As a handyman, you’ve mastered the art of fixing things, but what about fixing your lead generation strategy?
Leads are the lifeblood of any business and a handyman business is no different.
Whether you're new to the game or looking to expand, finding a steady flow of leads can feel like a full-time job. Fortunately, we’ve compiled this list of creative and practical ways to help you attract more clients and grow your handyman business.
Why Generating Leads For Your Handyman Business Is A Non-Negotiable
Running a successful handyman business is about more than just knowing how to fix things—it’s also about keeping your calendar full of clients who need your services. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, getting more leads needs to be something you focus on.
Without a consistent flow of new customers, it’s nearly impossible to scale your operations, boost your revenue, or even sustain the business long-term. But in today’s competitive market, how can you ensure that new leads keep coming in?
Simply put, this guide is designed to help handymen like you get more leads.
From building a professional website and optimizing your online presence to leveraging social media and referral discounts, these strategies will position your business for long-term success.
Why is generating leads so important?
Leads are the foundation of growth. New leads not only turn into paying customers, but they can also lead to more referrals, more repeat business, and a greater reputation in your community.
When you invest time in generating leads, you're also investing in your business’s future. More leads mean more opportunities to showcase your skills, take on higher-paying projects, and build long-lasting relationships with clients.
In today’s fast paced marketing world, it’s no longer enough to rely solely on word-of-mouth or traditional marketing methods. You need to be proactive about growing your business, and that means using modern, proven lead-generation techniques.
By following the tips in this article, you’ll not only learn how to attract new clients but also how to create a steady pipeline of work that allows you to focus on doing what you do best—delivering high-quality handyman services.
How To Get More Leads As A Handyman - 5 Simple Ways
1. Build a Website for Your Services
Having a professional website is essential for modern businesses. It’s your digital service-based storefront, where potential customers can learn about your services, read reviews, and contact you easily. A well-designed website gives you credibility and helps build trust with potential clients who are researching handyman services.
Imagine this, a potential customer hears about your services and lands on your website. While on your handyman website, they see:
- before and after photos of your previous work
- customer reviews and testimonials
- Helpful articles about painting, plumbing, and more…
- And an “about me” section where you share why you love being a handyman
How much more likely will that potential customer become an ACTUAL paying customer?
Very likely.
Make sure your site is mobile-friendly since a majority of people browse on their phones. Include clear calls-to-action like “Request a Quote” or “Book an Appointment,” making it easy for visitors to reach out. Ensure your website highlights your key services, prices, and any special offers to entice new clients.
Incorporate SEO best practices by using keywords like “handyman services in [your city]” and adding location-based content such as service areas or neighborhood-specific blogs. Add testimonials and before-and-after photos to show proof of your expertise.
Lastly, link your social media profiles to your website to make it easy for customers to find you across platforms.
There are simple and inexpensive ways you can start a website. The simplest way is to use Wordpress with a free or inexpensive theme, then slowly customize your website in between projects.
If that already sounds overwhelming to you, believe it or not you can even use freelance websites like Fiverr or Upwork to have people help you for as little as $5/hour.
2. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Google My Business (GMB) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your visibility online. By optimizing your profile, you can show up in local search results when people in your area search for handyman services.
First, make sure your profile is complete and accurate—include your business name, contact info, services, hours of operation, and service areas. The more detailed your profile, the more likely it is to rank higher in local searches.
Add high-quality photos of your work and business. This could include images of you on the job, completed projects, and your business logo. Visual content helps build trust and sets you apart from competitors.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile. Positive reviews not only improve your reputation but also boost your local ranking on Google, making it more likely for potential clients to find you. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you’re engaged and care about customer feedback.
Finally, take advantage of the Posts feature to share updates, promotions, or new services directly on your GMB profile. This keeps your profile active and helps you stay on top of local search results. A well-maintained GMB profile can significantly boost your local presence and bring in a steady stream of new leads.
Here is a checklist to use when starting your Google My Business page:
- Claim and Verify Your Business Profile
- Complete Every Section of Your Google My Business Profile
- Ensure Consistent and Accurate Contact Information
- Choose Primary and Secondary Business Categories
- Select Relevant Attributes for Your Business
- Write a Comprehensive "From the Business" Description
- Add Your Products and Services
- Enable and Set Up Messaging for Customer Inquiries
- Publish Weekly Google Posts to Engage Your Audience
- Upload Fresh Photos Weekly to Keep Your Profile Updated
- Answer Customer Questions Promptly
- Collect Customer Reviews and Respond Regularly
- Regularly Maintain and Update Your Business Profile
With these optimizations, you can transform your Business Profile into a powerful, free tool for attracting new customers.
Start your Google My Business account here.
3. Use Social Media to Showcase Your Work
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor are excellent tools for handymen to showcase their work and attract potential clients.
Start by posting high-quality images and videos of your completed projects, such as before-and-after shots of home repairs, installations, or renovations. Visual content grabs attention and allows potential clients to see the quality of your work firsthand.
Consistency is key—post regularly to keep your audience engaged and your services top of mind. Consider offering quick DIY tips or small “how-to” guides related to home repairs. This positions you as a helpful expert and can build trust with homeowners who may later call you for bigger jobs.
Remember, don't constantly “spam” your services. A good rule of thumb is to share 2 helpful posts and 1 pitch type post and even when you “pitch” your services do so in a helpful and value-adding manner.
Here’s an example of a helpful tip to post on Nextdoor:
Handy Tips to Keep Your Home in Top Shape This Season!
Hey neighbors! 👋 With the changing season, I thought I’d share a few simple maintenance tips to keep our homes running smoothly:
Check Your Doors and Windows – Make sure they’re sealing well to keep the drafts out and the energy bills low.
