, no fluff, real numbers.

Guide·Marketing strategy

How much should a UK small business spend on marketing?

The revenue percentage rule of thumb, how to split it across channels, and a sensible starting point — for UK small businesses working out what to spend on marketing.

Updated 20 July 2026Read →
Insight·Websites

Why trades need their own website, not just a directory listing

A directory listing is borrowed space on someone else's platform. Here is what a website gives a UK trade business that no directory profile ever can.

Updated 13 July 2026Read →
Guide·Google Ads

Google Ads for trades in Manchester

Manchester has dense trade demand spread across the city and surrounding areas. Here is what a Google Ads campaign actually looks like for a North West trade business.

Updated 30 June 2026Read →
Guide·Local SEO

How to rank in the Google map pack

The map pack is where local customers choose their trade. Here is exactly what Google looks at and how to move your listing into the top three.

Updated 29 June 2026Read →
Insight·Local SEO

What is a Google Business Profile — and why it matters for trades

Your Google Business Profile is what appears in the map pack when someone searches "plumber near me". Here is what it is, what it shows, and why it is the first thing every trade should own.

Updated 22 June 2026Read →
Guide·Meta Ads

How much do Facebook ads cost in the UK?

Typical UK cost per click, cost per lead and a sensible starting budget for Facebook and Instagram ads — plus what changes the number.

Updated 17 June 2026Read →
Guide·SEO

How much does SEO cost for a UK small business?

Typical UK SEO retainer ranges, what each level buys, and how to tell whether you are getting value for money.

Updated 17 June 2026Read →
Guide·Lead generation

How to get more leads for your trade business

Seven proven channels that bring trades more enquiries — ranked by speed and cost, with where to start.

Updated 17 June 2026Read →
Guide·Google Ads

How much should a tradesman spend on Google Ads?

Work your Google Ads budget backwards from the jobs you actually want — here is the simple maths every UK tradesman can use.

Updated 17 June 2026Read →
Guide·Google Ads

How much do Google Ads cost for a plumber in the UK?

Realistic cost-per-click ranges, a sensible starting budget, and what a booked job actually costs — for UK plumbers running Google Ads.

Updated 17 June 2026Read →
Insight·Lead generation

Own your leads, or rent them — the choice that decides your margin

Directories rent you leads three or four ways and own the relationship. Here is what owning your lead machine actually changes for a trade business.

Updated 17 June 2026Read →
What does a directory lead really cost you?

Once a Checkatrade-style lead is shared three or four ways, your true cost per won job is far higher than the sticker price. Put your own numbers in — membership, leads, job value, win rate — and see the real figure. No signup.

Try the cost calculatorCompare pay-per-lead directories →

Stop renting leads. Own your lead machine.

Month-to-month, ad spend at cost, you own everything. Get a free written audit within 3 business days.