▸ ProBizMate · Field Notes · Vol. 02 94 dispatches · published as I write them · no schedule, no SEO bait

Field notes
from the bench.

Plain-English writing on getting more leads, ranking on Google, quoting work that actually gets signed, and running a tidy trade business in 2026. No drips, no funnels. Just notes I'd send a friend.

▸ Read time honest ▸ No paywall ▸ No popups
▸ The Lead · No. 94 2 Jun 2026 · 4 min
Comparisons

ProBizMate vs Wix for Irish Tradespeople

Wix is popular but is it right for an Irish tradesperson who needs to rank on Google? Here is an honest comparison between ProBizMate and Wix for trade websites.

READ THE LEAD
▸ Opening paragraph LIVE · 2 Jun 2026

W ix is popular but is it right for an Irish tradesperson who needs to rank on Google? Here is an honest comparison between ProBizMate and Wix for trade websites.

By Maebh Collins 4 min

▸ THE ARCHIVE Recent dispatches

93 posts
Comparisons 1 Jun 2026 · 4 min

ProBizMate vs Checkatrade: Why Your Own Website Beats Paying for Leads

Thinking about Checkatrade for your trade business in Ireland? Here is an honest comparison of paying for platform leads versus building your own lead generation.

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Running a Trade Business 11 Apr 2026 · 4 min

How to Take Card Payments as a Sole Trader in Ireland

Customers increasingly want to pay by card. Here is how Irish sole trader tradespeople can start accepting card payments quickly, cheaply, and without a complicated setup.

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Running a Trade Business 10 Apr 2026 · 3 min

Making Tax Digital: What UK Tradespeople Need to Know

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is now live for many UK self-employed tradespeople. Here is what it means, who it affects, and what you need to do.

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Running a Trade Business 9 Apr 2026 · 4 min

Tax Tips for Self-Employed Tradespeople in Ireland

Practical tax tips for Irish sole trader tradespeople. How to reduce your bill, avoid surprises, and stay on the right side of Revenue without the stress.

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Running a Trade Business 8 Apr 2026 · 3 min

How to Handle a Bad Google Review as a Tradesperson

A negative Google review is not the end of the world. Here is how Irish tradespeople should respond to bad reviews in a way that actually builds trust.

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Running a Trade Business 7 Apr 2026 · 3 min

Should You Register for VAT as a Tradesperson in Ireland?

VAT registration is mandatory above the threshold but optional below it. Here is how Irish tradespeople should think about whether to register and what it means in practice.

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Running a Trade Business 6 Apr 2026 · 4 min

How to Price a Job: What Irish Tradespeople Should Be Charging

Underpricing is killing Irish trade businesses. Here is a practical framework for pricing jobs properly so you actually make money and build a sustainable business.

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Running a Trade Business 5 Apr 2026 · 4 min

Late Payment Laws in Ireland: What You Are Owed and How to Chase It

Irish law gives tradespeople real rights when customers pay late. Here is what you are entitled to and exactly how to use the law to get paid faster.

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Running a Trade Business 4 Apr 2026 · 3 min

What Is RCT and How Does It Affect Irish Subcontractors?

Relevant Contracts Tax explained in plain English for Irish tradespeople. Find out what RCT is, who it applies to, and what you need to do to stay compliant.

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Running a Trade Business 3 Apr 2026 · 3 min

How to Invoice Clients Properly in Ireland

A proper invoice protects you legally and gets you paid faster. Here is exactly what Irish tradespeople need to include on every invoice.

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Running a Trade Business 2 Apr 2026 · 3 min

Sole Trader vs Limited Company: What Irish Tradespeople Need to Know

Should you operate as a sole trader or set up a limited company? Here is a plain English breakdown for Irish tradespeople on the key differences and which suits you.

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Running a Trade Business 1 Apr 2026 · 8 min

How to Run a Professional Sole Trader Business in Ireland: The Complete Guide

A practical guide for Irish tradespeople on running a sole trader business properly. Tax, invoicing, pricing, late payments, insurance, and everything in between.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 9 min

What a Builder's Website Needs to Generate Leads in Ireland

The key features every Irish builder's website needs to rank on Google and attract high-value renovation and extension leads. Structure, portfolio, and trust signals.

