By David Barrett
Finding your own work as a tradesperson is one of the toughest parts of running a decorating business. After years of working for others, I’m now focused on creating a reliable stream of clients so I’m not dependent on subcontracting. That shift demands consistent marketing, careful lead management and a willingness to try different approaches until something sticks.
My approach is deliberately diverse. I’ve invested in a simple website and set up social profiles (Twitter, Google+ and Facebook), keep this blog updated and carry professionally printed business cards. I also use magnetic signs on my vehicle — it used to be a van until an accident on the M54 before Christmas wrote it off — and I advertise on local free listings. Small, visible touches add up when people need a decorator at short notice.
Working with former colleagues helps too. Pooling resources and sharing leads can win work that would be hard to secure alone. Recently I teamed up with a mate from my old firm and we priced a job together; we missed out over a modest difference in price, but he’s feeding in a couple of leads that could be useful. Collaboration can reduce the risk and spread the cost of marketing.
Tradesmen platforms promise steady leads but usually require an upfront fee or ongoing subscription. Some tradespeople make a very good living from the enquiries they generate; others find the return doesn’t justify the outlay. For now I’m sticking with self-promotion and local targeting while I test what works. If you’re considering a tradesman site, think about the quality and exclusivity of leads, cancellation policies and whether the platform positions you against a flood of competitors.
The next step for me is leaflet drops, but not indiscriminate mass distribution. The key is to target streets and neighbourhoods where demand is likely to be higher for the services you offer. Yes, many people dislike receiving leaflets, menus or charity bags through their doors, but a carefully targeted campaign can deliver a single call that turns into multiple jobs over time. Start small, track responses and refine where you post the next run — from small acorns, larger opportunities grow.
On the practical side of the business I’ve finished two flats using modern water-based gloss. After 17 years in the trade I still find adapting to new products requires patience. In these jobs the water-based gloss didn’t perform for me in exactly the same way as traditional oil-based gloss: initial application looked patchy as it dried, but by the next morning the finish had settled to a surprisingly solid, even shine.
I’m still working on brush marks. Even using the manufacturer-recommended brushes, I can’t yet completely eliminate visible brush strokes — a sign that technique, drying conditions and the paint’s flow characteristics are all playing a part. For my own work I’d personally specify two top coats of water-based gloss to create a more uniform, durable finish. The more flats I complete, the better my handling of the product becomes; practice continues to improve outcomes, even after many years on the tools.
If you want to discuss a decorating job, request a quote or talk through a leaflet campaign for your area, please get in touch — I’m happy to advise on what will deliver the best value for your property and explain the factors that affect any estimate. You can find more about the business on the About page or reach out directly via the Contact page to arrange a site visit.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a reliable decorator or a tradesperson weighing up marketing options, the fundamentals are the same: target your efforts, monitor results, and keep improving your craft. That combination builds a steady, sustainable pipeline of work over time.
Get in touch with our team for a free, no-obligation quote.
