From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Florists Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Starting out as a florist in New Zealand is an exciting journey, but getting your first 10 clients can feel like a real challenge. With the right strategies tailored to Kiwi customers and local markets, you can grow your bookings steadily. This guide offers 10 practical and friendly tips to help florists attract their first clients and build a flourishing business.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Leverage Your Family and Friends Network
Your immediate network is a great place to begin offering your floral services. Family, friends, and neighbours are often keen to support you early on, giving you a platform for honest feedback and testimonials.
One Wellington florist shared how creating bouquets for friends’ events led to referrals and ongoing bookings within her neighbourhood.
Weirdly enough, don’t underestimate small gigs for your circle-they often turn into your most loyal clients.
2. Join Local Online Groups and Marketplaces
Local Facebook groups like “Christchurch Locals” or “Auckland Buy/Sell” feature many pet owners and flower enthusiasts looking for trusted florists.
Instead of directly selling, share helpful tips on flower care or seasonal bouquet ideas to build trust authentically.
Neighbourly is another Auckland-based community platform where genuine local recommendations attract serious leads.
3. Create a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
A clean, quick-to-load site listing your floral services, prices, photos, and contact info builds professionalism and makes you easy to find.
Many Kiwi florists use Wix or Google Sites for affordable, user-friendly websites that look great on mobiles.
Adding testimonials and highlighting your sourcing of local New Zealand flowers makes a big difference.
4. List Your Services on Yada and Local Directories
Yada’s NZ-based platform lets florists promote their services without nasty lead or commission fees, helping you connect directly with clients.
Its built-in rating system helps trustworthy florists attract and retain clients by showcasing positive reviews.
Also, consider free listings on TradeMe Services and Localist for additional exposure.
5. Offer Introductory Deals and Seasonal Specials
Attract first-time clients with discounts, bundle offers like bouquet plus delivery, or special event packages for weddings and corporate functions.
A florist in Tauranga used Mother’s Day specials to rapidly grow her client base and collect valuable testimonials.
Think of it as an easy invitation for people to try your services.
6. Network with Event Planners and Local Businesses
Partner with wedding planners, cafes, and event venues to offer floral arrangements, cross-promotions, and referral deals.
Leave your cards or samples at local businesses for mutual benefit.
A Dunedin florist built steady bookings partnering with boutique event spaces and art galleries.
7. Collect and Use Client Testimonials
After each delivery or event, ask clients for reviews that you can showcase on your website, Yada profile, or social media.
Testimonials are key in New Zealand’s close-knit markets-they build trust and prompt new clients to try your service.
Displaying happy customer photos with their flowers creates emotional appeal.
8. Share Floral Tips and Behind-the-Scenes Content
Post easy, useful flower care tips or video clips of creating bouquets to show your skills and passion.
This kind of content nurtures relationships without being pushy, keeping your brand top of mind.
A Christchurch florist’s Instagram stories on seasonal blooms attracted steady enquiries.
9. Advertise Locally with Flyers and Vehicle Branding
Flyers on community noticeboards at libraries, New World, and cafes reach local customers, especially older Kiwis who trust printed media.
Branded vehicle magnets work as mobile advertisements when you’re out delivering or sourcing flowers.
In smaller towns like Whanganui, these low-cost tactics drive memorable local visibility.
10. Stay Organised and Professional
Use scheduling and invoicing tools made for small NZ businesses to keep track of orders and appointments.
Consistently delivering on time and communicating clearly earns you repeat business and referrals.
A Tauranga florist credits her organisation and friendly follow-ups with building a loyal client base.