10 Ways to Find Clients for Painting & Decorating Professionals in New Zealand
Growing your painting and decorating business in New Zealand takes more than just great skills. It’s about being visible where local homeowners and builders look when they need trusted specialists. These ten practical, Kiwi-focused strategies are designed to help you attract and keep clients in your community.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a free and powerful tool that helps you show up in local searches like 'painter near me Auckland' or 'decorator Wellington.'
Fill out your profile completely with service descriptions, client photos, and business hours. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews because word-of-mouth matters deeply in NZ.
This profile acts as your online storefront, visible 24/7.
2. Use Yada for Local Leads
Yada is a growing New Zealand platform where you can find local painting and decorating jobs without paying lead or commission fees.
Respond to job requests and chat directly with clients via Yada’s mobile-friendly app, keeping communication clear and efficient.
Many Kiwi decorators use Yada to build a steady stream of reliable clients.
3. Partner with Builders and Renovators
Building good relationships with builders and renovation specialists provides steady referral work, especially in cities like Christchurch and Tauranga, where construction is booming.
These industry connections become your trusted source for client leads.
Weirdly enough, much of your best business will come from these networks rather than advertising campaigns.
4. Advertise on Online Marketplaces
TradeMe, local Facebook groups, and classified ads are places Kiwis look for painting and decorating services.
Create clear, honest listings with photos, pricing, and customer reviews to attract serious inquiries.
Keep your adverts fresh and responsive to maintain visibility.
5. Showcase Client Testimonials
Sharing authentic testimonials and project before-and-after photos builds credibility in your target market.
Post these on your website and social media channels to reassure potential clients of your quality and reliability.
In New Zealand, genuine word-of-mouth is often more persuasive than traditional ads.
6. Maintain an Active Social Media Presence
Share tips, finished projects, and client shoutouts regularly on Facebook and Instagram using hashtags like #KiwiPainter or #NZDecorating.
Engaging in local groups without pushing sales builds trust and community presence.
These interactions encourage referrals and grow your organic following.
7. Build a Mobile-Optimised Website
Your website should clearly communicate your services, display client reviews, and offer easy contact or booking options, optimised for mobile devices.
Adding blog posts about painting tips and decorating trends relevant to NZ homes boosts SEO and client confidence.
Consider your website as the always-available face of your business.
8. Offer First-Time and Referral Discounts
Welcoming new clients with discounts or rewarding referrals encourages trials and repeat business.
Clearly explain the discount terms to set expectations and build trust.
This approach works well across NZ’s competitive markets, including Auckland and Wellington.
9. Participate in Local Events and Trade Shows
Attend home and garden shows, builder expos, and community fairs to showcase your skills directly to potential customers.
Events in regions like Hamilton or Nelson are excellent for networking and branding.
Many successful NZ painting businesses rely on community engagement and event presence for steady growth.
10. Use Flyers and Community Noticeboards
Distribute simple, visually appealing flyers in supermarkets, libraries, and community centres in your target areas.
This traditional marketing complements your digital efforts and reaches those less active online.
Keep messaging clear, with your services, contact details, and a catchy call to action.