Week-7 Post-2 Why Every Tradesperson Should Start with Email, Not Social Media

 

Why Every Tradesperson Should Start with Email, Not Social Media

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For tradespeople who want to run smoother, more professional businesses without losing their sanity.

Trying to grow your business on Instagram or Facebook first? I get it. It’s visual, it’s trendy, and everyone says you “have to be there.” But here’s the thing — social media is like a billboard on someone else’s wall. Email, on the other hand, is your own front door.

In this post, I’ll explain why starting with a good email setup will save you time, win you better jobs, and actually help you grow a real business.

🚫 The Problem with Relying on Social Media

It’s tempting to go all in on TikTok or Instagram, especially when you see others doing well. But most tradespeople aren’t content creators, and that’s okay. Here’s why social-first often goes nowhere:

• You don’t own the platform (algorithms change, accounts get locked)
• Messages get buried or missed
• You’re building someone else’s audience, not your own

📧 Why Email Should Come First

Email is stable, professional, and completely under your control. Here’s how I use it at BlueWood:

• Set up a custom email address using Google Workspace or Zoho Mail
• Use a shared inbox to keep customer enquiries visible to my assistant
• Flag or tag leads, then push them into Zoho CRM
• Write clear subject lines and set autoresponders to keep clients informed

It feels professional from the start, builds trust, and helps you stay in control.

✅ Combine Email with Your Website and CRM

When you link your email to your website contact form, Zoho CRM, and bookings system, things get really tidy:

• Leads go directly to your inbox (no more missed DMs)
• You can respond faster, with templates if needed
• You build a proper client list for follow-ups and repeat work

BlueWood Tip: Email might not feel glamorous, but it’s your business backbone. Get it working first, then layer on social media if you want.

Related: How I Built My Trades CRM System Without the Tech Headache | Stop the Phone Tag: Let Clients Book You Online

Ready to Improve Your Business?

At BlueWood Office, we help tradespeople like you get systems in place so you can focus on the work you enjoy (and stop chasing paperwork).

📅 Book a Free Discovery Call

Prefer video? Check out our YouTube series covering these tips step by step:

▶️ Watch on YouTube: BlueWood Office Channel

This post is part of our weekly series for tradespeople who want to build smarter businesses. New post every week — check back soon or follow us for updates.

Got questions or thoughts? Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear how you're using email in your business or what you’re stuck with!