Finding More Work in a Competitive Market:
A Guide for Trades and Suppliers

The Australian building industry isn’t short of demand. Housing approvals, renovations, and infrastructure projects continue to drive growth — construction contributes around 9% of GDP and employs 1.3 million people according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

But demand doesn’t always mean opportunity is easy to capture. Trades and suppliers across Australia are facing stiffer competition, tighter margins, and increasing pressure to stay visible to builders. The old ways of finding work — relying on word of mouth or waiting on referrals — are no longer enough on their own.

So how do you reliably find more work in today’s market? Let’s look at the most common approaches, the pros and cons of each, and how digital platforms like BuiltGrid are helping businesses secure a steadier pipeline.

Word of Mouth and Referrals

Word of mouth is the industry’s oldest (and most trusted) method of securing work. A good reputation travels fast — but sometimes not fast enough.

Pros:

• Highly trusted source of work.

• No marketing spend required.

• Builds loyal, long-term relationships.

Cons:

• Unpredictable and inconsistent.

• Difficult to scale beyond your immediate circle.

• Vulnerable if your key builder slows down.

As BuiltGrid Founder Toby Loft puts it:

“Word of mouth will always matter in construction, but relying on it alone is risky. In today’s market, you need multiple ways to stay visible and connected.”

Tender Platforms and Job Boards

Tendering platforms give trades and suppliers a chance at bigger, often government or commercial projects.

Pros:

• Access to large-scale projects.

• Structured process with clear requirements.

• Visibility of opportunities outside your usual network.

Cons:

• Highly competitive with low win rates.

• Time-heavy process — ABS data shows businesses spend 10+ hours per tender submission.

• Price often outweighs quality, squeezing margins.

For many small-to-mid suppliers, the tender treadmill takes valuable time away from delivering quality work.

Networking and Industry Events

Trade expos, builder breakfasts, and local networking events still have their place.

Pros:

• Build trust face-to-face.

• Stay up to date with industry trends and projects.

• Showcase your product or expertise directly.

Cons:

• Costly in time and money.

• Success depends on follow-up.

• Usually a one-off activity, not an ongoing pipeline.

Toby Loft explains:

“Events can be valuable, but they shouldn’t be your only strategy. Too many suppliers spend thousands on expos and walk away without a clear plan to turn contacts into work.”

Online Marketing and Social Media

From websites to Instagram portfolios, online presence has become part of the buyer’s journey. In fact, 67% of homeowners research trades and suppliers online before making contact (Houzz & HIA Report). Builders are no different — they check your digital footprint before calling.

Pros:

• Extends your reach beyond local contacts.

• Allows you to showcase past projects and customer stories.

• Can generate leads even while you’re on the tools.

Cons:

• Requires regular effort and content creation.

• Trust is harder to establish online.

• Not all builders search this way.

A professional online presence helps — but it’s only part of the picture.

Digital Procurement Platforms

This is where things are changing. Digital platforms like BuiltGrid’s marketplace are making it easier for trades and suppliers to connect with builders on live projects.

Pros:

• Targeted — see only projects relevant to your business.

• Efficient — reduce admin, calls, and emails.

• Transparent — know what builders need and when.

• Level playing field — visibility for businesses of all sizes.

Cons:

• Requires a mindset shift — not all businesses have embraced digital yet.

• New system to learn — though typically quicker than tendering.

As Toby Loft says:

“The old way of finding work is inefficient — endless phone calls, emails, and chasing. Platforms like BuiltGrid streamline the process so trades and suppliers spend less time looking for work, and more time delivering it.”

He continues:

“For builders, it’s about visibility and certainty. For suppliers and trades, it’s about getting in front of more opportunities without wasting hours on paperwork.”

So, What’s the Best Way to Find Work?

There’s no silver bullet. The most resilient businesses combine approaches:

• Maintain strong relationships and referrals.

• Choose tenders carefully to avoid wasted effort.

• Stay visible online and at the right events.

• Embrace digital tools that make the process faster and more transparent.

What’s clear is that the businesses who diversify their pipeline are the ones staying ahead in a competitive market.

Ready to Find More Work?

The building industry isn’t getting any easier — but there are smarter ways to stay competitive.

BuiltGrid is designed for trades and suppliers who want to:

• See more project opportunities without chasing.

• Streamline quoting and admin, saving valuable hours.

• Connect directly with builders in one place.

Want to see how it works? 

Speak to the BuiltGrid team today to learn how we can help you find more work in a competitive market.