7 Steps to Successfully Grow Your Client List as a Handyman

The journey to becoming a successful handyman involves much more than just possessing the right skills and tools. It demands a strategic approach to attracting new customers while ensuring the loyalty of existing ones.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of nationwide lawn care company Lawn Love, recommends that new handyman businesses prioritize building a customer base right away.

“Over time you’ll be able to find and secure larger, more profitable customers, but when you first start, you just need to find some people that you know will come back to you,” Yamaguchi advises. “A new business, especially one that is service-centric, needs the consistency of a solid customer base in order to continue into the next month and start to grow.”

There are seven main steps that can help handyman business owners effectively grow their client list. From leveraging digital profiles to connecting with other local businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs can keep a steady stream of leads coming in so they can grow their businesses.

Before You Begin…

As with any new business, success in the handyman field doesn’t come overnight. The process of building a solid client base requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt to changing market demands and customer preferences. That’s why it’s so important to continuously refine one’s customer acquisition strategies based on feedback and market trends.

Above all else, launching a legally compliant, customer service–driven business is the best way for a handyman who’s just getting started to establish trust with those first few clients. They, in turn, will be more likely to recommend a budding business to their friends, family, and neighbors if they have a great experience. To that end, handyman business owners will need to obtain the proper licenses, as well as coverage from one of the best handyman insurance companies (such as NEXT Insurance or Thimble) before marketing their company to instill confidence in prospective clients.

Tips for How to Find Handyman Jobs

• Networking with local businesses and community organizations can lead to valuable referrals and increased visibility in the target market.
• Utilizing online platforms, such as social media and websites for handyman jobs, can effectively showcase skills and connect with potential clients.
• Offering introductory discounts or bundled service packages can attract first-time customers and encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
• Building a website and optimizing it with key search terms like “independent handyman near me” can help business owners attract those looking to hire a local handyman.

STEP 1: Set up profiles with online marketplaces and apps such as Angi, Thumbtack, Handy, or TaskRabbit.

For business owners looking for handyman jobs online, establishing a presence on digital marketplaces and apps for handyman jobs, such as HomeAdvisor, Angi, Thumbtack, Handy, and TaskRabbit, is a critical step. These platforms not only provide an avenue to showcase skills and services but also connect business owners with potential clients who use these sites for finding a handyman in their area. Aspiring business owners can check out online Angi reviews or Handy reviews or look at comparisons of two services, such as TaskRabbit vs. Handy, to determine whether they want to sign up for these services.

It’s important for a business’s profile to include a comprehensive handyman services list, competitive pricing, and authentic customer reviews. When setting rates on a job-listing website, business owners will want to research the average self-employed handyman hourly rate in their local area and ensure their pricing is comparable to that of other nearby businesses. By setting up detailed and professional profiles on sites such as HomeAdvisor, Angi, or Handy, handymen can significantly increase their visibility and accessibility.

STEP 2: Join neighborhood groups on social media such as Facebook and Nextdoor to advertise services and build trust in the community.

Joining neighborhood groups on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor offers a unique opportunity for handyman businesses to embed themselves within the local community. These platforms are hot spots for residents wondering who to call for home repairs, making them ideal sites for a handyman to advertise their skills and engage with potential clients.

By actively participating in these groups, business owners can not only promote their professional handyman services but also establish themselves as trustworthy and reliable local service providers. Sharing helpful DIY tips, responding to queries, and showcasing completed projects can help them build a positive reputation. This community-focused approach helps with gaining immediate business and can foster long-term relationships and trust within the neighborhood, which is invaluable for word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business.

STEP 3: Connect with local business owners and professionals, including property managers and real estate agents, to get referrals.

Local business owners and professionals, particularly property managers and real estate agents, are constantly in need of reliable local handyman services for maintenance, repairs, and renovations for their properties and for those of their clients. By establishing a relationship with them, a handyman gains access to a continuous stream of potential jobs and aligns their business with other established local companies.

Building these relationships requires consistent communication, showcasing a portfolio of quality work, and maintaining a reputation for reliability and professionalism. Once a level of trust is established, local business owners, property managers, and real estate agents can become advocates for the handyman’s services and recommend the business to their clients and contacts as the best handyman services in the area.

STEP 4: Head to the local hardware store and ask to leave business cards and paper ads for your services to attract new customers.

An effective way for a handyman to reach local residents is to go to local hardware stores and see if they can hang up an advertisement for their business and leave a stack of business cards. Doing so can be a highly effective way to reach local residents who are thinking of hiring a handyman. These stores are frequented by DIY enthusiasts and homeowners in need of repair services, making them an ideal target audience of those looking to hire a handyman. By placing business cards and ads in these locations, handymen can capture the attention of potential clients right at the moment they are thinking about home improvement projects.

This approach not only increases visibility but also positions the handyman as a go-to local service provider. Additionally, building a rapport with store owners and staff can lead to informal referrals, furthering the reach and credibility of the handyman’s services in the community.

STEP 5: Look for government handyman jobs on USAJOBS.gov, as well as at local government offices.

Government handyman jobs often offer stability and the chance to work on a variety of projects, ranging from public buildings to community facilities. By regularly checking USAJOBS.gov, handymen can access a centralized database of federal employment opportunities, including maintenance and repair positions. A handyman can also visit local government offices to see if there are job openings posted that may not be listed online. These positions usually require adherence to specific regulations and standards, offering an excellent opportunity for handymen to showcase their professionalism and quality of work. Jobs in the government sector can provide a handyman with a consistent workload and can also enhance the credibility and portfolio of the handyman’s business.

STEP 6: Consider offering a discount for first-time customers to encourage them to try your services; if they do hire you, make a good impression so they will become repeat customers.

Offering a discount for first-time customers can be an effective strategy for handymen to encourage potential clients to try out their services. This approach can make the decision easier for those who are hesitant about hiring a handyman or comparing different options. The key is to ensure that, despite the initial discounted rate, the quality of work remains high.

A first impression is crucial in this industry; delivering exceptional service during the first interaction can set the tone for a long-term relationship. Satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat clients and even advocates for the business, recommending the handyman to their friends, family, and neighbors. While the initial job might come at a lower profit margin, the long-term benefits of gaining a loyal customer base and positive word of mouth can far outweigh the initial cost of the discount.

STEP 7: Ask existing customers to refer the business to friends and family members who are looking for a handyman. Consider offering a referral bonus or discount to sweeten the deal.

A good way for a handyman to increase their client base is to encourage existing customers to refer the business to people they know. People tend to trust recommendations from those they’re familiar with, making this a powerful tool for handymen looking to acquire new clients.

To incentivize existing customers to spread the word, business owners may want to consider offering a referral bonus or discount on handyman costs for future services. This not only shows appreciation for customer loyalty but also gives clients a reason to promote the business. Such a strategy can create a cycle where satisfied customers become advocates for the handyman’s services, leading to a steady stream of referrals.

The above-listed steps are instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape of the handyman industry. Business owners will want to remember that, while these steps are a roadmap to success, the pace and pattern of growth can vary, and adapting to specific circumstances is key. By following these steps and maintaining a focus on quality service and customer satisfaction, handymen can build a thriving business with a robust and loyal client base.