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Getting More Leads 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

Checkatrade vs ProBizMate: Which Is Better for UK Tradespeople?

Checkatrade is popular with UK tradespeople but it comes with fees and competition. Here is an honest comparison of what you get with Checkatrade versus a ProBizMate website.

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Running a Trade Business 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

Contractor Insurance in Ireland: What Cover Do You Actually Need?

A plain English guide to contractor insurance for Irish tradespeople. Public liability, employer's liability, tools and equipment, and what you actually need versus what you can skip.

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Getting More Leads 14 Mar 2026 · 4 min

Email Marketing for Irish Tradespeople: Is It Worth It?

Can email marketing work for Irish tradespeople? Here is an honest breakdown of when it is useful, when it is not, and what a realistic email strategy looks like.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 10 min

Gardener and Landscaper Website Guide: What It Needs to Rank and Convert

What every Irish gardener and landscaper's website needs to rank on Google, attract enquiries, and convert visitors into paying customers.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

How to Get More Trade Jobs From Google in Northern Ireland

Irish and UK search habits, two currencies, and cross-border markets make Northern Ireland unique for tradespeople. Here is how to get more Google leads in NI.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 8 min

Google Business Profile Guide for UK Tradespeople

A complete setup and optimisation guide for Google Business Profile for UK tradespeople. Get into the map pack and start receiving local enquiries.

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Running a Trade Business 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

Health and Safety Basics for Self-Employed Tradespeople in Ireland

Health and safety obligations for Irish sole trader tradespeople explained in plain English. What the law requires, what you need to do, and how to stay compliant without the headache.

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Running a Trade Business 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

Hiring Your First Employee as an Irish Tradesperson

Taking on your first employee is a big step. Here is what Irish sole traders need to know about employing someone legally, from registration to payroll.

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Running a Trade Business 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Deal With Difficult Customers as a Tradesperson

Difficult customers are part of the job. Here is how Irish tradespeople can handle complaints, disputes, and unreasonable demands without damaging their business or reputation.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 8 min

How to Get More Landscaping and Gardening Jobs From Google in Ireland

Practical steps for Irish gardeners and landscapers to get more work from Google. Google Business Profile, website structure, reviews, and seasonal SEO.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Get More Painting Jobs From Google in Ireland

Practical steps for Irish painters and decorators to get more work from Google without paying for ads. Google Business Profile, website structure, reviews, and local SEO.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Get More Plumbing Jobs From Google in Ireland

Practical steps for Irish plumbers to get more work from Google without paying for ads. Google Business Profile, website structure, reviews, and local SEO.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Get More Roofing Jobs From Google in Ireland

Practical steps for Irish roofers to get more work from Google without paying for ads. Google Business Profile, website, reviews, and local SEO.

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Getting More Leads 14 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Write a Quote That Wins the Job

Most tradespeople lose jobs not because of price but because of how the quote looks. Here is how Irish tradespeople should format and present quotes that convert.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

How to Write a Homepage for Your Trade Website

Most trade website homepages say the same thing and convert poorly. Here is exactly what Irish tradespeople should include on their homepage and why.

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Getting More Leads 14 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Use Instagram to Get More Trade Jobs in Ireland

Can Instagram actually generate leads for Irish tradespeople? Here is an honest look at when it works, when it does not, and how to use it properly.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

The Best Irish Business Directories for Local SEO

Getting your business listed in Irish directories is one of the fastest ways to improve your local SEO. Here are the directories that matter and how to get listed.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

Local SEO for Tradespeople in the UK: The Plain English Guide

A complete guide to local SEO for UK tradespeople. How to rank on Google, appear in the map pack, and generate consistent leads from local searches without paying for ads.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

Why Your Trade Website Must Be Mobile-First

Over 70% of searches for Irish tradespeople happen on mobile. Here is what mobile-first means for a trade website and what happens when you get it wrong.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

What Is NAP Consistency and Why It Matters for Local SEO

NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number. Inconsistencies across the web confuse Google and can hurt your local ranking. Here is how to fix it as an Irish tradesperson.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile Photos

Photos are one of the most overlooked parts of a Google Business Profile for Irish tradespeople. Here is exactly how to use them to rank higher and win more enquiries.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

