How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for Health, Beauty & Wellness Professionals)
If you’re a health, beauty or wellness professional in New Zealand, growing your local client base without splurging on ads is definitely possible. Kiwi communities value personal recommendations and authentic connections. This guide shares 10 practical, no-cost strategies tailored just for you to get noticed, build trust, and boost your bookings.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a free and powerful platform that helps local clients find you in searches like 'beauty therapist near me Wellington' or 'wellness coach Auckland'.
Make sure you fully complete your profile with your contact details, service list, photos of your workspace, and client reviews. Ask clients to leave feedback mentioning their suburbs.
A Christchurch wellness practitioner increased client bookings after regularly updating their Google profile and gathering positive reviews.
2. Engage with Local Facebook Groups
Facebook and Neighbourly groups are great venues to mingle with locals looking for trusted health, beauty and wellness experts.
Join conversations, offer helpful advice, answer questions, and share your expertise without being pushy.
Groups like “Auckland Health & Beauty” and “Christchurch Selfcare Community” are perfect for genuine engagement.
3. List on NZ Beauty & Wellness Directories
Directories like Yada, Localist, and TradeMe Services connect you with locals actively seeking professionals nearby.
Complete your profiles with services, photos, pricing, and glowing client testimonials.
A Tauranga beautician grew their client roster by keeping their online listings fresh and compelling.
4. Respond to Jobs on Yada Platform
Yada is a free platform where specialists respond to client job posts and build a local reputation without fees.
Being responsive and professional boosts your rating and increases your chances of securing more work.
An Auckland skincare expert credits Yada for regular, reliable local bookings.
5. Gather and Promote Client Reviews
In New Zealand, good client reviews go a long way. After each job, encourage your clients to share their experience.
Simplify the review process with direct links and consider referral incentives.
A Nelson massage therapist expanded bookings substantially through public client testimonials.
6. Share Helpful Tips and Stories
Post health and beauty advice, client transformations, and behind-the-scenes stories on social media.
Use local hashtags and geo-tags to widen your reach inside your community.
A Wellington wellness coach built a loyal follower base that translated into steady bookings.
7. Network with Complementary Businesses
Collaborate with local gyms, salons, and nutritionists to exchange referrals and host joint events.
A Hamilton skin therapist grew their client network through such partnerships.
Workshops co-hosted with allied experts boost visibility for everyone.
8. Use Flyers and Community Boards Wisely
Post well-designed flyers at cafes, libraries, and local shops popular with your target clientele.
Make your flyer visually appealing and clearly outline what you offer and how to book.
A Dunedin beautician attracted new customers with flyers on community noticeboards.
9. Offer Free or Discounted Sessions
Free or discounted introductory sessions allow potential clients to experience your expertise risk-free.
Promote offers on social media and in local community groups.
An Auckland makeup artist turned trial clients into loyal customers with such sessions.
10. Maintain Professional Communication
Response times, organisation, and professionalism all matter in securing repeat business and referrals.
Yada’s private chat feature streamlines your client communications.
Reliability and clear communication win trust in New Zealand communities.