How to market my Handyman Business

Marketing a handyman business requires a mix of smart strategies that can help you connect with your potential customers both online and offline. From making sure your business pops up in local searches to building strong relationships in your community, each step is important. 

Let’s dive deeper into this guide and learn more about how to manage your handyman business effectively. 

TLDR: Strategies to market your handyman business

• Find out where your customers are present for your handyman business. Be it online, social media, via word of mouth, or offline methods. 
• Get found easily by optimizing your online presence, social media, offline marketing channels. 
• Make the most out of online listings to get more visibility on listing platforms 
• Ways to optimize your website and making it easier for your potential customers to contact you
• Online marketing strategies that will help you get noticed publicly. 
• Partner with local businesses and sponsor community events to get the word out about your handyman business.
• How building strong customer relationships helps your business
• Encouraging referrals and making the most out of them 
• List of local handyman businesses that are doing it right 
• Marketing tools that can help your business get to the next level

Find Out Where Your Customers Are Present

Before jumping into marketing, it’s important to figure out where your customers are looking for handyman services. Some might prefer searching online, while others might ask friends or family for recommendations. Understanding where your customers are most likely to find services like yours will help you focus your efforts in the right places. Let’s look at a few common ways people discover handyman services.

‍

1. Online Searches

Most people now start their search for services like a handyman on the internet. This could be on Google, local listing sites like Yelp or Angi, or even specialized platforms like Thumbtack. By knowing where people are searching online, you can make sure your business is visible on these platforms.

• Customers often search with their location included (like “handyman in [city]”). Make sure your business shows up in those local search results.
• Review sites are important too. Many people trust reviews, so being listed on these sites helps you build trust and attract more customers.

2. Social Media

Social media is another way people find services. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for not just promoting your services, but also connecting with potential customers. You can share your work, answer questions, or even run ads to reach people in your area.

• Social media helps you build trust with potential customers. Sharing tips or showing off your work can get people to remember you.
• Ads on Facebook or Instagram can be a good way to reach the right people based on location and interests.

3. Word-of-Mouth

Even though people search online a lot, word-of-mouth is still a big deal. Many customers trust recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors when picking a handyman.

• Ask happy customers to spread the word. You can offer discounts or rewards for referrals.
• Get involved in your local community. Whether it’s joining neighborhood groups or attending local events, networking can lead to more referrals.

4. Offline Methods

Some people still prefer traditional methods like flyers, local newspaper ads, or posting on community bulletin boards. These methods can still work, especially for people who aren't as active online.

• Flyers work well in neighborhoods, especially when placed in busy areas like cafes or stores.
• Community boards in places like libraries or local shops are often overlooked but can be a great way to get local exposure.

5. Combining Online and Offline

The best strategy is often a mix of online and offline methods. For example, you could run an online ad campaign and also hand out flyers in the same neighborhood. This way, you’re reaching your audience in multiple ways.

• Track where your customers are coming from. Ask them how they found your business to see what’s working best.
• Using both online and offline methods increases your chances of being seen by people who prefer different ways of finding services.

Get Found Online with Local Listings

The first step in getting more customers is making sure your business shows up when people search for handyman services nearby. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Google My Business Listing

Google My Business is one of the most important tools for getting seen locally. When you claim your listing, you can control what potential customers see when they search for your services. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are all accurate. This helps you show up in Google search results and Google Maps, so people can easily find and contact you.

2. Create Listings 

While Google My Business is a must, don’t stop there. You should also create listings on other popular directories like Yelp, Bing Places, and Angie's List. These sites help customers find your business online and make it easier for them to reach out. Plus, being listed on multiple sites can boost your visibility and credibility.

3. Ensure Consistency 

One of the most important things to remember is consistency. Your business name, address, and phone number (often called NAP) should be the same across all your listings. If there’s a difference in how your info appears on different platforms, it can confuse potential customers and hurt your local search rankings. Keeping everything consistent helps improve your local SEO and makes it easier for people to find you.

4. Use the Right Keywords 

Think about the words and phrases your customers might use when they search for handyman services. For example, terms like “emergency handyman services” or “home repair near me” are likely to be searched by people needing immediate help. Use these types of keywords in your business description and service offerings to make sure you show up when people are looking for services like yours.

