How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide) - Decking & Patio
For decking and patio professionals in New Zealand, attracting local clients without spending on ads is absolutely doable. By using smart, no-cost strategies tailored to Kiwi communities and the unique challenges of your trade, you can grow your business and build lasting trust. Here are 10 practical tips to help decking specialists get seen and booked locally.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Create a Google Business Profile
Claiming and optimising your Google Business Profile is crucial. It helps local clients find decking and patio services when they search for repairs, installations or renovations nearby.
Complete your profile with accurate contact details, working hours, and photos of your projects, such as new decking installations or patio upgrades in Wellington or Christchurch.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews-positive Google reviews influence Kiwi homeowners greatly when choosing specialists.
2. Get Listed on NZ Directory Sites
Directories like Builderscrack, Trade Me Services, NoCowboys, and Localist are trusted go-to platforms for many New Zealanders seeking decking and patio experts.
Set up free profiles to showcase your portfolio and collect customer testimonials, helping you stand out to locals.
These sites often act like digital foot traffic, driving enquiries to your business day and night.
3. Engage in Local Facebook Groups
Kiwi Facebook groups such as "Auckland Locals" or "Canterbury Buy/Sell/Trade" are hubs where homeowners often ask for decking recommendations.
Join the conversations by sharing useful decking tips or photos of recent projects, without overdoing the sales pitch.
Think of it as joining a friendly neighbourhood chat where credibility and trust are built naturally.
4. Use Neighbourly for Organic Reach
Neighbourly is a unique New Zealand platform connecting neighbours and fostering trusted local recommendations.
Share helpful advice on maintaining a deck or designing inviting patios to engage homeowners and build relationships over time.
This community-focused approach often generates genuine leads quietly but effectively.
5. Leverage Yada’s Job Platform
Yada connects specialists like you with local clients posting decking and patio jobs, without charging lead or success fees.
Respond to job alerts based on your rating and manage client communications through secure, private chats.
This mobile-friendly setting perfect for busy specialists helps you win more jobs hassle-free.
6. Turn Happy Clients Into Promoters
Ask for reviews on Google or permission to showcase testimonials after completing each decking job.
A satisfied client’s word is powerful across Kiwi communities, sparking referrals that cost you nothing.
Consider offering small referral incentives to motivate your clients to spread the word.
7. Build Relationships with Builders and Property Managers
Builders and property managers often need reliable decking and patio specialists for new builds, renovations, or rental maintenance.
Establishing relationships with them-such as in Christchurch property management circles-can bring you steady work without the marketing headache.
Sometimes, dropping by with your card or offering helpful advice opens doors to ongoing referrals.
8. Post Flyers on Community Noticeboards
Old-school flyers on noticeboards at New World supermarkets, libraries, and local cafes still work in many Kiwi communities.
Keep flyers clear and visually appealing with your services and contact info.
Many locals save flyers by taking photos, allowing your info to stay handy for when they need decking or patio work done.
9. Share Seasonal Decking Tips Online
Posting simple seasonal advice, like how to prepare your deck for wet Kiwi winters or maintain outdoor spaces, builds trust and engagement.
These posts keep you front of mind and demonstrate your expertise to local homeowners browsing Facebook or Instagram.
Focus on useful, non-salesy content that adds value to your audience.
10. Follow Up for Repeat Work
Check in with past clients to offer maintenance reminders or upgrades, such as decking sealant reapplications or patio lighting installations.
This personal approach keeps your name fresh and often generates repeat bookings and referrals.
Many decking pros miss this easy but effective step in customer care.