Are platforms like Thumbtack, Hipages and Airtasker great for leads for tradies?
Do you use Service Seeking, One Flare, HiPages and Airtasker to get customers? If yes, what is the benefit and drawback of using these service platforms?
Very few are good for licensed / skilled labour, so it is buyer beware. Some platforms take a huge commission, so nothing beats trying to engage the tradesperson directly, which is a win for both in parties in most cases.
Agreed with Steven - if you need something moved or carried or put together, Airtasker etc. is great. Service Seeking is fantastic for trade jobs (not contracts) in my opinion, especially if you've never had to hire a tradie before.
However if you are in professional services such as accounting or marketing etc, I would steer clear. Many who go on to these websites are expecting full service offerings for bargain basement prices. It's a transactional based site after all, not a value based site.
These platforms typically sell the lead to multiple tradies. This means the client is more likely to shop on price. It's always better to generate your own exclusive leads.
Thanks @William Siebler !
Like most things in marketing, it's good to try a few different things and see if it's a good fit for your business.
There is a couple of problems with these models though. The first is that generally- speed is of the essence, meaning if you can't respond quickly, you are likely to miss out on that job. For tradies on the tools, that can be difficult, unless you have support staff who can take enquiries on the spot and handle this for you.
The second problem is that some of the platforms are based around a reverse auction model, where low-ball offers are the ones that often get the job. In that scenario, it's literally a race to the bottom and who wants to be known as the cheapest in town for what they do?
Summary...Try - Evaluate - Calculate the return on investment - Throw out what doesn't work or keep what does - Rinse and Repeat!
Great tips! It's important to stick to your pricing model then @Mark Reisinger
As a person that uses airtasker, I don't go there for specific trade - but for specific work to be done. If that's a match with a tradie then great.
So as far as lead gen goes, if I was a tradie then I would be marketing what results I get for people rather than what qualification I hold.
What do you think @Simon Hooton @Chris Getman @Neil Halls @Kirsty Fox @Simon Clark ?
Beau Ushay, Owned Media & Marketing Specialist at Ushay Consulting Group
Sure, direct is always going to be best but how do you discern the good from the bad and mediocre?