Optimize your website

Your website is often the first place potential customers will go to learn more about your handyman services. You want to make sure it’s easy to find, easy to use, and gives visitors all the information they need. Here’s how to make sure your website is working for you:

1. Keyword Research

Start by figuring out which words and phrases your potential customers are using when they search for handyman services. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms. For example, people might be searching for “affordable handyman services” or “emergency home repair.” Knowing the right keywords helps you create content that matches what people are searching for, so your website shows up in search results.

2. Website Content

Once you know the right keywords, make sure they’re included in the right places on your website. This includes your page titles, meta descriptions, and headings. These are the areas that search engines like Google look at when deciding what your website is about. For example, if you offer plumbing services, make sure to include terms like “plumbing handyman services” in your headings or descriptions. This helps search engines understand your services and helps you rank better.

3. Mobile-Friendly

More and more people use their phones to search for services, so your website must work well on mobile devices. A mobile-friendly website adjusts to fit the size of the screen, making it easy for visitors to navigate. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, visitors might leave quickly, and you could lose potential customers. Also, make sure your site loads quickly, no one likes waiting for slow pages to load!

4. High-Quality Images and Videos

Show off your work by including photos and videos of the projects you’ve completed. High-quality images of your work can help people feel confident about choosing your services. You can also include client testimonials in video form or written reviews, which can build trust with potential customers. People want to see that you’ve done great work before and that others are happy with it.

5. Easy for Visitors to Contact You

The goal of your website is to get people to take action. Make it easy for them to contact you by adding clear calls to action (CTAs) on every page. For example, include buttons like “Get a Free Quote” or “Request a Service” so visitors know exactly what to do next. These CTAs should be easy to find and encourage visitors to reach out without any hassle.

Online Marketing 

1. Social Media

Show Off Your Work

People love seeing tangible results, especially when it comes to services like handyman work. Sharing before-and-after photos of your projects is a great way to showcase the quality of your work. It gives potential customers a clear idea of what they can expect if they hire you.

For instance, if you’ve recently installed a new set of kitchen cabinets or fixed a leaking pipe, share a side-by-side comparison of the area before and after your work. These images offer visual proof of your expertise and can help potential clients envision how you could improve their spaces.

Additionally, you can create a gallery of your completed projects and update it regularly. Over time, this collection will build a reputation for your attention to detail and craftsmanship, making your services more appealing to those considering hiring you.

Post Customer Testimonials

Trust is a huge factor when people are looking for services like yours. One of the best ways to build that trust is by sharing positive customer testimonials. If a customer had a great experience with you, ask them if they’d be willing to provide a review or testimonial that you can share on your social media platforms.

You can post these testimonials in a few different formats:

• Written Testimonials: Share a screenshot or a text post highlighting what your client appreciated about your work.
• Video Testimonials: If possible, ask your customers if they’d be willing to record a short video sharing their experience. Video testimonials add a personal touch that can make the feedback feel more authentic and relatable.

When potential clients see that others have had great experiences with you, it builds confidence in your abilities and your reliability.

2. Run Facebook Ads

Running Facebook ads is a fantastic way to target specific groups of people who are most likely to need your services. Rather than relying on organic reach alone, which can be unpredictable, paid ads allow you to push your message to exactly the right audience.

Here’s how to get the best results with Facebook ads:

• Target Homeowners, Renters, and Pet Owners: You can create highly targeted ads that are shown to people based on factors like location, homeownership status, and even pet ownership. This way, you’re reaching those who might need your services, whether it's for home repairs or pet-related projects.
• Use Detailed Ad Copy: Make sure the copy in your ads speaks directly to the pain points of your audience. For example, “Need plumbing repairs now? Get a quick fix with local, trusted handyman services” speaks to someone who needs an urgent service.
• Set Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Each ad should have a clear and compelling CTA, like “Get a Free Quote” or “Book Your Service Now.” This directs the person viewing your ad to take the next step toward hiring you.

By running ads, you can reach a wider audience beyond your immediate followers, and you can specifically target those who are most likely to convert into paying customers.

3. Use Geotags and Local Hashtags

If you serve a specific area, make sure to use geotags and local hashtags in your posts. Geotags are the location tags that you can add to your Instagram or Facebook posts, letting people know where you’re operating. For example, if you’re working in a particular neighborhood or city, tag that location in your post to ensure that people nearby can easily find you.

Local hashtags like #[City]Handyman, #BestHandymanIn[City], or #HomeRepairsIn[City] help increase the visibility of your posts among people in your service area. These hashtags make it easier for people who are searching for specific handyman services in your location to find your work.

Hashtags are a great way to make sure your content reaches the right audience. When people search for or follow specific location-based hashtags, they’ll come across your posts, which increases your chances of connecting with local customers.

