Why subscription instead of a one-off build?

Because websites aren't "set and forget". They need updates, security patches, fresh content, and someone watching the quote form. The subscription means you never think about it — we handle it.

Do you guarantee leads or rankings?

No. We don't promise page 1 or a specific number of leads. We guarantee execution: a fast, conversion-optimised site, proper technical SEO, and consistent quality. The results follow when the fundamentals are right.

Do I own my domain and content?

Yes. Always. We set up your domain in your name. If you leave, it stays yours. Your content, your photos, your files — all yours.

Do you manage my Google Business Profile?

Yes, it's included in all plans. We set it up, optimise it, and keep it updated with posts, photos, and replies to reviews. You don't have to touch it.

What's the 6-month term about?

It takes time to build, launch, and see results. The 6-month initial term covers that runway. After that, it's month-to-month — cancel anytime.

How is this different from Squarespace/Wix?

You could build it yourself — but will you? And will it convert? We handle strategy, copy, design, and ongoing updates. You handle your trade.

HiPages vs Your Own Website: The Real Numbers

Let's skip the part where I tell you HiPages is terrible. It's not. It works. That's why you're using it.

But here's what nobody talks about: you're renting customers. Every month, you start from zero. Stop paying, leads stop coming. And the tradie next door is getting the exact same leads you are.

So the question isn't "should I quit HiPages?" It's "should I also have something that's actually mine?"

Let's look at the numbers.

What you're really paying on HiPages

Most tradies know what they pay per lead. But they don't calculate what they pay per customer.

Here's the maths for a typical sparky in Sydney:

HiPages: Cost per customer

Average lead cost

$50

Win rate

$20(1 in 5)

Cost per actual customer

$250

If you win 1 in 5 quotes and each lead costs $50, you're paying $250 to acquire each customer.

That's not necessarily bad. If your average job is worth $800 and you're making $400 profit, spending $250 to get the customer still leaves you $150 ahead.

But what if that $250 went somewhere else?

The problem nobody mentions

Here's the thing about lead platforms: the customer doesn't know you exist until they need you. And when they need you, they're getting five quotes.

What happens on HiPages

•Customer posts a job
•Five tradies get the same lead
•You all quote within hours
•Customer picks cheapest or fastest reply
•You never hear from them again

What happens with your own website

•Customer Googles 'electrician Parramatta'
•They find your site (not a directory)
•They read your reviews, see your work
•They call you directly
•Nobody else is in the picture

See the difference? On HiPages, you're one of five. On your own website, you're one of one.

The tradie who owns the search result owns the customer.

Running the numbers: 12 months on each

Let's compare two electricians. Same suburb. Same skills. Different strategies.

Sparky A: HiPages only

$1,500

Monthly spend

Leads per month

Customers won

After 12 months: $18,000 spent, 72 customers. Cost per customer: $250.

Not bad. Predictable. Scales with budget.

But here's the catch: month 13 looks exactly like month 1. Stop paying, leads stop.

Sparky B: Website + SEO

M1-3

The slow start

Website live. Google indexing. 2-3 organic leads per month. Still relying on referrals.

M4-6

Building momentum

Starting to rank for 'electrician [suburb]'. 5-8 leads per month. Reviews building up.

M7-9

Compound effect kicks in

First page for key searches. 10-15 leads per month. Cost per lead dropping.

M10-12

Owning the territory

15-20+ leads per month. Most are exclusive (no competition). Reputation established.

After 12 months: $3,588 spent (at $299/mo), roughly 100+ leads, 50+ customers. Cost per customer by month 12: under $30.

The key difference

Month 13 is better than month 12. The leads keep coming. The site keeps working. You've built an asset, not rented an audience.

Side by side comparison

	HiPages	Your Own Website
Upfront cost	$0	$0-990
Monthly cost	$500-2,000+	$199-299
Competition per lead	4-5 tradies see the same lead	They found you specifically
Customer quality	Price shoppers	Higher intent
Results if you stop paying	Leads stop instantly	Site keeps ranking
Speed to first lead	Same day	1-3 months
Builds your brand
12 month cost (typical)	$18,000	$3,588

So should you quit HiPages?

Probably not. At least not yet.

HiPages has one thing your website doesn't: instant leads. When you're starting out or need to fill the calendar next week, that matters.

The smart play is both. Use HiPages to fill gaps. Use your website to build something that compounds.

The hybrid strategy

Start with HiPages at $500-1,000/month. Launch your website. As organic leads grow, reduce HiPages spend. By month 6-9, you should be able to cut it in half. By month 12, it becomes optional.

The real question

Every dollar you spend on HiPages is gone tomorrow. Every dollar you spend on your website builds equity.

In 12 months, do you want to be paying $250 per customer? Or $30?

The tradies booking 3 months ahead aren't winning the race to reply on lead platforms. They're the first result when someone Googles their trade + suburb.

That's not luck. That's a website doing its job.

Want to see what your website could look like? We'll mock one up for free. Takes 48 hours. No call required. Just fill out the form and we'll send you a preview.

Note: Cost figures and lead volumes are illustrative examples based on typical industry ranges. Your actual results will vary based on location, trade, competition, and market conditions.