Choosing the Right System to Grow a Trades Business
14 May, 2025
Choosing the Right System to Grow a Trades Business
Introduction
If you’re in the trades — whether you’re a kitchen installer, boiler engineer, or EV charger specialist — you’ve probably been told a system will “change your business.”
You’ve maybe even tried one.
But between confusing software, endless add-ons, and broken follow-up processes… most systems end up being more of a hassle than help.
We’ve been there. So, instead of guessing, we tested four of the most popular platforms used by trades and service-based businesses.
Here’s what we learned — and which one we now recommend to our clients..
System 1: Looked great… until you tried to use it
This platform had flashy dashboards and slick branding. But once inside? Chaos.
The interface was confusing. The learning curve was steep. You had to dig through menus just to find a new lead — never mind following up with them.
We realised quickly: if it’s not intuitive, it won’t be used…
Key takeaway: A system that requires a manual to operate won’t scale with a busy trades business.
System 2: Simple, but lacked automated follow-up
At first, this platform seemed promising. It was easy to navigate and made collecting lead data straightforward.
But the cracks appeared once you tried to follow up.
No automated reminders. No nurture sequence capability. No lead scoring. Just a glorified spreadsheet with a dashboard.
If you’re serious about growing, that’s not enough.
Key takeaway: Without follow-up automation, leads go cold fast.
System 3: Worked… if you paid for 6 add-ons
Technically, this one had what we needed. But you had to bolt together 4–6 different tools to make it work:
A form builder
An email tool
A pipeline tracker
Ability to upload and store key documents
All of these would be costing you an extra £30+/month each!
It was too complicated, too expensive, and not designed for tradespeople who just want leads booked and jobs filled.
Key takeaway: Growth systems should save you time, not force you to duct tape 6 tools together.
System 4: The one we use now and recommend
Then we tested one more platform — and it just worked.
✅ It tracked leads from initial enquiry to booking ✅ It followed up with SMS + email automatically ✅ It scored leads based on activity ✅ And it gave clients a clear view of their pipeline, at a glance
It’s not perfect (no system is). But it’s intuitive, powerful, and designed for growing service businesses.
We now use this with all our trade clients — from bathroom fitters to solar installers — because it does what you actually need.
It brings structure to your sales process, without the stress.
Want Help Setting All of This Up?
We’re offering a free 1:1 session to walk you through the system we tested, vetted, and now install for clients who are serious about growth.
You’ll get:
✅ A breakdown of how the system works.
✅ Our 12-month, 18-email nurture sequence, designed to save lost deals.
✅ and more…
🚀 Book your free strategy call here 👇👇
Final Reflection
We’ve seen firsthand how the right system can transform a trades business.
Not through hype. Not through endless tactics. But through structure, consistency, and smarter follow-up.
Because the truth is, most businesses don’t fail from a lack of leads. They fail from a lack of follow-up, poor visibility, and no system to convert interest into income.
The good news? That’s fixable. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you’re tired of juggling spreadsheets, chasing leads manually, or guessing what to do next, you’re not alone. You just need the right system behind you.
And we’re here to help you build it.
About Autus
Autus provide Revenue Growth Platforms, Marketing & Sales Automation and Digital Marketing services to help sales and marketing personnel and teams build efficient and effective sales and marketing best practices and automate their marketing and sales processes by leveraging personalised content, various digital marketing tactics, segmentation and behaviour of their prospects and customers.
Autus recommend various products for automation, such as Active Campaign, Hubspot, Mailchimp and SharpSpring…it will vary on your requirements and budget as the best option for your business.
