Is Your Website Costing You Jobs? 3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Your website should be helping you win jobs, not lose them. If you're not getting calls or enquiries, there’s a good chance your site is working against you.

Many tradies assume that having a website is enough—but if it’s hard to use, unclear, or buried in Google search results, potential customers will go elsewhere.

The good news? Fixing a few common mistakes can make a huge difference in getting more leads from your website.

Let’s break down three costly mistakes that could be stopping customers from choosing you.

1. Not Mobile-Friendly

Over 50% of website traffic comes from mobile users. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, you’re driving potential customers away without realising it.

Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ Tiny text and buttons that are hard to tap

❌ Pages that take forever to load

❌ A layout that doesn’t adjust properly on smaller screens

How to Fix It:

✅ Use a responsive design that adapts to all screen sizes

✅ Ensure buttons and links are easy to tap

✅ Compress images and optimise for speed

✅ Test your site with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test

A mobile-friendly site makes it easy for customers to contact you—don’t let a bad experience send them to a competitor.

2. No Clear CTA

Your website should guide visitors towards taking action—whether that’s calling you, requesting a quote, or booking a service. If customers don’t know what to do next, they’ll leave.

Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ No visible call-to-action on key pages

❌ Generic or unclear buttons like “Submit” instead of “Get a Free Quote”

❌ Contact details hidden or buried in long paragraphs

How to Fix It:

✅ Place a clear CTA above the fold (visible without scrolling)

✅ Use action-driven text like “Call Now” or “Get a Free Quote”

✅ Make phone numbers clickable for mobile users

✅ Repeat CTAs throughout your website for easy access

A strong, visible CTA keeps potential clients engaged and makes it easy for them to reach out.

3. No SEO

If your website isn’t optimised for search engines, potential customers won’t find you. Google is the first place people search when they need a tradie—if your site isn’t showing up, you’re losing jobs to competitors who rank higher.

Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ No keywords targeting your services or location

❌ Missing meta descriptions and alt text for images

❌ Slow-loading pages that hurt rankings

❌ No Google Business Profile linking back to your site

How to Fix It:

✅ Use keywords like “Electrician in Sydney” or “Plumber Near Me” in page titles and content

✅ Write clear meta descriptions so search engines understand your pages

✅ Optimise images and remove unnecessary plugins to improve site speed

✅ Link your Google Business Profile to your website for better local SEO

A website without SEO is like a billboard in the desert—no one will see it. By optimising for search, you can get more leads without relying on paid ads.

Conclusion

Your website should work for you, not against you. If it’s not bringing in leads, it’s time to take action.

✅ Ensure your site is mobile-friendly so customers can browse easily

✅ Add clear call-to-action buttons to guide visitors to contact you

✅ Optimise for SEO so you appear in local searches

A few simple fixes can mean the difference between landing new jobs or losing them to competitors. If you’re unsure where to start, book a free website audit today and get expert recommendations tailored to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my website is mobile-friendly?

Google offers a free Mobile-Friendly Test where you can enter your website URL to see if it passes. If your site is difficult to navigate on a phone, it’s time for an upgrade.

What is a call-to-action (CTA), and why is it important?

A CTA is a button or message that tells visitors what to do next, like “Call Now” or “Get a Free Quote.” Without one, potential customers may leave without taking action.

How can I improve my website’s SEO?

Start with:

✅ Adding relevant keywords to your pages

✅ Creating a Google Business Profile and linking it to your site

✅ Ensuring your site loads quickly and is mobile-friendly

For a more in-depth approach, consider working with a professional.

How often should I update my website?

At least every six months. Regular updates help keep your content relevant and ensure your site remains functional, fast, and aligned with current SEO best practices.

Can I fix my website myself, or should I hire a professional?

It depends! Small updates like changing images or text are DIY-friendly, but for major fixes—like improving speed, SEO, or mobile design—it’s best to work with an expert to avoid costly mistakes.

Still unsure? Book a free website audit and get a personalised review of your site.