By using geotags and local hashtags, you're telling both social media platforms and potential customers where you’re based, making it easier for them to connect with you when they need services nearby.

Offline Marketing

1. Local Partnerships and Sponsorships

Getting involved in your local community is a great way to increase your business’s visibility and build trust. People are more likely to hire a handyman they feel connected to, and local partnerships and sponsorships can help make that happen. Here’s how you can make the most of these opportunities:

Partner with Local Businesses

Look for businesses that naturally align with your services. For example:

• Real Estate Agents - Partner with them to offer handyman services to new homeowners who may need quick fixes or upgrades.
• Property Managers - They often need reliable handymen for routine maintenance or tenant repairs.
• Local Pet Stores - They might know pet owners needing help with projects like pet-proofing homes or installing pet doors.

These partnerships create a win-win situation. They get a trusted service provider for their clients, and you get steady referrals from people who already trust these businesses.

Sponsor Community Events

Sponsoring a local event or sports team is a great way to get your business noticed while showing your support for the community. 

• Sponsor a youth soccer team and have your business name and logo printed on their jerseys.
• Contribute to a charity run or a school fundraiser.

Your name will be seen by everyone attending these events, and it leaves a lasting impression that you’re invested in the local community, not just as a business, but as a neighbor.

Distribute Flyers or Door Hangers

Sometimes, the simplest strategies work the best. Flyers and door hangers are a direct way to reach people in your area. You can design them to include:

• A clear list of services you offer.
• Your contact information.
• A QR code links to your website or booking page, making it easy for people to get in touch.

Distributing these in neighborhoods you serve ensures your message lands in the hands of potential customers who may need your services now or in the future.

Building Customer Relationships

Happy customers are the backbone of a thriving business. They not only keep coming back but also spread the word about your services, bringing you new clients. Building and maintaining these relationships doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency and care. Here’s how you can keep your customers happy and engaged:

1. Email Marketing

Email is a simple yet powerful way to stay connected with your customers. It’s not just about promoting your services but showing that you genuinely care about helping them maintain their homes. Here are a few ideas:

• Seasonal Tips: Share helpful advice, like “How to Winterize Your Home” or “5 Summer Maintenance Must-Dos.” These emails position you as a trusted expert while giving customers valuable information.
• Friendly Reminders: Send out occasional reminders about regular upkeep tasks, such as scheduling a gutter cleaning before the rainy season or checking the HVAC system before winter hits.

These small touches keep your business top of mind and show that you’re proactive about helping customers maintain their homes, not just when they call you.

2. Engage on Social Media

Social media isn’t just for reaching new customers; it’s a great way to stay connected with your existing ones. Being active and approachable online helps reinforce trust and keeps your audience engaged.

• Post quick fixes or DIY maintenance advice for common household issues. This positions you as a helpful resource while subtly reminding them of your expertise for bigger projects.
• Whether it’s a question in the comments or a direct message, timely responses show that you’re attentive and approachable.
• Share updates, celebrate milestones (like completing 100 jobs!), and even highlight positive customer stories.

When customers see you engaging authentically, they’re more likely to think of you when they need help and recommend you to others.

3. Offer Loyalty Programs or Discounts

Rewarding your loyal customers is one of the easiest ways to keep them coming back. A little recognition goes a long way in making them feel valued.

• Discounts: Offer a small percentage off their next service after a job well done.
• Loyalty Cards: Create a program where customers get a free or discounted service after a set number of jobs, like, “Get your 5th job at 50% off!”

These gestures not only encourage repeat business but also make customers feel appreciated, which strengthens your relationship with them.

Encourage Referrals 

Referrals are the lifeblood of small businesses, especially in the handyman industry. A personal recommendation from a happy customer carries more weight than any ad ever could. To make referrals work for you, focus on two things: making it easy and making it rewarding.

1. Create a Referral Program

A referral program is a simple way to encourage your customers to spread the word. Here’s how you can set it up:

• Reward both the person referring and the new customer. For example, “Refer a friend and get $10 off your next service. They’ll get $10 off too!” This approach benefits everyone and encourages participation.
• Don’t overcomplicate things. Make sure the process is easy for your customers to understand and use.

2. Promote Your Referral Program

Even the best referral program won’t work if no one knows about it. Make sure to actively share it across multiple channels:

• After completing a job, thank your customer for their business and mention your referral program. Add a direct link or clear instructions to make participation effortless.
• Regularly share posts about your referral program, explaining how it works and what customers can gain from it.
• Dedicate a section of your website to your referral program. Make it prominent and easy to find.

