If you're flat out on the tools all day, it’s easy to miss calls and messages. Problem is, the slower you are to reply, the more jobs slip through your fingers.
The good news? You don’t need longer hours to fix it. With a few smart systems in place, you can get back to people quicker, quote faster, and land more work (without drowning in admin).
Here are 10 practical tips to help you win more jobs, without adding stress to your day.
1. Set Quick Response Targets
If you're waiting days for someone to call you back, while a competitor gets back to you within five minutes, who are you more likely to trust with the job?
The same goes for your potential clients.
Aim to respond to enquiries within the same day, ideally within a couple of hours. You don't always have to pick up the phone, but a quick text, email, or automated reply can buy you time and show you're reliable.
2. Get Help With Enquiries
If you’re a solo tradie or small crew, keeping up with calls and messages can be tough. But there are ways around it:
- Hire a virtual assistant (VA): They can answer the phone, collect job details, and log leads for as little as a few hundred bucks a month.
- Family or part-time help: Got a partner or a mate who can help out? Even a few hours a week can make a big difference.
- AI answering tools: Some services now offer AI receptionists that take calls, collect info, and email it to you instantly.
The goal is simple: never miss a lead.
Tip: Manage your leads with NextMinute’s Construction CRM
3. Use a Contact Form on Your Website
Not everyone wants to call. Some people are browsing your website at night after the kids are in bed.
A simple contact form gives them a way to reach out without needing to pick up the phone. Make sure it collects:
- Name
- Contact details
- Job location
- Job type / description
- Urgency or preferred start date
This saves you time and helps filter out tyre-kickers.
4. Qualify Leads Early
Not every enquiry is worth your time. Some people want a free quote but are never going to book the job.
To save yourself hassle:
- Ask for clear job descriptions.
- Include budget questions in your form.
- Be upfront about timelines and pricing brackets.
The quicker you qualify leads, the quicker you can focus on the real ones.
5. Make Quoting Fast and Easy
Spending hours on quotes? That’s time you could spend actually earning.
With tools like NextMinute, you can:
- Import supplier price books.
- Drop items into quotes with a few clicks.
- Add your markups and margins.
- Send professional quotes that customers can accept online.
Once accepted, all the info flows straight into a job card. No double handling.
6. Follow Up Like a Pro
If someone’s requested a quote and you haven’t heard back, follow them up. Often, the person who follows up first wins the job.
Use reminders, templates, or automation to check in 2–3 days after sending a quote. Something simple like:
“Hi [Name], just checking in on the quote I sent through—let me know if you’ve got any questions!”
No pressure. Just a nudge.
7. Get More Leads With a Digital Presence
You can’t win jobs if no one knows you exist.
Here’s a simple checklist to boost your digital presence:
- Google Business Profile: Make sure it’s claimed and fully filled out.
- Website: Doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be mobile-friendly and have clear contact info.
- Social Media: Even one post a week helps. Show your work, before/afters, tips, reviews.
- Job boards & directories: Think Hipages, ServiceSeeking, Oneflare, etc.
- Local networks: Sponsor a footy team, join a tradie group, hand out cards.
You don’t need to be everywhere. Just be visible where your ideal clients are.
8. Invest in Reviews and Word of Mouth
People want to know you're not a cowboy.
Ask happy clients to leave a Google review, tag you on social, or refer a mate. Build trust by:
- Replying to every review (good or bad).
- Sharing testimonials on your website and socials.
- Having a referral bonus program (e.g. $50 voucher if their mate books a job).
Over time, these build momentum.
9. Know What Others Are Charging
You don’t want to be the cheapest, but you also don’t want to price yourself out of the market.
Ways to get a feel for the market:
- Ask your customers what others are quoting (respectfully)
- Check online job listings and forums.
- Talk to tradies in non-competing areas.
Once you have a ballpark, you can adjust your prices while staying competitive (and profitable!)
10. Track What’s Working (and What’s Not)
You don’t need fancy dashboards, but at least track:
- Where leads are coming from
- How many you win
- How long quotes take
- What jobs are profitable
Even a basic spreadsheet is a start. Over time, you’ll see patterns that help you work smarter.
Final Thoughts
Winning more jobs doesn’t mean running yourself into the ground. With a few simple tweaks—like faster replies, better quoting tools, and a strong online presence—you’ll land more of the work you actually want.
Admin will always be part of the job. But it doesn’t have to be a burden.
Want to take it a step further? Check out how NextMinute can help you streamline quoting, job management, and communication—all in one place.
