Marketing your painting business is an essential part of building success. Anything you can do to reach customers and show your company in a positive light could lead to more jobs. If you’re unsure where to start, here are seven painter marketing ideas to help kickstart your efforts.
1. Word-of-mouth Referrals
Referrals are valuable for any business. People tend to trust genuine customer reviews, especially from someone they already know and trust.
These word-of-mouth referrals often help new businesses find their first few customers, but established companies shouldn’t overlook their importance. Asking satisfied clients if they can refer you to their family, friends, or business network could result in more leads and jobs.
As your business grows, referrals might take a slightly different shape. Online reviews work similarly to word-of-mouth referrals by building trust with potential clients based on the experience of others who have hired you.
2. Online Directories
Online searches are now a big part of marketing any business. Getting your painting business onto Google is essential. A business listing on this search engine can help more clients find you, and it’s a good way to start collecting customer reviews.
While Google is the most used search engine, you’ll probably need to get your business listed on other sites as well. Online directories, such as Yellow Pages and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), could also result in leads.
3. Your Website
A professional looking website is one painting advertising idea that shouldn’t be overlooked. Your website is a space entirely under your control, where you can promote your business exactly how you like. It’s an essential tool for branding your business and communicating with potential clients.
There are many platforms available to help business owners create a website. Free and low-cost templates provide a professional look and feel, with no web design experience necessary! Your web hosting service might also offer search engine optimization (SEO) services to help your website rank high on Google searches.
Your website should include specific information to best advertise your painting company. The services you provide and how to contact you for a quote are a must but don’t overlook the importance of photos. A gallery of past jobs, perhaps with high-quality before and after photos, give clients an idea of your services and the quality they can expect.
4. Social Media & Apps
Marketing your painting business on social media is also essential in our internet age. Customers often expect companies to have social media profiles, even those offering skilled trade services like painting.
You don’t have to put your painting businesses on every social media platform available. Putting quality content on just one or two may give better results. Choose the platforms that best suit your business, and then take the time to create a strong profile, regularly share relevant articles and photos with your followers, and reply to messages and comments as quickly as possible.
A similar way to advertise your painting company is through community and gig apps. Platforms like Nextdoor or TaskRabbit could help you connect with locals who need a painter. You might get a referral or repeat business if you do a great job.
5. Branding Items
Painter marketing is sometimes as simple as looking professional. How you present yourself and your company can go a long way towards building trust with potential customers. It can also help your business name stick in people’s minds so that you’re the first person they call when they need something painted.
Branded items are an effective way to build professionalism and brand awareness. Putting your business name, logo, and contact details on shirts and your truck or van is one way to do this. You should also include this information on quotes, invoices, and business cards. You might also consider branded pens or notepads that could be left behind when you finish a project.
6. Flyer Drops
Leaving printed flyers in mailboxes might seem old fashioned. It can be costly, but if you have room in your budget, it might help you reach new customers.
A well-designed flyer could catch a homeowner’s eye and prompt them to give you a call. Your flyers should be attractive, so they stand out from the junk mail headed to the recycling bin. Flyers are a great way to advertise a limited-time special offer or discount for new clients.
7. Lawn Signs
Lawn signs are another type of marketing for painters that might seem obsolete. However, they can be a low-cost and effective way to advertise your painting company.
Ask your clients if you can put a sign in their front yard while painting. Neighbors will see your work in action, and you might get some referral business out of it. If the client agrees to keep the sign in their yard after you’ve finished your work, that’s potentially weeks or even months of free advertising!
Your lawn signs should be simple, so people can read and understand them. Your logo, company name, phone number and a call to action (like “Get a free estimate”) are probably all you need to include.
Do I need marketing help?
The above painter marketing ideas could help you start advertising your business. They might even give you ideas for other ways to advertise your painting company. However, hiring some help might be a good idea if you’re still feeling overwhelmed.
Freelance marketing managers, social media assistants, graphic designers, and web developers can help you with different areas of your marketing plan. Their skill and expertise in advertising and online marketing for painters could help you reach more clients and grow your business.
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