How Facebook Ads Can Help Tradies Get More Local Clients

Struggling to find new clients? You’re not alone. Many tradies rely on word-of-mouth or old-school advertising like flyers and newspaper ads. But in today’s digital world, that’s just not enough.

The truth is, most of your potential customers are on Facebook right now—scrolling, searching, and looking for services like yours. But if you’re not using Facebook Ads, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to reach them.

Facebook isn’t just for socialising. It’s one of the most powerful marketing tools for local businesses. With its advanced targeting, you can put your business directly in front of homeowners in your area who need your services. The best part? You only pay to reach the right people, unlike traditional ads that go out to anyone and everyone.

In this guide, you’ll learn how Facebook helps businesses grow, how you can use ads to get more clients fast, and the biggest mistakes tradies make (so you can avoid them).

Let’s get started.

How Facebook Helps Businesses Grow Locally

If you’re wondering how Facebook can help you get more local clients, the answer is simple: it puts your business directly in front of homeowners who need your services. Unlike traditional advertising, where you’re hoping the right people see your message, Facebook Ads let you target only the people most likely to hire you.

The Power of Local Targeting on Facebook

One of the biggest advantages of Facebook Ads is the ability to target specific locations. Instead of wasting money advertising to people outside your service area, you can focus only on the suburbs, towns, or cities where you work.

For example, if you’re a plumber in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, you can set your ads to show only to homeowners in those areas. You can even go further and target people based on:

• Their interests (e.g., home renovations, DIY repairs, real estate)
• Their behaviour (e.g., people who have engaged with home improvement content)
• Their recent activity (e.g., searching for services like yours)

This ensures your ads reach the right people at the right time—when they actually need your services.

Why Facebook Is a Cost-Effective Marketing Tool for Tradies

Many tradies assume that Facebook Ads are expensive, but in reality, they can be much cheaper than traditional advertising. Instead of spending hundreds or thousands on newspaper ads or flyers (with no guarantee anyone will see them), Facebook lets you:

• Control your budget – Start with as little as $5–$10 a day.
• Only pay for real results – Your ads only appear for potential customers, not random people.
• Track what’s working – Unlike traditional ads, you can measure exactly how many leads and clients you get.

By using Facebook’s targeting tools, tradies can spend less and get better results, making it one of the best ways to grow a local business.

How to Get More Clients on Facebook Using Ads

Now that you understand how Facebook can help your business grow, let’s break down exactly how to set up and run ads that bring in real local clients.

Step 1: Set Up Your Facebook Business Page the Right Way

Before you even think about running ads, your Facebook Business Page needs to look professional and trustworthy. A poorly set-up page can turn potential clients away, even if your ads are great.

Make sure you:

• Use a clear business name and professional logo
• Add your services, contact details, and service area
• Upload high-quality photos of your work
• Encourage past clients to leave reviews
• Post regular updates to show you’re active

A well-optimised page makes your ads more effective because people are more likely to trust and contact a business that looks professional.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Facebook Ad

Facebook offers different types of ads, but the best ones for tradies are:

• Lead Generation Ads – Collect contact details directly on Facebook. Great for getting people to request a quote.
• Traffic Ads – Send potential clients to your website or a booking page.
• Engagement Ads – Get more likes, comments, and shares to build brand awareness in your local area.

For most tradies, Lead Generation Ads work best because they let you capture potential clients’ details without them having to leave Facebook.

Step 3: Target the Right Local Audience

One of the biggest mistakes tradies make is not setting the right audience for their ads. You don’t want to waste money showing ads to people outside your service area.

When setting up your ad, make sure to:

• Select your local area (suburbs, town, or city you serve)
• Target homeowners, not just anyone (Facebook lets you target people based on homeownership status)
• Exclude competitors by avoiding people who list themselves as tradies in similar fields

This ensures your ads are only seen by people who actually need your services.

Step 4: Write a High-Converting Ad

Your ad needs to grab attention and make people take action. Here’s a simple formula that works:

• Attention-Grabbing Headline – “Blocked drain? We’ll fix it fast – Same Day Service!”
• Clear Offer – “Free quote for all local homeowners!”
• Strong Call-to-Action – “Click below to book now!”

Use real photos of your work instead of stock images. Authenticity builds trust and gets better results.

Step 5: Set a Budget and Monitor Your Results

You don’t need a huge budget to start. Many tradies see great results with just $10–$20 a day. Start small, test what works, and scale up once you see results.

Facebook Ads Manager lets you track:

• How many people see your ad
• How many people click on it
• How many leads or messages you get

If an ad isn’t working, tweak your targeting, images, or text. Small changes can make a big difference.

Facebook Ads Are a Game-Changer for Tradies

For tradies looking to get more local clients, Facebook Ads are one of the most powerful tools available. Unlike traditional advertising, Facebook lets you target the right people at the right time, ensuring your marketing budget is spent efficiently.

By using the strategies in this guide, you can:

• Attract local homeowners who actually need your services.
• Spend less than traditional advertising while getting better results.
• Build a strong online presence that keeps bringing in leads—both through ads and organic content.

Your Next Steps

If you’re ready to start using Facebook Ads effectively:

1. Optimise your Facebook Business Page to look professional and trustworthy.
2. Set up a local ad campaign with clear targeting and a compelling offer.
3. Monitor your results and adjust as needed to maximise performance.

Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or painter, Facebook Ads can help you stand out from the competition and build a steady stream of new clients. The key is to start small, test what works, and refine your approach over time.

So, are you ready to take your trade business to the next level? With the right strategy, Facebook Ads can deliver real, measurable growth for your business.

Want to get more clients without the hassle? Let Alchemy Marketing handle your Facebook Ads so you can focus on what you do best. Get in touch today and start growing your business!