7 great tradesman apps & websites to try now
There are plenty of websites and apps out there designed to help make life easier for tradespeople. But how can you tell the great from the so-so? We've rounded up our favourite apps and websites for tradespeople, revealing what makes them the best in the business.
Checkatrade
What is it?
Checkatrade is one of the most popular tradesman websites - both for tradespeople and customers. It's an online directory that you pay to be featured on, so people can find and contact you for work. Clients can also leave you a rating, which is then visible to the public.
What makes it great?
It's so simple to use. To set yourself up, just complete an online form. You'll get a call back, where you'll be asked to answer a few questions and provide proof of your qualifications, references and insurance. Then, once your profile is live, you're good to go.
Once you're listed on the site, it's easy for customers to find and contact you, which means you're more likely to get business from the site. Plus, once you've paid your subscription fee, there are no other costs to pay - regardless of how many leads or jobs Checkatrade brings you.
Square
What is it?
Square helps sellers start, run and grow their business with hardware and software tools that improve cash flow. Whether selling online, over the phone, sending invoices to clients, or taking payments on the go, Square empowers sellers to make a sale anytime, anywhere.
What makes it great?
Get your money the next business day with the Square Reader. The pocket-sized device paired with the free Square POS app, lets you accept chip and PIN and contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay at your counter or on the go. It's affordable and easy to set up, so you can start accepting payments in minutes. There are no long-term commitments, no monthly fees and no cancellation charges.
You can also power secure payments even when you don't use a reader, with your Square account - send invoices, take over-the-phone payments and make more money through your eCommerce store.
Rated People
What is it?
There are two Rated People apps - one for customers looking for tradespeople and another for tradespeople looking for jobs. Rated People works in a similar way to Checkatrade, but is more focused on helping you find your own work, instead of waiting for clients to contact you.
What makes it great?
With Rated People, you're in control. You can proactively browse, search and filter potential work, so you decide what type of jobs you take on and where.
Then, if you want the work, you can buy the lead and contact the potential client. Plus, you'll get access to member benefits like high street discounts. You can also help increase your reputation by answering the DIY-related questions posted on the site by potential customers.
Makita
What is it?
The trusted power tool manufacturer has created its own mobile app, which turns your smartphone into a handy, multi-functional device you can use while you're on a job.
What makes it great?
It's the Swiss Army knife of tradesman apps. Mislaid your spirit level? You can use the Makita app to check your work instead, thanks to its built-in levelling instrument. There's also a flash light and distance-measuring tool.
If you're worried about what all these clever gadgets will do to your mobile battery, don't. The app comes with a battery level indicator, so it won't drain without warning.
MyBuilder
What is it?
Following in the footsteps of Checkatrade and Rated People, MyBuilder lets you find work based on a custom area you set. You only need to pay a shortlist fee once you and a client are ready to exchange details.
What makes it great?
Unlike Checkatrade and Rated People, MyBuilder doesn't charge a monthly or annual listing fee. This can be particularly useful when you're first starting out or if cash flow is an issue.
Plus, it's a handy way to fill any last-minute work gaps. The app uses a matching process to shortlist tradespeople for customers. If you're chosen, you can then make contact with a warm lead who's already expecting your call.
Fixington
What is it?
Designed for independent tradespeople, the Fixington Calendar app lets you keep track of all your jobs and appointments. It also has a built-in invoice function, and you can save information about your jobs and client details to view later.
What makes it great?
It reduces your paperwork and helps you stay organised. One of the best invoice apps for tradespeople, Fixington lets you send bills through messaging apps, like Facebook or iMessage, so they'll be easier for your customers to pick up.
Lost your phone? No problem - all your data is synced and backed up, so you can view it on any desktop or phone.
Powered Now
What is it?
In short, Powered Now is an invoice, estimating and scheduling program for small businesses. You can use it to create quotes and job sheets, wherever you are. It can also help you manage your diary and keep track of payments.
What makes it great?
How much it can do! From sending documents via text and pinging you an alert once they've been opened, to organising all your communications in an easy-to-view timeline - as one of the best organiser apps out there, Powered Now has got it all.
Do you manage a team? They can all use Powered Now to record their hours, photos of finished work or customer signatures, so everything's stored in one place. It's also got a handy built-in chat function, so you can all stay in touch within the app. Plus, live team tracking allows you to check everyone is where they need to be.
Apps sorted? What about insurance? You can read about our public liability tradesman insurance here.
Plus, we spoke to Joseph Gibbons at the Construction Skills Certification Scheme to get the low-down on CSCS cards and whether you really need them. Read the interview here.