1. Google Business Profile

Get Found in Local Searches & Maps

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful—and free—marketing tools out there. It helps you show up in local search results when homeowners are searching for your trade nearby.

What it does:

• Displays your business on Google Maps

• Lets customers leave reviews

• Shows your hours, services, and contact info

• Builds trust with star ratings and photos

Pro Tip: Add photos of your work, ask happy customers to leave reviews, and post updates regularly to boost your visibility.

2. Canva

Create Professional-Looking Marketing Materials

Whether you're posting on Instagram or printing flyers for a local hardware store, visuals matter. Canva is a free, beginner-friendly design tool that lets you create logos, business cards, social media graphics, and more—even if you’ve never designed anything before.
What it does:

• Offers pre-built templates for social posts, yard signs, flyers

• Lets you build a consistent look with your logo and colors

• Makes your business look polished and professional

Pro Tip: Use Canva to keep your branding consistent across your truck decals, Facebook page, and customer leave-behinds.

3. Mailchimp (Free Plan)

Start Email Marketing the Smart Way

You might not think email is important—but for tradesmen, it’s a great way to stay in touch with past customers and ask for referrals. Mailchimp’s free plan lets you email up to 500 contacts and includes drag-and-drop templates for sending promotions, seasonal tips, or service reminders.
What it does:

• Builds trust and repeat business

• Keeps your business top-of-mind

• Makes you look like the pro you are

Pro Tip: Send a quick tip every season (like “How to prevent frozen pipes”) and include a special offer.

4. Google Analytics

Know What’s Working on Your Website

If you’ve already got a website, Google Analytics can show you how many people are visiting it, where they’re coming from, and what they’re looking at. It helps you make smarter decisions about what to promote and where to advertise.
What it does:

• Tracks website traffic

• Shows how people find you (Google, Facebook, etc.)

• Helps improve your site and marketing efforts

📈 Pro Tip: Connect Analytics with your Google Business Profile to see how many people are finding you from local searches.

5. Answer the Public

Know What People Are Asking (So You Can Answer It)

This is a free research tool that shows you the questions people are typing into Google about your trade. You can use it to come up with blog ideas, social media posts, or even better service descriptions for your website.

What it does:

• Reveals real search questions like “Why is my AC making noise?”

• Helps you write content that attracts local traffic

• Positions you as the knowledgeable expert

Pro Tip: Pick one question a week and answer it on your Facebook or Instagram.

As a Long Island tradesman, your craftsmanship speaks for itself—but your marketing needs to speak before you get the job. These free tools can help you stand out in a crowded market, attract better clients, and make your business more memorable.

And if you’re ready to level up beyond the DIY stage, Storyseller is here to help with branding, web design, local SEO, and campaign strategy tailored specifically for hardworking tradesmen like you.

Want a hand with this stuff? Let’s build something together that works.