What Makes a Great Painter and Decorator Website in Ireland

What separates the painter and decorator websites that generate leads from those that do not. Real features, real structure, and what Irish painting contractors need.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

Painter and Decorator Website: What It Needs to Rank Locally in Ireland

The key features every Irish painter and decorator's website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into phone calls. Structure, content, and trust signals explained.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

What a Plasterer's Website Needs to Rank and Generate Leads in Ireland

The key features every Irish plasterer's website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into phone calls. Pages, photos, trust signals, and what to avoid.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

What a Plumber's Website Needs to Generate Leads in Ireland

The key features every Irish plumber's website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into phone calls. Structure, content, and trust signals explained.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Rank for 'Painter Near Me' in Ireland

The exact steps an Irish painter and decorator needs to take to appear when someone searches for a painter near me. Google Business Profile, website, and reviews.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Rank for 'Plumber Near Me' in Ireland

The exact steps an Irish plumber needs to take to appear when someone searches for a plumber near me. Google Business Profile, website, and reviews.

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Local SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

How to Rank for 'Roofer Near Me' in Ireland

The exact steps an Irish roofer needs to take to appear when someone searches for a roofer near me. Google Business Profile, website, and reviews explained.

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Getting More Leads 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

How to Build a Referral System for Your Trade Business in Ireland

Word of mouth is the best lead source for Irish tradespeople. Here is how to turn it from accidental to intentional with a simple referral system.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 8 min

What a Roofer's Website Needs to Rank Locally in Ireland

The key features every Irish roofer's website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into phone calls. Structure, content, and trust signals.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 9 min

SEO for Builders and General Contractors in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for builders and general contractors in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more leads, and build a consistent pipeline of work.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 9 min

SEO for Gardeners and Landscapers in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for gardeners and landscapers in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more garden maintenance and landscaping leads all year round.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

SEO for Plasterers in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for plasterers in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more plastering leads, and build a consistent pipeline of local work.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

SEO for Painters and Decorators in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for painters and decorators in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more painting leads, and build a consistent pipeline of local work.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

SEO for Plumbers in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for plumbers in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more plumbing leads, and build a consistent pipeline of local work.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 7 min

SEO for Roofers in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for roofers in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more roofing leads, and build a consistent pipeline of local work.

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Trade-Specific SEO 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

SEO for Tilers in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for tilers in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more tiling leads, and build a consistent pipeline of local work.

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Getting More Leads 14 Mar 2026 · 4 min

Should Irish Tradespeople Use TikTok? An Honest Look

TikTok is growing fast but is it worth Irish tradespeople's time? Here is an honest look at who it works for, when to use it, and when to ignore it.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

What a Tiler's Website Needs to Rank and Generate Leads in Ireland

The key features every Irish tiler's website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into enquiries. Pages, photos, trust signals, and what to avoid.

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Websites for Tradespeople 14 Mar 2026 · 6 min

How to Add Video to Your Trade Website (And Why It Converts)

Video on a trade website is one of the highest-converting elements you can add. Here is how Irish tradespeople can use video without spending a fortune.

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Running a Trade Business 14 Mar 2026 · 5 min

How to Win Commercial Contracts as a Small Irish Tradesperson

Commercial work offers bigger jobs and more consistent income. Here is how Irish sole traders and small trade businesses can compete for and win commercial contracts.

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Getting More Leads 11 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Use WhatsApp to Close More Jobs

WhatsApp is already on every tradesperson's phone. Here is how to use it properly to respond to leads, send quotes, and win more work as an Irish tradesperson.

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Getting More Leads 10 Mar 2026 · 4 min

What Is a Landing Page and Does Your Trade Business Need One?

Landing pages are one of the most effective tools for converting visitors into leads. Here is what they are and whether Irish tradespeople actually need one.

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Getting More Leads 9 Mar 2026 · 4 min

Should Tradespeople Use Facebook Ads?

Facebook Ads can work for Irish tradespeople but they are not right for everyone. Here is an honest look at when they make sense and when to skip them.

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Getting More Leads 8 Mar 2026 · 3 min

How to Get Your First 10 Google Reviews Fast

Zero reviews is the biggest barrier to converting website visitors into customers. Here is how Irish tradespeople can get their first 10 Google reviews quickly.