The more visibility your program gets, the more likely it is to drive referrals.

3. Show Appreciation

When someone takes the time to refer a new customer to you, don’t let it go unnoticed. A simple “thank you” can go a long way toward building loyalty.

• Send a quick email or even a handwritten note to thank them for their referral.
• Surprise them with an unexpected discount or a free add-on service as a token of your gratitude.

By showing your appreciation, you not only strengthen your relationship with the referring customer but also encourage them to refer you again in the future.

Directories

Being listed in various online directories is crucial for handyman businesses to establish an authoritative online presence, attract local clients, and improve search engine rankings. Directories serve as digital hubs where customers actively search for home services. 

Accurate and consistent listings make it easier for potential clients to find your business, trust your credibility, and contact you quickly. Directories also increase your chances of appearing in localized search results, which is especially important for businesses targeting specific service areas.

Here are some directories handyman businesses should not miss out on:

• Google Business Profile - This is a must-have. It helps your business show up in local Google searches and on Google Maps. You can list your services, share photos of your work, and even respond to reviews, all of which make you more discoverable and trustworthy.
• Yelp - A popular platform where people search for local services. Listing here lets you showcase customer reviews, share photos, and provide detailed info about your business to build trust with potential clients.
• Bing Places for Business - If your audience uses Bing, this directory is your gateway to reaching them. It’s similar to Google Business Profile but caters to Bing-powered searches, ensuring you’re visible to a broader audience.
• Angi (formerly Angie’s List) - Known for its focus on trusted reviews, Angi connects you with homeowners who value verified feedback. It’s great for building a reputation as a reliable service provider.
• HomeAdvisor - This platform is all about generating leads. Homeowners looking for specific services can find and contact you directly, plus you get to showcase your reviews and certifications.
• Thumbtack - Thumbtack matches you with customers looking for the exact services you provide. It’s like a personalized matchmaking service for local professionals and clients.
• Nextdoor -  A neighborhood-focused platform where you can connect with locals directly. It’s perfect for small handyman businesses looking to build trust and get word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Houzz - If you want to showcase your expertise, Houzz is a great choice. It focuses on home improvement and design, letting you share project galleries and reviews to attract homeowners.
• Facebook Business Pages - More than just a social media platform, Facebook lets you post updates, collect reviews, and interact with customers through messages. It’s a simple way to stay engaged with your audience.
• Porch -  Porch directly connects you with homeowners looking for handyman services. It’s a straightforward way to get verified leads from people ready to hire.
• TaskRabbit - Perfect for quick jobs, TaskRabbit links you with people who need tasks done immediately. It’s ideal for filling your schedule with small, manageable tasks.

Local Handyman businesses that are doing it right

1. Flip Flop Handyman 

Flip Flop Handyman, a business based in Corpus Christi, TX, faced the challenge of growing its customer base while staying on top of its daily work. They realized that relying only on word-of-mouth wasn’t enough to scale quickly. They teamed up with YellowFin Digital to improve their online presence and overcome this. They built a professional website, optimized their Google My Business profile, and ran targeted PPC ads to attract more customers. This helped them reach a wider audience and grow their business faster.

Outcome:

• CPC stayed low at $11.21, making ad spending efficient.
• The conversion rate hit 18%, bringing in high-quality leads.
• First-year sales exceeded $500k, showing strong growth.
• ROI hit 1439%, proving a big return on investment.
• The business grew quickly, adding 5 new employees to handle the increased workload.

2. HGB Construction

HGB Construction, a handyman service based in Edmonton, faced challenges in a competitive market, struggling with limited online visibility. They needed an online presence to compete and grow, but their existing website wasn’t optimized for local SEO or mobile users. By working with Digital Shift, they implemented a comprehensive local SEO strategy, including improving their website’s user experience and optimizing content for search engines. This overhaul led to increased service calls and website traffic, significantly boosting their business and enabling them to expand their staff.

Outcome:

• 269% increase in phone calls year-over-year
• 101% increase in organic traffic
• 233+ quality backlinks earned

Tools that can help

1. Synup

Synup helps handyman businesses get noticed locally by simplifying their online presence. From keeping your business details accurate across platforms to managing reviews and improving your local search rankings, it’s all about making sure homeowners can find you when they need you most. Synup also offers tools to keep your social media active and provides actionable insights to help you grow. With everything in one place, it’s a straightforward way to save time, manage your reputation, and land more jobs in your local area.

