# Lead generation for UK tradespeople: Where the work comes from > How UK tradespeople get leads: Google search and Local Services Ads, Business Profile, directories like Checkatrade and MyBuilder, social ads and referrals. URL: https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/lead-generation-for-tradesmen-uk/ Publisher: LeadWise Marketing (Cape Town, South Africa; serving the United States and Europe) Published: 2026-08-25 · Updated: 2026-09-25 · Reading time: 4 min ## The short version - UK tradespeople get most new work from Google, trade directories, social media and word of mouth. - Directories such as Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People and Bark are quick to start, but you usually compete with other trades for each job. - Your own Google Ads and a strong Google Business Profile send enquiries to you alone. - Answering quickly and following up often wins more jobs than spending more. Searches for "lead generation for tradesmen" in the UK are modest, around 20 a month according to keyword tools. The question behind them is common, though: how do I get more of the right jobs without handing half my margin to a directory? ## The main UK lead sources | Source | Speed | Lead shared? | You own it? | |---|---|---|---| | Google Search Ads | Days | No | Yes | | Local Services Ads | Weeks, after checks | No | Yes | | Google Business Profile | Months | No | Yes | | Trade directories | Days | Usually | No | | Facebook and Instagram ads | Days | No | Yes | | Referrals and repeat work | Slow | No | Yes | ## Google search and Local Services Ads When a boiler breaks or a roof leaks, most people search on Google. Search ads let you appear for the jobs and postcodes you choose. In the UK, Local Services Ads are available for certain service categories, and you pay per lead rather than per click. See [Google Ads for UK tradespeople](https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/google-ads-for-tradesmen-uk/). ## Your Google Business Profile Your Business Profile decides whether you appear in the map results. Choose the right categories, list every service, set your service area and add photos of real jobs. Ask every happy customer for a review. See [Google Business Profile leads](https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/google-business-profile-leads/). ## Trade directories Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People and Bark each charge in a different way, from monthly memberships to fees per lead. They bring work quickly, especially for newer businesses, but the customer usually compares several trades. See our comparison of [Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People and your own ads](https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/checkatrade-vs-own-ads-uk/). ## Social media ads Facebook and Instagram work well for planned jobs, such as kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, solar and landscaping. Photos of finished work and a short enquiry form are usually enough. See [Facebook ads for contractors](https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/facebook-ads-for-contractors/). ## Referrals and accreditations Word of mouth is still the best source of work for most trades. Make it easier: ask for referrals when a customer is happiest, and show your accreditations clearly. Gas Safe registration is a legal requirement for gas work, and schemes such as NICEIC for electricians or TrustMark help customers trust you. ## Answer fast and follow up Customers often contact several trades at once. The first to reply usually gets the visit. Use a [missed call text back](https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/missed-call-text-back/) service, reply to enquiries within minutes where you can, and follow up at least twice. See [speed to lead](https://leadwisemarketing.com/blog/speed-to-lead/). ## Consent and data UK GDPR and PECR set rules for marketing emails and texts. Replying to someone who contacted you is different from sending promotions, but get clear consent before adding anyone to a marketing list. **Illustrative example:** These numbers are invented to show the method. A plumber spends £250 a month on a directory and wins 4 jobs, so each costs about £62 in fees. A £400 Google Ads budget brings 14 enquiries and 6 jobs, about £67 each, but the enquiries went to them alone and the customers found their own website and reviews. ## Where to start Write down where your last 20 jobs came from. Keep what works, then add one owned source, usually Google Search Ads or a better Business Profile. Our [done-for-you lead generation](https://leadwisemarketing.com/services/get-leads/) works for UK trades as well as US ones. You can [request a free audit](https://leadwisemarketing.com/contact/) of your current setup. ## Questions owners ask ### How do tradesmen get leads in the UK? Most UK tradespeople get leads from Google search and maps, trade directories such as Checkatrade and MyBuilder, social media and referrals. Owned sources like Google Ads send enquiries to you alone. ### Is Checkatrade worth it for tradesmen? It depends on your trade, area and plan. Compare the monthly cost with the jobs you win from it, and remember that customers often compare several members. ### How can a tradesman get more work without directories? Run Google Search Ads for the jobs you want, keep your Google Business Profile complete, collect reviews and ask for referrals. Reply to every enquiry quickly.