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Getting More Leads 7 Mar 2026 · 4 min

The Difference Between a Lead and a Job: Converting Enquiries

Getting enquiries is only half the battle. Here is how Irish tradespeople can convert more of their leads into actual paid work.

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Trade-Specific SEO 7 Mar 2026 · 4 min

Electrician Website Examples That Actually Generate Leads

What separates an electrician website that generates leads from one that does not? Here is what the best ones have in common and how to apply it to your own site.

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Getting More Leads 6 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Follow Up on Enquiries Without Sounding Desperate

Most tradespeople either follow up too aggressively or not at all. Here is how to follow up on leads in a way that feels professional and wins more jobs.

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Trade-Specific SEO 6 Mar 2026 · 3 min

How to Rank for "Electrician Near Me" in Ireland

Electrician near me is searched thousands of times a month across Ireland. Here is how to make sure your electrical business appears at the top of those results.

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Getting More Leads 5 Mar 2026 · 4 min

What Is a Call to Action and Why Your Website Probably Does Not Have One

A missing or weak call to action is one of the most common reasons trade websites fail to generate enquiries. Here is what it is and how to fix it.

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Trade-Specific SEO 5 Mar 2026 · 4 min

What an Electrician Website Needs to Rank Locally

Most electrician websites in Ireland rank poorly and generate almost no leads. Here is exactly what yours needs to appear on Google and convert visitors into customers.

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Trade-Specific SEO 4 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Get More Electrical Jobs From Google

Irish electricians who rank well on Google get a consistent flow of local work without relying on word of mouth or paid platforms. Here is how to build that presence.

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Getting More Leads 4 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Turn Your Website Into a Lead Machine

Most trade websites are passive. Here is how Irish tradespeople can turn their website into an active lead generator that works around the clock.

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Trade-Specific SEO 3 Mar 2026 · 4 min

SEO for Electricians in Ireland: The Plain English Guide

A complete local SEO guide for electricians in Ireland. How to rank on Google, get more electrical leads, and build a consistent pipeline of local work.

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Getting More Leads 3 Mar 2026 · 4 min

How to Stop Relying on Word of Mouth and Still Get Quality Jobs

Word of mouth is great until it dries up. Here is how Irish tradespeople can build a more reliable lead pipeline without losing the quality of referral work.

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Getting More Leads 2 Mar 2026 · 4 min

Why Checkatrade and MyBuilder Are Bleeding Irish Tradespeople Dry

Lead generation platforms promise a stream of work but the real cost is higher than most tradespeople realise. Here is an honest look at why they are a poor long-term choice.

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Trade-Specific SEO 2 Mar 2026 · 4 min

Plumber Website Must-Haves for Lead Generation

Most plumbing websites in Ireland generate very few leads. Here is exactly what a plumbing contractor website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into customers.

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Getting More Leads 1 Mar 2026 · 9 min

How to Get More Leads as a Tradesperson in Ireland Without Paying for Them

A complete guide for Irish tradespeople on generating more leads without relying on paid ads or lead generation platforms. Practical, proven, and free to implement.

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Websites for Tradespeople 11 Feb 2025 · 4 min

What Is Website Hosting and What Should You Pay for It in Ireland?

Website hosting explained in plain English for Irish tradespeople. Find out what it is, why it matters, and how much you should actually be paying.

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Websites for Tradespeople 10 Feb 2025 · 4 min

How to Get Professional Photos for Your Trade Website on a Budget

Good photos transform a trade website. Here is how Irish tradespeople can get professional-quality images without spending a fortune.

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Websites for Tradespeople 9 Feb 2025 · 3 min

Should Your Trade Website Show Prices?

Should Irish tradespeople display prices on their website? There are good arguments both ways. Here is how to think about it and what actually works.

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Websites for Tradespeople 8 Feb 2025 · 4 min

How to Write an About Page That Actually Wins Customers

Most trade About pages are a waste of space. Here is how to write one that builds trust and convinces potential customers to pick up the phone.

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Websites for Tradespeople 7 Feb 2025 · 4 min

What Is a Service Page and Why You Need One for Every Job You Do

Service pages are the most important SEO asset on a trade website. Here is what they are, why they matter, and what every good one needs to include.