Features:

• Keep your details accurate and consistent across platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook, so local homeowners can find and reach you without any hassle.
• Stay on top of your reviews, respond quickly, and build trust with potential clients who value great feedback.

• Understand how you're ranking in searches, see what’s driving traffic, and tweak things to show up more often where it matters.
• Plan and post updates on your social accounts, keeping your local audience engaged and in the loop.
• Get clear, simple reports that show how you’re doing and where you can improve.
• Easily connect Synup with the other tools you already use, making your workflow smoother.

‍

1. HomeAdvisor

HomeAdvisor is an online platform that connects homeowners with trusted local service professionals, including handyman businesses. By creating a profile, handyman businesses can generate leads from people actively seeking their services. The platform offers features like job matching, customer reviews, and marketing tools to help increase visibility. HomeAdvisor is a great way to attract local customers and build a strong reputation in your area. With its focus on connecting professionals with homeowners, it provides a steady stream of potential clients for handyman businesses looking to grow.

Features:

• Directs homeowners looking for handyman services to your profile.
• Build trust by gathering ratings and reviews from satisfied clients.
• Get matched with people in need of specific handyman services.
• Tools to help promote your business and attract more local customers.
• Focuses on connecting you with customers in your area for better visibility.

3. NextdoorNextdoor is a neighborhood-based social platform that connects people within local communities. It’s a great tool for handymen to engage directly with homeowners in their area, advertise their services, and get referrals from trusted neighbors. By being active on Nextdoor, handymen can create a reputation within their community, which can lead to more job opportunities and local clientele.

Features: 

• Handymen can interact with people in their immediate area, increasing visibility within a highly relevant market.
• Neighbors can recommend your services to others, making it a powerful tool for gaining trust and building a customer base.
• Promote your handyman business directly to local homeowners looking for services, without the need for large-scale marketing campaigns.
• Through positive interactions and word-of-mouth, handymen can establish a strong local reputation, making it easier to gain new customers in the community.

4. Handyman Startup

Handyman Startup is a website created by Dan Perry to help people start and grow their own handyman business. It’s packed with simple, practical tips on things like pricing your work, getting clients, and marketing your services. Whether you’re just starting out or want to take your handyman business to the next level, you’ll find helpful guides, podcasts, and courses to make the process easier.5. Remodelers Community - Facebook

This private Facebook group is a vibrant space for remodelers, handymen, and contractors to connect, share experiences, and collaborate. It’s ideal for professionals looking to exchange tips, solve industry-specific challenges, and learn from peers in the field. Members often share advice on pricing, project management, and client handling while discussing the latest tools and techniques.The community also serves as a hub for networking, where professionals can find potential collaborators or subcontractors for larger projects. Additionally, group discussions frequently touch on marketing strategies, legal considerations, and ways to improve productivity.Benefits:

• Real-world advice from industry professionals.
• Insight into handling challenges like difficult clients, pricing, and scaling operations.
• Networking opportunities with peers and potential collaborators.
• A supportive and interactive platform for knowledge sharing.

To join, you'll typically need to request access and answer a few questions to confirm you’re in the trade. Final ThoughtsMarketing your handyman business doesn’t have to be a lot of work. Focus on local SEO, keep your online presence active with tools like Google My Business and social media, and make sure your services are easy to find. Word of mouth still works wonders, so ask for reviews and referrals from happy customers. With the right mix of online and offline strategies, you’ll be able to attract more clients and grow your business over time.

‍

‍

How to market my Handyman Business - FAQs

‍How to get more customers for handyman business?‍

Focus on local SEO, claim your business on platforms like Google My Business, and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Networking in local communities, joining online directories, and offering referral incentives can also help attract more clients.

‍What do most handymen charge per hour?‍

Handymen typically charge between £30 to £60 per hour in the UK, depending on the region and the complexity of the job. Rates can vary based on experience, qualifications, and whether the work is urgent.

‍Where to advertise handyman services in the UK?‍

Advertise on local listing sites like Yell, Checkatrade, and MyBuilder. Also, leverage social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and get involved in local community groups or apps like Nextdoor to promote your services.

‍What is the best social media for handyman business?‍

Facebook and Instagram are great platforms for handyman businesses. Facebook allows you to engage with local communities, while Instagram is ideal for showcasing before-and-after photos of your work, helping build trust with potential customers.

‍