10 Ways to Find Clients (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
Finding new clients is one of the biggest challenges for service specialists - whether you’re a handyman, cleaner, tutor, beauty professional, or any type of local expert.
The good news? There are plenty of simple, effective ways to get more work without spending a fortune or chasing people one by one.
Here are 10 proven ways to find clients and grow your business.
1. List Your Services on Local Platforms
Clients prefer easy, fast ways to find someone who can help - which is why platforms like Yada work so well.
You receive job notifications for your area, and clients can contact you directly.
Tip: A complete profile with photos gets more responses.
2. Ask Happy Clients for Reviews
Word-of-mouth is still the strongest form of marketing. A good review builds instant trust.
How to do it: After completing a job, send a simple message: “Glad you liked the result! If you have a moment, a quick review would really help my small business.”
3. Stay Active in Local Facebook Groups
People constantly post asking for recommendations - it’s free advertising if you respond professionally and quickly.
Make sure to include:
- What you do
- Location
- A link to your Yada profile or website
- One or two photos of your work
4. Build a Simple Online Presence
You don’t need a fancy website - even a clean profile on Yada, Instagram, or Facebook can make you look more trustworthy.
Post examples of your work, client feedback, and useful tips. Consistency beats perfection.
5. Network With Other Specialists
You don’t have to talk much - just connect strategically.
Painters often recommend plasterers. Plumbers recommend builders. Cleaners recommend handymen.
Create a small network of specialists you trust, and refer each other jobs.
6. Offer a Small “First-Time Client” Deal
A discount for new customers can help you stand out from the crowd and get faster bookings.
Examples:
- 10% off the first cleaning
- Free quote + small repair
- First brow shape or massage at a reduced rate
Once they try your service and love it, they come back at full price.
7. Show Before-and-After Photos
People love visual proof. For many services, images sell better than words.
Great for:
- Beauty
- Cleaning
- Painting
- Landscaping
- Repairs
- Furniture assembly
Photos show quality and make clients feel confident reaching out.
8. Stay Consistent With Your Communication
You don’t lose clients because you’re not good - you lose them because you’re not visible.
A short post every few days keeps you in people’s minds. Consistency creates trust, even before the first job.
9. Make It Easy for Clients to Contact You
Many specialists accidentally lose clients because they make communication difficult.
Fix it:
- Reply quickly
- Keep your phone number visible
- Add clickable links
- Offer simple options (call, text, message on Yada)
The easier it is, the more people will reach out.
10. Follow Up With Past Clients
The easiest clients to win are the ones who already know you.
Send a friendly follow-up like: “Hi! I hope everything is going well with the job I did for you. If you need anything else, I’m always happy to help.”
A simple check-in often leads to another booking.
Finding clients isn’t about working harder - it’s about working smarter.
Use multiple channels, stay visible, offer great service, and build long-term trust. Over time, these small steps create a steady flow of clients who choose you again and again.
If you want to get more job opportunities without chasing clients, join Yada - a platform designed to help Kiwis connect with reliable local specialists.