Gutter Cleanup – Clear out those fall leaves! This can prevent water buildup and roof damage.
Inspect Your Water Heater – Give it a quick look to make sure it’s in good shape for those colder days ahead.
Smoke Detector Batteries – It’s easy to overlook, but swapping out batteries once a year keeps us safe.
These little tasks can make a big difference over time! If you ever need an extra hand or have a project you’re not sure about, I’m always here to help. Just reach out – I’m your local handyman, and I’m happy to offer tips or lend a hand if you need it!
Stay cozy and safe, everyone! 🛠️
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages promptly. Answer questions and offer personalized advice to show that you’re approachable and customer-focused. Joining local Facebook and Nextdoor groups is another great way to connect directly with homeowners in your area. You can introduce yourself and offer tips, or share special promotions to gain local exposure.
Once you get comfortable with social media and have a few tips on your profile you can consider using paid ads.
Use paid ads on platforms like Facebook to target homeowners in your city or neighborhood. You can create simple ads that showcase your services, special offers, or seasonal maintenance tips, making it easy for potential clients to contact you.
To supercharge your tip-based ads even more use customer testimonials or reviews to add credibility.
Finally, encourage your satisfied clients to share your work and tag you on social media. This expands your reach by tapping into their networks and getting your business in front of more potential customers.
Social media isn’t just for fun—it’s a powerful marketing tool that, when used strategically, can help you build your brand and attract new leads.
4. Network with Realtors and Property Managers
Building relationships with realtors and property managers can be a game changer for your handyman business. These professionals are often in need of reliable handymen to address repairs, maintenance, and upgrades for properties they manage or prepare for sale. By forming partnerships with them, you can create a steady pipeline of repeat business.
Start by reaching out to local real estate agencies and property management companies. Offer to meet with them to discuss how you can help maintain their properties. Many realtors, especially those dealing with fix-and-flips or rental properties, frequently need handymen for quick fixes or home staging repairs before listing a property. Property managers regularly handle maintenance requests and tenant move-outs, both of which often require handyman services.
Consider offering discounted rates for regular clients like realtors or property managers. A long-term partnership can lead to consistent work, and the volume of jobs they provide can be highly valuable to your business.
You can also provide value by offering pre-sale home inspection repairs for realtors. Many homeowners need small fixes before they can list their homes, and you can position yourself as their go-to solution. Realtors may even refer you to their clients after the sale, especially if new buyers need to make repairs or upgrades.
Be sure to follow up and maintain communication with these contacts. Send thank-you notes, updates on your services, or reminders about seasonal maintenance offers. Over time, strong relationships with realtors and property managers can become a reliable source of high-quality leads for your business.
Lastly, consider attending local networking events or real estate meetups. These are great opportunities to connect with professionals face-to-face, pitch your services, and build rapport in the community.
Here’s a sample email to send to a real estate agent you know or one you’ve seen on Nextdoor:
Subject: Partnership Opportunity to Support Your Clients with Quality Handyman Services
Hi [Real Estate Agent]
I hope you’re doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m a local handyman in [City/Area]. I understand how often real estate agents like yourself need reliable handyman services, whether it’s for small repairs to get a property ready to list or quick fixes before closing.
I’d love to partner with you to make these tasks as seamless as possible for both you and your clients. As part of our collaboration, I’d be happy to offer a special discounted rate exclusively for your clients, ensuring they get quality work that adds value to their homes.
From patching drywall and fixing minor plumbing issues to touch-up paint and everything in between, I’m here to help. If you’re open to discussing how we could work together, please let me know! I’d be glad to chat or meet in person at your convenience.
Thank you for considering this partnership. I look forward to the chance to support your business and help your clients achieve the best results with their properties.
Regards,
Handyman Hank
(999) 999-9999
hank@handymanhank.com
5. Offer Referral Discounts to Clients
Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools for any service-based business, especially handymen. Offering referral discounts is a simple yet highly effective way to encourage your satisfied customers to spread the word about your services. By providing incentives, you not only increase customer loyalty but also expand your network through their recommendations.
Here’s how you can do it: Create a referral program where clients receive a discount on their next service when they refer a new customer.
For example, if a client refers a friend who books a job, both the original client and the new one can receive 10% off their next service. This gives clients a tangible reason to talk about your business and refer you to friends, family, or neighbors. Make sure to clearly communicate this offer at the end of each job and through follow-up emails or texts.
You can also take it a step further by offering additional perks for clients who bring in multiple referrals. For example, after three successful referrals, they could receive a free minor service or a more significant discount. This gamifies the referral process and motivates clients to refer you to as many people as possible.
Don’t forget to make it easy for clients to refer you. Provide them with business cards, shareable links to your website or social media, and even pre-written email templates they can send to others. The simpler you make it for clients to refer your services, the more likely they are to do so.
To supercharge this strategy, ask your satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or social media.
Positive reviews act as a form of word-of-mouth marketing and build credibility with potential clients who may not know you yet. Combine online reviews with referral discounts, and you’ll have a lead generation system that works both in-person and online.
By offering referral discounts and maintaining strong customer relationships, you’ll turn happy clients into your best marketing assets, helping you generate more leads and grow your business.
Handymen: Fix Your Lead Problem Today Using These Tips To Get More Handyman Leads
One of the best parts about being a handyman is solving problems—and that applies to your business too.
But without customers you can’t solve problems.
These five strategies can help you get more leads, grow your brand, and secure more projects. Whether you're building a website or connecting with realtors, each tactic brings you one step closer to a thriving business.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Start implementing these tips today, and don’t forget to sign up for Handoff to automate your estimates and business operations with AI and free up more time for doing what you love!