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Websites for Tradespeople 6 Feb 2025 · 3 min

Why Wix and Squarespace Are Bad for Tradesperson SEO

Wix and Squarespace are popular but they are a poor choice for Irish tradespeople who want to rank on Google. Here is why and what to use instead.

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Websites for Tradespeople 5 Feb 2025 · 5 min

What Pages Does a Trade Website Need?

Not sure what pages to include on your trade website? Here is exactly what an Irish tradesperson's website needs to rank on Google and convert visitors into customers.

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Websites for Tradespeople 4 Feb 2025 · 4 min

How Much Should a Tradesperson Pay for a Website in Ireland?

Confused about website pricing in Ireland? Here is an honest breakdown of what trade websites actually cost, what you get at each price point, and what to avoid.

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Websites for Tradespeople 3 Feb 2025 · 4 min

Why Your Old Website Is Losing You Jobs (And What to Do About It)

An outdated trade website can actively hurt your business. Here are the signs your website is costing you customers and what to do about it.

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Websites for Tradespeople 2 Feb 2025 · 4 min

Do Tradespeople Actually Need a Website in 2025?

Word of mouth used to be enough. Is it still? Here is an honest look at whether Irish tradespeople really need a website in 2025 and what they are losing without one.

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Websites for Tradespeople 1 Feb 2025 · 10 min

What Makes a Good Website for a Tradesperson in Ireland

A complete guide for Irish tradespeople on what a good trade website actually needs. Design, content, SEO, and the features that turn visitors into paying customers.

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Local SEO 25 Jan 2025 · 5 min

How to Rank in the Map Pack for Your Trade in Your Town

The map pack is the most valuable spot in local Google search. Here is how Irish tradespeople can get into it and stay there.

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Local SEO 24 Jan 2025 · 5 min

Local SEO Checklist for Irish Tradespeople: 10 Things to Do This Week

A practical local SEO checklist for Irish tradespeople. Ten actions you can take this week to improve your Google ranking and start getting more enquiries.

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Local SEO 23 Jan 2025 · 5 min

How Long Does SEO Take to Work for a Trade Business?

The honest answer to how long local SEO takes for an Irish tradesperson, what to expect at each stage, and how to know if it is working.

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Local SEO 22 Jan 2025 · 4 min

The Difference Between SEO and Google Ads for Tradespeople

SEO or Google Ads? Irish tradespeople often ask which is better. Here is an honest breakdown of both, what they cost, and which one makes more sense for your business.

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Local SEO 21 Jan 2025 · 4 min

Why Your Competitor Ranks Above You on Google (And How to Fix It)

If a competitor is showing up above you on Google, here are the most common reasons why and exactly what you can do about it as an Irish tradesperson.

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Local SEO 20 Jan 2025 · 4 min

What Are Local Citations and Do They Still Matter in 2025?

Local citations explained for Irish tradespeople. Find out what they are, which ones matter, and how inconsistent listings are silently hurting your Google ranking.

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Local SEO 19 Jan 2025 · 5 min

How to Get More Google Reviews (And Why They Matter More Than Your Website)

Google reviews are the fastest way to improve your local ranking and win more customers. Here is how Irish tradespeople can get a steady flow of them.

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Local SEO 18 Jan 2025 · 5 min

Google Business Profile: The Complete Setup Guide for Irish Tradespeople

Step by step guide to setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile as an Irish tradesperson. Free, powerful, and essential for local SEO.

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Local SEO 17 Jan 2025 · 4 min

How Google Decides Which Tradesperson to Show First

Find out exactly how Google ranks local tradespeople in search results and what you can do to improve your position in Ireland.

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Local SEO 16 Jan 2025 · 4 min

What Is Local SEO and Why Every Irish Tradesperson Needs It

Local SEO explained in plain English for Irish tradespeople. Find out what it is, how it works, and why it is the best way to get more local customers.

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Local SEO 15 Jan 2025 · 12 min

How to Get Your Trade Business to the Top of Google in Ireland

A plain English guide for Irish tradespeople on ranking higher on Google, getting more local customers, and turning your website into a lead machine.

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