How to win more trade work with your public record

Homeowners want to know who they are letting into their property. When you quote for a job, you are competing against other local trades. While offering a fair price matters, trust is often the deciding factor that closes the deal. Customers need clear, accessible proof that you are a legitimate trade business before they feel comfortable handing over a deposit or signing a contract. Proactively providing this reassurance sets you apart.

What is the difference between a listing and Approved Tradesman?

Being listed on Approved Tradesman is free and requires no initial paperwork. A free listing gets your basic business name and trade details onto our directory so local people can find you. Think of it as a basic entry point, ensuring your business has a presence. However, it does not carry the weight of a formal review.

Approved Tradesman is a paid, optional membership that adds a layer of credibility to your profile. The membership pays for the checking, publishing and ongoing monitoring of your business information, never for the facts themselves. When homeowners view your record, they see exactly which checks completed stand behind your business name, and more checks make a stronger record. You can learn more about the difference between a listing and Approved Tradesman on our website.

What tools do I get to build customer trust?

As an Approved Tradesman with a published record, you gain access to a toolkit of official assets. You can use these every day to show potential customers that you are a genuine and trustworthy professional.

• Your public record: A permanent online page showing your Approved Tradesman status and the specific checks completed for your business, which you can link to from anywhere.
• Your official certificate: A certificate that you can print for your folder or attach to email estimates, showing your business details and Approved Tradesman status.
• Your QR code artwork: A scannable code for your van, workwear, business cards, and printed quotes, allowing customers to instantly access your public record with their phone.

How can I use my public record to win more work?

You can use your public record at every stage of a job. When you email a written quote to a client, include a direct link to your online record in your email signature. This simple act of transparency makes it easy for the customer to see your credentials, showing you have nothing to hide. It's a key part of how Approved Tradesman works to build trust.

When you visit a home to measure up or discuss a project, bring a printed copy of your certificate. Presenting it in a professional folder reinforces your credibility and immediately answers the homeowner's unspoken questions about whether you are a genuine business. It is a tangible piece of reassurance that your competitors may not have.

Your van is also a moving billboard. Adding your QR code artwork to your vehicle allows neighbours and passers-by to scan the code with their mobile phones. This takes them straight to your public record, where they can see your status instantly without typing a web address. This can turn passive interest into active enquiries from people who see your professional work in their area.

How do I become an Approved Tradesman?

Moving from a simple listing to a full public record follows a straightforward process. It all begins with our trade search, where you can find or add your business.

• Find or add your business on the directory.
• Confirm you are the owner of the business.
• Once ownership is confirmed, start your membership to become an Approved Tradesman.
• Send the paperwork you want checked so our team can complete the checks that apply to you.
• Each check is added to your public record as it is completed, and you can start using your certificate and QR artwork.

Standing out from rivals does not have to be difficult. By publishing a record of your checks, you provide the reassurance that modern customers are looking for. To find out more, visit our page for trade businesses and start building greater trust to win more work.