How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide) - Drywall & Plastering
For drywall and plastering specialists in New Zealand, building a steady stream of local clients doesn't have to cost you big bucks on advertising. With the right no-cost strategies focused on building trust and showcasing your skills, you can grow your business sustainably. Here’s a friendly, practical guide with 10 tips tailored to help you get found and booked in Kiwi communities.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Claim Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is a free, powerful tool to help local clients find your drywall and plastering services. Fill it out with detailed descriptions of your services, business hours, contact info, and crisp photos of your work like smooth plaster finishes or drywall installations.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews-Kiwis love reading real feedback before inviting tradespeople into their homes.
This profile improves your chances of showing up when clients search "drywall repair near me" or "plasterer Christchurch."
2. List on NZ Contractor Directories
Get your business on popular directories like Builderscrack, Trade Me Services, and NoCowboys. These sites are go-to places for New Zealand homeowners and builders needing drywall or plastering experts.
Compliment your listings with photos of your best projects and testimonials from happy clients to stand out.
These platforms generate ongoing enquiries from people actively searching in your area.
3. Participate in Local Facebook Groups
Facebook groups such as "Wellington Homeowners" or "Auckland Community" often have locals requesting trades recommendations, including drywall and plastering services.
Offer useful advice on patching holes or choosing plaster finishes and share before-and-after project photos where possible, without being pushy.
Engaging authentically here fosters trust and can lead to referrals and jobs.
4. Engage with Neighbourly Communities
Neighbourly is a uniquely Kiwi social platform where neighbours ask for trusted trades and advice on home improvements.
Posting helpful drywall tips or explanations about plastering processes can position you as a helpful local professional.
Consistency in contributions here gradually builds trust and local recognition.
5. Use Yada to Find Job Leads
Yada is a New Zealand platform connecting drywall and plastering specialists with clients posting jobs. It’s free to use with no lead or success fees.
Respond to jobs based on your rating and communicate directly with clients to provide quotes and clarify job details.
Its user-friendly, mobile-optimised design fits well with busy Kiwis who appreciate quick, direct connections.
6. Ask for Reviews and Referrals
After finishing a plastering job, politely ask clients to leave a review or provide referrals within their networks.
Word-of-mouth is incredibly strong in NZ communities, and positive reviews often lead to a flow of new enquiries.
Consider small rewards or discounts to encourage clients to spread the word.
7. Partner with Builders and Property Managers
Builders and property managers regularly need drywall and plastering services for projects and maintenance.
Developing relationships with them through quick visits or networking can provide consistent, local job leads.
A plasterer based in Auckland, for example, might partner with real estate managers managing multiple rentals for ongoing works.
8. Distribute Flyers on Community Boards
Local noticeboards at libraries, supermarkets, and community centres are still valuable for reaching residents, especially older ones who prefer offline info.
Design clear and approachable flyers with your services, contact details, and images of your work.
Many Kiwis save flyers by taking photos on their phone, turning these into a low-cost lead tool.
9. Share Drywall & Plastering Tips Online
Share helpful posts like "How to fix common drywall cracks" or "Choosing the right plaster finish for your home" on Facebook, Instagram, or local forums.
This kind of content builds your brand as a trusted expert and keeps your business visible to those who’ll need your services.
Timely and relevant tips wrapped in friendly language resonate well with Kiwis.
10. Follow Up Past Clients Regularly
Check in with previous clients via email or message, reminding them of maintenance needs or new projects.
This helps maintain relationships, encourages repeat work, and shows you care beyond the job.
Many tradespeople miss this simple step, but it can make a major difference over time.