From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Painting & Decorating Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting out as a painting and decorating specialist in New Zealand can be challenging when you’re aiming to book your first 10 clients. With practical, friendly strategies tailored to Kiwi communities, you can build trust, showcase your skills, and grow your bookings steadily. This guide offers 10 actionable tips specifically for painting and decorating professionals looking to thrive locally.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Leverage Your Personal Network

Your first clients often come from friends, family, and neighbours. Offering discounted or sample painting jobs helps build early trust and generate word-of-mouth referrals.

A Christchurch painter started by working for local contacts and quickly grew his client base through referrals.

Weirdly enough, these personal connections usually become steady, loyal clients.

2. Join Local Facebook Groups

Groups such as “Auckland Home Decor” or “Wellington DIY” are filled with locals looking for trusted painting specialists.

Share transformation photos, maintenance tips, and client feedback without being pushy.

Neighbourly also offers a great space for more thoughtful, community-driven referrals.

3. Build a Mobile-Friendly Website

An easy-to-navigate website showcasing your services, gallery, pricing, and testimonials builds professionalism.

Platforms like Wix or Squarespace make affordable, user-friendly site creation simple.

Including New Zealand-specific styling trends or weather-related advice connects you to local clients.

4. List on Yada and Local Directories

Yada helps connect you with local clients for free, without any hidden success or lead fees.

Its rating system helps quality specialists rise to the top and build a trusted reputation.

5. Offer Introductory Specials

Attract new clients by offering introductory discounts on rooms, trims, or small projects.

A Tauranga decorator increased early bookings with seasonal offers and referral incentives.

Think of these offers as a friendly way to let clients experience your skill risk-free.

6. Network with Builders and Renovators

Develop relationships with local builders, renovators, and real estate agents for consistent referrals.

Participate in trade shows and local networking events to build your presence.

In smaller centres like Nelson, these partnerships often drive the bulk of your work.

7. Collect and Promote Testimonials

Positive testimonials build trust. Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews and showcase them.

Kiwis rely heavily on peer recommendations when choosing service providers.

A Christchurch painter credits client feedback as a major factor in growing their schedule.

8. Share Painting Tips and Ideas

Post simple maintenance advice, styling ideas, and before-and-after stories to engage your audience.

This helps position you as a go-to expert while gently nurturing leads.

An Auckland painter grew a loyal following through authentic, helpful social posts.

9. Advertise Both Online and Offline

Leave flyers and business cards in local hardware stores, cafes, and community boards.

Combine this with targeted digital ads on Facebook and Google for wider reach.

This mix suits both tech-savvy and traditional Kiwi clients across urban and rural areas.

10. Stay Professional and Organised

Use scheduling and invoicing tools to manage appointments efficiently and professionally.

Prompt, clear communication turns first-time clients into loyal customers.

A Tauranga decorator attributes much success to excellent organisation and communication.