How Darling Downs Tradies Can Get More Leads with Google Ads

Let's be honest—word-of-mouth is great, but it doesn't always pay the bills. One week you're flat out, the next you're staring at the phone, waiting for it to ring. If you're a tradie in the Darling Downs, from Toowoomba to Warwick, you know that a steady stream of good-quality leads is the key to growing your business.

So, how do you get in front of customers right when they need you? The answer is Google Ads.

Forget complex marketing fluff. Google Ads is simple: you pay to show up at the top of Google when someone is actively searching for your exact service. It's the digital equivalent of someone shouting, "I need a plumber right now!" and you being the first person to raise your hand.

Why Google Ads is a Game-Changer for Tradies

Unlike social media, where you're trying to grab the attention of people scrolling through cat videos, Google Ads targets intent. When someone's hot water system bursts, they aren't scrolling Facebook—they're grabbing their phone and searching "emergency plumber Toowoomba."

With Google Ads, you can be the first result they see. This means you get:

• High-Quality Leads: These are people who have a problem and are ready to pay someone to fix it.
• Immediate Results: Unlike SEO which takes months, you can start getting calls the same day you launch a campaign.
• Total Control: You set the budget, you choose the areas you want to work in, and you can turn it on or off whenever you like.

Step 1: Finding the Right Keywords (The Money Words)

The foundation of a successful Google Ads campaign is targeting the right keywords. You need to think like your customer. What would they type into Google when they need your help?

Keep it simple and local. Here are some examples:

• plumber toowoomba
• electrician highfields
• emergency builder warwick
• dalby air conditioning installation
• best painter in darling downs

The trick is to combine your service with a location. This ensures you're not paying for clicks from someone in Sydney who needs a plumber.

Step 2: Writing Ad Copy That Gets the Click

Once someone sees your ad, you have a split second to convince them to click. Your ad needs to be clear, direct, and trustworthy.

Here's a simple formula:

• Headline 1: Your Service & Location (e.g., Licensed Electrician Toowoomba)
• Headline 2: A Key Benefit (e.g., Available Now | Free Quotes)
• Description: Briefly explain what you do and why they should choose you. Mention you're local, licensed, and reliable.

Example Ad:

Licensed Electrician Toowoomba | Available Now

GRIVITY Electrical | grivity.com.au

Local, reliable electrician serving the Darling Downs. We handle everything from switchboard upgrades to emergency repairs. Fully licensed and insured. Call us for a free quote today!

Step 3: Creating a Landing Page That Converts

This is where many tradies go wrong. You can have the best ad in the world, but if it clicks through to a confusing homepage, you'll lose the lead.

Your ad should link to a simple, dedicated landing page. This page has one job: to get the customer to contact you. It must have:

1. A Clear Headline: Re-state the service you offer (e.g., "Your Local Darling Downs Plumber").
2. Your Phone Number: Big, bold, and at the top of the page. Make it clickable on mobile.
3. A Simple Contact Form: For those who prefer to email. Ask for only the essentials: Name, Phone, and a brief message.
4. A Few Trust Signals: Mention you are "Licensed & Insured," show a few customer testimonials, or include logos of brands you work with.

Step 4: Setting a Smart Budget

You don't need to spend a fortune to get results. The beauty of Google Ads is that you only pay when someone actually clicks on your ad.

Start with a budget you're comfortable with—say, $20-$50 per day. The most important thing isn't how much you spend, but your Return on Investment (ROI). If you spend $50 to land a $1,500 job, you'll want to do that all day long.

The GRIVITY Advantage

Setting up Google Ads yourself is possible, but optimising them for the best results takes time and expertise. As a digital marketing agency based right here in Toowoomba, we help tradies across the Darling Downs get the most out of their ad spend. We handle the technical stuff so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

Ready to stop waiting for leads and start getting them?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about how Google Ads can grow your business.